The following is an excerpt from Frank’s upcoming Playbook Series.
Discipline
“Discipline is what connects your dreams to your accomplishment.” Frank Giampaolo
Success in high-performance tennis is rooted in the commitment to discipline—the second hidden skill that separates champions from the rest. Discipline is the driving force that propels you towards your goals and bridges the gap between ambition and achievement.
If you were to observe the daily lives of elite tennis players, you would witness a relentless dedication to their craft. The hours spent on the court, in the gym, and mental training are all testament to the discipline that underpins their success. They understand that reaching their tennis goals requires consistent, methodical effort, and they are willing to put in the work.
Discipline is not just about following a strict routine but cultivating positive habits. Over time, these habits become part of your daily life, ingrained in your character. The choices you make, day in and day out, shape your journey and determine your destiny.
Your positive choices today become your habits tomorrow. And these habits, in turn, become your routines. Your routines propel you toward your goals, whether those are related to tennis or any other area of life.
Discipline extends beyond the physical realm. It encompasses mental toughness, the ability to handle the typical negative chatter in the mind. That is what sets champions apart.
In tennis, discipline means more than just showing up for practice and hitting balls. It means practicing intentionally, setting clear goals, and constantly pushing yourself past your preconceived limitations. It means making the tough decisions that align with your long-term objectives, even when faced with short-term temptations.
The disciplined approach is not easy; it requires sacrifice. It demands that you prioritize your improvement goals above immediate gratification. It means saying no to temptations that may derail your progress. But the rewards of discipline are immeasurable. Discipline is the foundation upon which champions are built.
By understanding the role of discipline in your tennis journey, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in competition.
