It’s Okay to Miss When You’re Doing the Right Thing
It’s Okay to Miss When You Commit to the Right Shot
A Stellar Start, but Missed Opportunities
During his Australian Open semifinal, Ben Shelton played an electrifying first set, using tactical variety to unsettle Jannik Sinner and push him out of his comfort zone. The tension in Sinner’s camp was evident—they were bracing for a battle. Shelton even found himself in a commanding position during the tiebreak, only to let two crucial opportunities slip away when he hesitated on short balls where he could have pulled the trigger.
In these moments, commentator Jim Courier offered a golden piece of advice:
“It’s okay to miss when you’re doing the right thing.”
Why This Advice Matters
Courier’s words resonate deeply with players at every level of tennis. They emphasize that mistakes aren’t inherently bad—what matters is the intent behind your shot. The best players in the world know that success doesn’t come from avoiding errors but from committing to the right decisions, even when they don’t lead to immediate success.
Lessons for Tennis and Beyond
Courier’s insight applies not just to tennis but to life as well. Here’s how:
- Commit to the Process: Growth happens when you trust your instincts and make bold decisions, even if the result isn’t perfect.
- Focus on Intent, Not Outcomes: The process of making the right choices consistently leads to long-term success.
- Learn from Mistakes: Errors made with the right intent can be invaluable learning opportunities, helping you refine your instincts for the future.
These moments of commitment, where you take calculated risks despite the pressure, are what separate the good from the great—not just in tennis but in any endeavor.
