Achieving Greatness

Lessons from Nikola Jokić and Novak Djokovic

I've just returned from the Paris Olympics with my family, where we had the opportunity to watch the basketball quarterfinals between Serbia and Australia.

It was a great game with Serbia emerging victorious following a slow start and a nail-biting finale in overtime.

One of the joys of watching the match was finally getting to see Nikola Jokić, the Serbian basketball player who is currently considered to be the best NBA player of all time.

Regardless of whether that's true, he indisputably ranks among the sport's legends, following in the footsteps of another Serbian star, Novak Djokovic, who is widely considered the greatest tennis player ever.

This got me thinking, what is the difference between being good and being great? Is there something that the greats have that the merely good don't possess?

What sets Jokic and Djokovic apart from other immensely talented players, aside from their Serbian heritage, that makes them so special?

And, more significantly, what does this mean for you and me? What if anything can we learn from them?

What are the factors that contribute to their success, and how can we learn valuable lessons applicable to everyday life?

Here are a few ideas:

Embrace Continuous Improvement

Jokić and Djokovic constantly apply the principle of continuous improvement, a crucial factor that distinguishes good athletes from great ones.

Jokić's journey to becoming an NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) is a testament to his relentless pursuit of growth. Initially overlooked, Jokić was drafted as the 41st pick in the second round, a position typically reserved for players not expected to make a significant impact in the NBA.

However, Jokić defied expectations through his unwavering commitment to improving his skills and understanding of the game.

His success is not solely attributed to his physical attributes but also to his basketball IQ, court vision, and exceptional passing ability. He consistently hones his skills, emphasising both his strengths and areas for improvement. His commitment to self-improvement is apparent in his steady performance and capacity to adjust to various game scenarios.

Likewise, Novak Djokovic's career is marked by his adaptability and willingness to evolve. Facing fierce competition from younger players, Djokovic has maintained his position at the top of the tennis world by continuously refining his techniques and strategies.

His ability to adapt his playing style and embrace new training methods has enabled him to stay competitive and achieve numerous Grand Slam victories.

Djokovic's mental resilience and focus on continuous improvement have been key to his longevity in the sport. He constantly seeks ways to enhance his performance, whether through physical conditioning, mental training, or tactical adjustments.

So, how can all of this be of use to us?

Here are some practical ways we can all incorporate this principle:

Identify Areas for Improvement

Self-Assessment: It is essential to regularly assess your skills and performance in different areas of life, such as work, personal relationships, or self-development. It is easy to get stuck in a routine and make no progress.

As mentioned in my previous article, improving by just 1% daily can lead to a 37-fold enhancement by the year's end. Conversely, a 1% decline each day can bring you close to zero.

Therefore, strive to enhance some aspect of your life daily.

Set Goals: Define specific, achievable goals for improvement. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps to track progress. Daily improvements don't need to be significant. In fact, they are easier to achieve when kept realistic. Over time, these positive changes will compound into significant outcomes.

Seek Opportunities to Learn

Continuous Learning: Engage in lifelong learning by taking courses, reading books, or attending workshops related to your interests or career. Just as great athletes like Jokić and Djokovic need to constantly train and have coaches and advisers, we need to do this too if we want optimal performance.

I am, for example, currently developing my skills and knowledge base in social media content creation, marketing, cooking, nutrition, and body transformation.

I would caution against being just a student of things instead of a doer of things. Use research and learning to create, not just for entertainment or the pretense that you have actually made something new and of value.

Many people take courses, buy new sports gear and equipment, but never consistently engage in the activity and do the actual work.

Be a player rather than a well-dressed observer!

Feedback and Reflection: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to gain insights into areas for growth. Reflect on experiences to identify lessons learned.

We learn and improve through mistakes as well as wins. It's important to be honest about your performance if you truly want to improve and become highly skilled.

Honesty and transparency are key.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Embrace Change: Be open to change and willing to adapt your strategies and approaches when necessary. Something that worked in the past may not be as effective now.

There's nothing worse than relying on past glories.

You have to use the feedback you are getting to adjust and change to reflect current conditions.

