The biggest lesson we can learn from Andre Agassi
I am inspired by the stories of past and present champions: Muhammad Ali, Pelé, Rod Laver, Steffi Graf and Stephanie Rice...the list goes on. They are motivated and they have a will to succeed that is admirable; they make die-hard sacrifices. In some instances I want to emulate them, in others I want to sit down with them to discover more because there is so much that isn’t being told that goes on behind the scenes.
I have interviewed several sporting champions and there are certain traits they have in common that determine their success, no matter what field they play on.
When I read Andre Agassi’s autobiography, Open recently, I expected more of the same: a desire nurtured from childhood, a single-minded focus and determination to succeed. However, this was an extraordinarily honest appraisal of a man who fought some very personal mental demons before he could grasp who he is and what his purpose in life might be. This was after he’d won his first grand slam at age 22.
One thing that was holding Agassi back for so long was his need to attain perfection; to seek perfection in not just every match, but also every shot against every opponent.
Perfection was the albatross around his neck.
After joining forces with coach Brad Gilbert, Agassi learned that perfection cannot always be attained; to seek it in every play would cause him to lose more matches than he would win.
When Agassi let go, it freed him up. His mental shackles were broken – although he was still crippled by the question of purpose – and he was able to play free of restraint. To play hard when he needed, aggressively when required and to grind out wins that were hard fought and nothing more.
Sometimes the most satisfying wins are the ones that are ugly. Sometimes to get life, business and careers back on track you need to forget about perfection, fight hard for what you believe in and get back to basics.
In marketing the same principles apply. It is not easy to look for perfection in every eDM, blog, flyer or brochure. Often, the most satisfying campaigns are the ones that were hard fought. If you show the client that you are working hard for them, that you are prepared to dig in and win the five setter, they will come to understand that you are working in their best interests to attain the best results.
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comments ( 2 )
Michael
08 Jan 2016I found this blog interesting as it brought up a question I constantly
Replygrapple with whilst doing creative hobbies, at what point does the pursuit for perfection become an obstacle for natural success to occur? I think sometimes we don't accept some of our great ideas and they do not fit with the ideal image. I have started to learn Improvised Comedy. To become as good as those seen on shows such as Thank God You Here or Saturday Night Live, there are many things to learn. Sometimes in a show you can try too hard to remember all the steps and tips to make a scene ‘ the best’ that you become lost in your pursuit for perfection and in some cases disconnected to the scene. In a context such as marketing I think whilst is good to have a goal of wanting to achieve your best if it becomes an obsession you are likely to reject great ideas that may not have fitted your ‘perfect image’.
Amazon
08 Nov 2014Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted
Replyto mention that I've truly loved surfing around your blog posts.
After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I'm hoping you write again soon!