I just wanted to play tennis. It wasn't a job. It was an ambition. I knew I could make money at it. I was 18 - old enough to think I could do it, young enough not to consider the consequences.
Martina NavratilovaRead
Playing tennis, I didn't tie in my self-worth into winning or losing matches.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-worth should not be determined by success or failure in competitions.
In this quote, Martina Navratilova emphasizes the importance of separating one's self-worth from the outcomes of sports competitions. She suggests that instead of measuring one's identity and value based on wins or losses, it is healthier to view oneself as inherently valuable, regardless of performance in the game. This perspective can lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience in sports and life.
Themes
Self-WorthTennisCompetitionIdentityPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speech for athletes focusing on mental health.
More from Martina Navratilova
All quotes βTo those people doubting Serena Williams, writing her off - do not do that to a champion.
Martina NavratilovaRead
I can teach many sports, but obviously, tennis is the one. When you do other sports, you see things from different perspectives: different footwork drills, body positions, angles and geometry. All that stuff is helpful, and so when I do other sports, I can see things, because once you know one sport, then the other sport becomes more clear.
Martina NavratilovaRead
So many athletes are afraid to use their platform to do the right thing and speak what they feel, and that's very depressing. Sure, they are afraid of insulting people and losing money because of it, and everyone wants to make the maximum amount of money in their lifetime. But at the expense of who you are? I don't know. That just wasn't in my DNA.
Martina NavratilovaRead
I am just sorry my own mother had to live under that regime for most of her life. I was lucky. I got out and, 14 years later, Czechoslovakia became a free country. So I feel anger, even fury, at this bloody system that ruined so many people's lives for no reason whatsoever.
Martina NavratilovaRead
When you make a lot of money, it just means you made a lot of money. It doesn't make you a better person.
Martina NavratilovaRead
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