When was the last time you were proud of yourself?

Think about that for a moment. And while you’re thinking, here’s what I’ll cover in this issue.

1. Tournament results

2. Two takeaways from the competition and

3. A quick story about deciding what you want in life.

Tournament Results

I played all three days of the Red Mountain Classic and here’s what happened.

 

I also played mixed doubles, but didn’t place in that one.

2 Takeaways from the tournament:

1. This was my 2nd tournament doing men’s doubles and the field was tough. There were 3-4 teams capable of winning. So while I was pissed we lost in the final, I’m stoked how my partner Zach and I competed.

2. This was my 1st time playing a singles tournament. And YOOOO. It was crazy. I went in with no expectations. Because the truth is, 96.7% of my training time is spent on men’s doubles. I relied solely on athleticism and quick hands. (Thanks Mom for giving me both). That approach, — which I plan to change immediately — didn’t cost me wins (this time), but did get me in a funk early in the tournament.

Speaking of being in a funk…

Ever felt like you were in one? A fogginess of sorts? 

Of course you have. We all have. Months ago, I read this thing I couldn’t forget. It was advice that said this:

Ask yourself the question, “What do you want?” — and do it daily. 

I took the advice. And Shoot, I thought about it so much — I wrote a damn poem about it. (You can see that here).

While the answer didn’t arrive quickly, it did come. And like most things, I know it’ll change in time, but that’s for another day.

The thing about asking that question is…

…it helps you clarify who you’re becoming and what you want to accomplish. 

Here’s what I mean (a story👇).

“Four groomsmen head to a wedding (groom is also in the car), when all of the sudden, they hit bumper-to-bumper traffic and realize, they might be late. They pull onto the shoulder and weave by people to shorten the time.

Others are pissed — yelling out their windows. They don’t want to be “cut in line.” Cars up ahead catch wind of what the 4 guys are doing and pull onto the shoulder to halt their progress.

The groomsmen then stop the car and start to panic. 

They get out and strategize how they’ll still make it in time. Suddenly, one groomsman says, “Hey, everyone put on your tuxedos.” And they do. Then, they remember they have an old Domino’s pizza box in the trunk and a Sharpie in the cupholder. They grab both, and write on the box in big bold letters…

“late for my wedding.” 

They get back in the car, the groom pops his head out of the sunroof and holds up the makeshift sign. 

All of the sudden, people see the sign and start to move out of the way as if a fire truck with its sirens on is driving by. Not only that, the onlookers cheer for the groom to make it like they’re watching their favorite horse in the Kentucky Derby. The groomsmen weave in and out of traffic and ultimately, make it to the wedding in time.” *

**hold for applause**

BTW, apologies to my brother. I forgot to set the alarm that morning. My b.😂…

Just kidding. HA. 

But ferreal, I heard this story years ago from best-selling author Donald Miller. The point is… 

When you get clear on what you want, a path begins to open.

When you get clear on what you want, people want to engage with that story.

When you get clear on what you want, you realize you’re not just climbing any ladder. You’re climbing the right one. The ladder toward getting the thing you want and becoming the person you desire. 

In closing…

While I didn’t know how this past tournament weekend would end, I do know... 

This is just the beginning. 

For the first time in a while, this tournament made me sit, reflect, and realize —I know exactly what I want.

If you’ve read this far, take a moment after closing this email to sit and think about these two questions. 

1. Do you know what you want? 

2. Do you know where you’re headed? 

Because I promise you. Once you wrestle with those questions and eventually find the answers, you’ll experience a feeling I had last Monday after winning my first tournament. 

Proud. 

Until next time,

Kyle

PS: I know I said I’d do bi-weekly emails. But I’ve decided to go weekly. Hey, what can I say? I love to write. Have a great week and happy holidays.