Federer captivated thousands with remarkable eloquence and articulate delivery, ultimately revealing three crucial principles drawn from his career.
The word is awful.
You wouldnt say you retired from college, right?
Sounds terrible, Federer says.
Like you, Ive finished one big thing and Im moving on to the next.
Like you, Im figuring out what that is.
After reflecting on his transition, Federer goes on to make his three points.
Scroll down for the breakdown of each lesson.
Effortless is a myth.
People would say my play was effortless.
Most of the time, they meant it as a compliment, the decorated tennis star explains.
But it used to frustrate me when they would say, He barely broke a sweat!
Or Is he even trying?
The truth is, I had to work very hard… to make it look easy.
In his speech, he explains how achieving a sense of effortlessness was the pinnacle of his career.
Yes, talent matters, Federer admits.
Im not going to stand here and tell you it doesnt.
But talent has a broad definition.
Most of the time, its not about having a gift.
Its about having grit…Trusting yourself is a talent.
Embracing the process, loving the process, is a talent.
Its only a point.
Federers second lesson teaches the importance of quickly putting setbacks behind you.
Losing almost every other point teaches you not to fixate on each shot.
You teach yourself to think: OK, I double-faulted.
Its only a point, Federer says.
OK, I came to the net and I got passed again.
Its only a point.
Life is bigger than the court.
Contributing your ideas… your time… and your energy… to a mission that is larger than yourself.
Finally, Federer concludes with additional tennis metaphors: Whatever game you choose, give it your best.
Go for your shots.
And most of all, be kind to one another… and have fun out there.
