Excellence is Riveting

Wimbledon 2008: John McEnroe hails Rafael Nadal victory as greatest final ever - Wimbledon 2008 Championships – Tennis - Telegraph .

I don't know what you were doing yesterday.  I spent almost 5 hours watching an astonishing display of focus, skill, talent, heart and total commitment: the Federer v. Nadal "gentleman's singles" title match at Wimbledon.

I've never been a big tennis fan, but I spent the weekend staying at a house where there was never a doubt about how Sunday would be spent.  And I have to say, I got completely and totally engaged.  These guys were simply amazing...it didn't matter that I don't really understand how tennis is scored, and that I was getting filled in on their careers as the match progressed.  You can tell when someone's world-class fantastic at something, even when you're less than a novice at that thing yourself.

There were some rallies (I found out that's what they're called) that actually seemed impossible.  How did Nadal even get to that place on the court? How did he get his racquet under that ball, let alone return it to the exact right spot on Feder's side of the net? And how did Federer get airborne like that to return it? 

And what does this have to do with work?  Well, dear reader, you've heard my contention that doing anything to the best of your ability yields both excellence and joy, and this is just such a great example of that. A few times in my life, I've experienced Nadal/Federer-level of customer service, for example, and it was a pure delight.  I know I've been privileged to work with teams that are operating at near-world-class heights, and it's been exhilarating...for them, for me, and for the bottom line.

A do believe there's something in each of us that exults in mastery; and that mastery demonstrated improves and graces the world.

Go for it!

 

Comments

[Mitch Ditkoff]

Nice post, Erika! You know one thing I like about tennis? When there's no score.. when no one has made a point yet... it's called "LOVE."

[Erika Andersen]

Also, it's the point in the set when everybody's equal...

;-)

Erika

[Mitch Ditkoff]

True. AND it's possible for one player to have points and the other to have "love." As in 15-love, 30-love, 40-love.

[Erika Andersen]

Here's something interesting:

"Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable says that it’s probably derived from phrases like “to play for love” (i.e. to play a game for the love of playing it, and therefore for nothing in the way of stakes.) The Oxford English Dictionary seems to support this view. The word was used in English in card games like whist before it is recorded in connection with tennis."

[Chuck]

I really enjoyed this. I did the same thing myself on Sunday but tennis was my sport in college and I DO know how it's scored.

Are you listening to Dan Roam and Seth Godin tomorrow on Author Teleseminars? I am going to recommend to Elizabeth, the founder, that she should contact you about doing one. They're free and really well done.

Sounds like you are doing well as always. I'm in Dallas now helping take care of my brother, who is ill. Let me know if you're ever in the vicinity.
Charles Decker [your #1 fan]

[Erika Andersen]

Charles!! How great to hear from you!!

I'm so sorry about your brother - hope it works out OK.

Didn't know about Author Teleseminars...thanks for the tip - I'll listen.

And if you're ever in NYC, please let me know - I'd love to see you -

very warmly,
Erika