Lessons from the US Open

Venus Williams, the power-hitting American. Martina Hingis the counter-punching Swede. Slugging it out on center court in the US Open Women's semi-finals.

A modern form of gladiatorial combat (with less blood!). The screaming New York crowd, screaming for a scalp to be taken.

Each player has a different style, and each has her own strengths. They don't try to play with the other person's style - that's a formula for LOSS. They find their OWN style and their OWN strengths.

I think it's the same online. We don't ALL have the same strengths. We are each different.... But I believe that we EACH have SOME kind of strength, some area where we might have an above-average advantage. It could some skill you have. It could even be your skill at making connections with others. But it has to be SOMETHING.

If you try to mimic exactly someone else, you will probably learn something, but you probably won't find your true success until you find your own unique talents.

For example, I'm pretty good when it comes to mathematics, but when it comes to learning new languages, I'm a complete and utter flop at it. However, I've known people who can pick up a new language easier than I can pick up the latest flu!

Venus Williams doesn't try to play with a Martina Hingis style. That would be competitive suicide.... Martina Hingis doesn't try to play with Venus Williams' power. She plays with her own style, and plays with her STRENGTHS. You should do the same.

No matter who wins, they've both already PROVEN themselves by showing that they are both playing tennis at the HIGHEST level.

Oh gosh, while writing this, I've been missing the game....

Okay, I better go.... We're into the last set now!

Cheers :)

Dien