An excerpt from my book “The Big Four” on what we can learn from Roger.
In Tony Robbins’ best selling book, “Unshakeable,” he explains the science of achievement is that in every field there are “rules to success” that we can break or follow. If we break the rules, we will fail or even perhaps suffer. For every rule we follow, we can have success and achievement. Federer follows the rules on what it takes to be a top tennis player. He has achieved everything imaginable in tennis by training his mind and body to prepare for every season and match in order to stay consistently at the top of the game. Federer found out in his late teens that talent alone was not going to elevate him to the top of the game. He followed the rules to be a successful player and has been able to win 20 major titles.
Each of us can look at what we want to achieve and then figure out what the rules are to get the result we want. For example, if optimal health is what you want, you may research to learn you need proper rest, physical activity, and a sensible diet to have a healthy mind and body- one that is consistently energized. And you might learn that if you do not follow the rules and eat poorly, you will feel like less-than-optimal and perhaps even get sick.
The same principles apply for wealth or any other thing you desire. If you model wealthy individuals and their investment and money management strategies, you will likely have that success.
The second skill that we all seen Roger master in his life is the art of fulfillment. Unlike the science of achievement where there are rules to follow, the art of fulfillment is different for everyone.
For example, as an avid tennis fan I cannot get enough of watching the matches and could talk for hours about the game. Yet, there are others who do not share that same passion. To others it might be boring, and they look at the game as simply two players hitting a ball back and forth. In this same way, the art of fulfillment is deeply personal.
For someone like Roger Federer, this fulfillment may be achieved by growing and giving. He has demonstrated a desire to better himself on and off the court. As seen in many interviews and public appearances, Federer is very comfortable and at peace with who he is as a person. He is also very giving and charitable. The Roger Federer Foundation that he founded has served nearly one million children and has been focused on improving the quality of education specifically in South Africa. He has not only donated funds but also his time by visiting the children.