Entitlement is destructive.

Wake up each day with the understanding that you need to start afresh, meeting the world as it is rather than as you wish it to be.

Innovative Thinking: Encourage creative problem-solving by exploring new ideas and perspectives. Just because something works now does not mean it will be sufficient to ensure success tomorrow. Stay open and updated with new thinking and technology in your areas of interest.

However, remember not to lose sight of the fundamentals by getting distracted by the allure of the latest trends.

Don’t succumb to shiny object syndrome.

Continue to focus on the basics while innovating when needed.

Cultivating Mental Resilience

Mental resilience is a cornerstone of success for athletes like Jokić and Djokovic. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure and perform at their best in high-stakes situations is legendary. This mental toughness is not just innate but can be developed and strengthened over time, offering valuable lessons for everyday life.

Djokovic is known for his ability to stay focused during intense matches. His mental resilience allows him to bounce back from setbacks and maintain his competitive edge.

This mental fortitude is a product of rigorous mental training, including conscious breathing, visualization, and meditation, which help him manage stress and maintain concentration. He does not avoid his emotions; instead, he acknowledges them and has the ability to reset.

According to Djokovic, this requires practice, as mental strength can be trained.

Here are a few of his words of wisdom on this:

Jokić's mental toughness is evident in his consistent performance, especially when games are on the line. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking under pressure are crucial aspects of his resilience, allowing him to make critical plays and effectively lead his team.

Witness Jokić's remarkable performance during Game 5 of the 2024 playoffs, where he switched to "playoff mode" and guided his team to a vital victory.

His capacity to excel in high-pressure situations is clearly showcased in this game.

Again, this is not just about elite athletes, the mental resilience displayed by Jokic and Djokovic can be cultivated in everyday life through various strategies and practices.

Here are some ways we can all develop mental resilience:

Meditation: Regular meditation practice can increase awareness of thoughts and emotions, allowing you to respond to stressors more effectively rather than react impulsively.

Meditation helps create space between stimulus and response, fostering a calm and collected mindset.

You can read more about my views on meditation here.

Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can improve attention and reduce stress. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can enhance emotional regulation.

As noted above, Djokovic is particularly adept at this practice. Even when he loses his temper, he has the capacity to notice it is happening and then move on, returning back to balance.

Conscious Breathing: Djokovic practices a conscious breathing technique known as Buteyko breathing. This technique aims to reduce hyperventilation and enhance oxygen efficiency in the body.

He integrates this method into his mental and physical preparation, as he believes it aids in maintaining focus, reducing stress, and improving his overall performance on the court.

For more information about this technique, visit here.

The Importance of Social Support

Social support plays a crucial role in maintaining mental and emotional well-being, as well as promoting success in sports and daily life.

Djokovic places great value on his team and family, viewing them as essential elements of his success both on and off the tennis court. He frequently emphasises that reaching the pinnacle of success is not a solitary journey but a collaborative one, where his achievements are as much theirs as they are his own.

In numerous interviews, Djokovic has said that the presence of his family at his matches and their involvement in his life serve as grounding influences that assist him in managing the pressures of being a top athlete.

He attributes much of his mental toughness and resilience to the strong foundation his family provides.

For all of us, not just elite athletes, engaging in supportive relationships offers a buffer against stress and provides a network of individuals who can offer guidance, empathy, and encouragement.

Emotional Support: Having people to share your thoughts and feelings with can significantly reduce stress. Whether it's a close friend, family member, or mentor, having someone to confide in can help you process emotions and gain perspective on challenges.

Advice and Guidance: Trusted individuals can offer valuable advice and different perspectives on problems you may be facing. Their experiences and insights can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in your choices.

Sense of Belonging: Being part of a supportive network fosters a sense of belonging and community. This connection can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of security, knowing that you have people who care about your well-being.

Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration

Jokić's success on the basketball court is not solely due to his individual talent but also his exceptional ability to foster teamwork and collaboration. His approach to the game emphasises selflessness, trust, and the empowerment of his teammates, making him a valuable leader and a model for effective collaboration in many areas of life.

