You set a goal. You add an image to your vision board, and you set the intention to one day…do it, or make it happen, or enjoy it. Has you ever been surprised when it does, or how it happened? If you’re a maker of vision boards as I am, there are times when I look back and older boards and “Wow, that’s happened now!” Even though it didn’t happen that year.
I went to visit my folks in Palm Desert for a long weekend earlier this month. I decided to go when I could take my Dad to enjoy the tennis tournament at Indian Wells with me. I had the thought that at Indian Wells, I might have a better chance of catching a glimpse of Rafael Nadal—if only on the practice courts.
After selecting awesome seats that were close to the court in Stadium One to spoil him, we both looked forward to going. If you haven’t gone to a tennis tournament, when you purchase tickets you select the weekday and whether you want to attend the day or evening session. You have absolutely no way of knowing who will be playing. Your favorite player may still be in the tournament, but play in the day when you have an evening pass.
What’s the deal with Rafa? I’ve written on more than one occasion how his mind, work ethic, sportsmanship and attitude inspire me. This dude never, ever gives up! I created a card that sits on my desk, the title: “Build Your Business Like Rafa.” It lists his core traits on the tennis court that apply to many things.
As Saturday afternoon rolls around, I check the schedule to see who will be playing on Stadium One court the next day when we attend, and to my shock, excitement and amazement it was Rafa! It was early in the tournament so it wasn’t like it would be a tight 3-setter, but I was going to see him play live.
Dad and I enjoyed a full day of tennis moving around the grounds to different stadiums, and were in our seats early when Rafa came on court. We were right there (much closer than at Arthur Ashe Stadium at US Open).
I took too many photos, and a few videos and shared with
my jealous sister who wished she was there. Seeing him in person, seeing his mind work on the court was different, and better than what TV shows you. He won the match 6-1, 6-1 against a young up-and-comer. Still pretty awesome. As he’s had a lot of injuries, my hope was to see him before he retires.
It wasn’t until I got home, and sat down to meditate that I saw it—the photo I have of Rafa, at Wimbledon on my vision board this year. I set a goal to see him at Wimbledon, and yet the manifestation happened earlier, closer than I expected.
All this to say, sometimes it’s good to have fun with the goals you set! And when they show up, let your inner six-year-old out to enjoy them.
I remain inspired by this class-act and tennis champion.
