Tributum Newsletter #65

Hello

Wow, if we think our socio-political landscape is a soap opera, then the US socio-political landscape must be a soap opera on steroids. From a failed assassination attempt to a presidential candidate change late in the game. November is a couple of months away and while shots are being fired, I am sure that the soapy will continue with more twists and turns. My question is just this – can different leaders not be found anywhere in the whole of the USA? Or anywhere else in the world for that matter?

July was a month for sports lovers, and it is set to continue into August with the Olympics. Prime Video also released the documentary of Roger Federer’s final 12 days as professional tennis player. As a massive fan (one of my most prized possessions is a Nike RF cap) it was a must watch for me. It reminded me of an interview he once did where he said that while he had an 80%-win rate in the 1526 matches he played as a professional, he only won 54% of the points he played during those matches.

Yes – 54% points won translated to an 80% match win ratio…here are a few lessons I take from that statistic:

• It not just how many points you win, it is also which points you win. Identify which points you need to win to win the match, and make those points count. Only certain points are life and death…
• You will make many mistakes along the way that will cost you points. Remember it’s the match that counts – play the long game. Its not just today’s outcome, it’s the week’s outcome, the month, the year…don’t beat yourself up for a bad day at the office. Tomorrow is another point.
• Be in the moment when you play – focus on the point you are playing. When it’s done its done. You cannot focus on the point you are about to play if you still think about the one you just played or the one that is still coming. Don’t multitask…
• Only evaluate points lost after the match. Whether it was lost by serving a double fault or lost to a shot by your opponent that will rank in ESPN’s top 10 of all time. Did you lose the point, or did someone else win it?  There is a difference. Work on what is in your control, accept the rest.

The downhill stretch of 2024 is well underway within only 5 months till 2025. But so many points, games and matches remain… Matrics writing trial exams and preparing for finals, matric dances and farewells to classmates. Collecting kids from university, hoping for no rewrites. A birthday or two, wishing a friend a successful recovery after surgery. Watching some sport, playing some golf, spending time with the family. And work of course…meeting deadlines (winning points), blowing budgets, making mistakes (losing points) but generally getting the job done (winning the games).   Until next month, keep breathing.