Selflessness and Trust: Jokić's philosophy as a team player revolves around selflessness and trust. He recognizes that basketball is a team sport, and success is attained through the combined efforts of all players. His readiness to make the extra pass, set screens, and engage his teammates showcases his dedication to the team's success over individual glory.

Court Vision and Passing Ability: His exceptional passing skills and court vision enable him to create opportunities for his teammates, even in challenging situations.

His ability to anticipate his teammates' positions and deliver accurate passes enhances the team's overall performance, fostering a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and motivated to perform at their best.

Leadership and Empowerment: Jokić leads by example, consistently displaying humility and dedication. His leadership style inspires his teammates to elevate their performance, creating a culture of camaraderie and unity.

By empowering others and recognizing their strengths, Jokic fosters a collaborative atmosphere that drives the team towards common goals.

The principles of teamwork and collaboration he demonstrates can be applied to professional and personal settings.

Here are some ways to incorporate these strategies into everyday life:

Recognize and Leverage Strengths

Identify Team Strengths: In a professional setting, it is important to take the time to understand the unique strengths and skills of each team member. Assign tasks that align with their abilities to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Encourage team members to share their ideas and insights, leading to more innovative solutions. Discourage group-think.

Promote Open Communication

Effective Communication: Prioritise clear and open communication within the team. Regularly check in with team members to ensure everyone is aligned with the goals and objectives.

Feedback and Constructive Criticism: Foster a culture that embraces feedback and views constructive criticism as a catalyst for personal and professional development. Promote a work environment where team members feel empowered to offer feedback to one another in a considerate and encouraging way.

Build Trust and Mutual Respect

Trust-Building Activities: Engage in team-building activities that promote trust and strengthen relationships among team members. Building trust is essential for effective collaboration and teamwork.

Respect and Empathy: Foster an environment of respect and empathy. Recognise the contributions of each team member and express gratitude for their efforts.

Encourage Experimentation and Creativity

Foster Innovation: Encourage team members to experiment with new ideas and approaches. Create a safe space where creativity is nurtured, and failure is seen as a learning opportunity.

Adaptability: Be open to adjusting strategies and methods based on team feedback and changing circumstances. Flexibility is key to fostering collaboration and achieving success.

In all of this, it's crucial to view great talents as sources of inspiration rather than distant figures. Jokić and Djokovic's achievements demonstrate that with the right mindset and effort, anyone can strive for greatness in their own field. By studying their paths, we can learn how to apply similar principles to our own lives, breaking down the barriers that often hold us back.

To sum up:

Mindfulness, Visualization & Breathing: Integrate mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and visualisation techniques to boost focus and cope with stress. This can enhance performance in high-pressure situations.

Attention to Detail: Pay meticulous attention to all aspects of your work, from preparation to execution. Making small adjustments and continuously improving can result in significant gains.

Consistency and Work Ethic: It is important to establish a consistent routine and maintain a strong work ethic. Regular practice and effort help build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Adaptability and Innovation: Stay open to new ideas and be willing to adapt. Embrace modern techniques and technologies to stay ahead of the curve.

Passion and Purpose: Identify your passion and align your efforts with a larger purpose. This intrinsic motivation will drive you to overcome challenges and stay committed.

Support System: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and loved ones. Their guidance and encouragement are crucial for sustained success.

Goal Setting: Set clear, ambitious goals and break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. This approach helps you stay focused and motivated.

Handling Failure: Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Reflect on setbacks, identify lessons, and use them to improve.

Maximizing Talents: Combine your natural talents with relentless effort and smart training. Continuous development of your skills is key to achieving greatness.

Creating a Legacy: Aim to leave a lasting impact in your field, whether it be at home, at work, or at play. Use your success to inspire and contribute to your family and the broader community, establishing a legacy that surpasses your individual accomplishments.

Striving for greatness in everyday life truly is a worthwhile goal.

While we may not all become elite sports stars, we can certainly learn from them. By adopting their strategies, we can boost our personal well-being and face life’s challenges with greater confidence and composure.

I think that's something worth working for.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9