This time of year reminds me of when I was 13, proudly wearing The U.S. Open’s iconic ball girl uniform as part of tennis’ biggest event.

That first day as a ball girl, I left NJ early for the 10 AM call time. I grabbed a Twinkie for breakfast and started the 90-minute two-train commute to Flushing Meadows.

For my first match, I was sent out to ball girl on a court far, far, far from the main stadium. I ran in the blistering sun to get there on time. I took my position at net and quickly learned that my throwing arm was embarrassingly weak (today, the balls are rolled from the net to the back of the court).

It was an excruciatingly hot, humid NY day, and even hotter on the court. A set into the match, after the constant running back and forth, my breakfast Twinkie decided it didn’t want to stay in my stomach and ended up all over the court.

Security removed me and took me to First Aid, where I was put in an ice bath to mitigate heat stroke. A few hours later, I sheepishly apologized to my new boss. He said not to worry and quickly sent me to a late afternoon match that didn’t end until 10 p.m.

A few days later, my throwing arm had me thrown out and fired unceremoniously. I was fortunate to return for two more years, not as a ball girl but to manually update the tournament scoreboard as you walked into the complex (digital didn't exist yet!)

I loved it, and when I visited this year, I realized how much tennis teaches us about a life well lived.

#1 EXPECT FAILURE

Roger Federer, one of tennis's greats, lost 46% of points played -- nearly half. He won 54%, and that 4% was the slight edge that made the winning difference and G.O.A.T status. Tennis players expect to lose a lot of points on their way to winning. Perfection doesn't win. Taking the shots, being patient, and staying in the game wins.

#2 THE PAST DOESN'T CREATE YOUR FUTURE

Tennis players don’t dwell on the shots not won. Focus on the next shot. And go for it! Commit to what’s next – winning the next point – with intense focus, discipline, and effort.

#3 EVERYONE NEEDS A COACH

Most professional athletes have more than one Coach, a coach who works on their delivery and risk-taking tolerance. Their Coach prepares them for the big, challenging, grueling moments and is there to nudge them in those moments while cheering on their brilliance.

We all need a team around us to help us see what we can't see and then to see what we can more clearly. Remember the quote that 'you can't read the ingredients from inside the jar.'

#4 EXCELLENCE IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED

When a shot is well-executed, the fans cheer for the player, regardless of whether they’re rooting for them or not. Tennis fans genuinely appreciate great shots, no matter who makes them. If you are playing at your best, even those people you think are not supportive will recognize the effort.

#5 MINDSET IS AS IMPORTANT AS SKILL

After listening to the post-match interviews with the players, I learned that their racquet skills get them on the court, but their mindset is fundamental to their success.

In a tough semi-final match this week against Emma Navarro, Aryna Sabalenka reflected that she almost let the second and winning set get away from her. Instead of listening to the crowd cheer her opponent, she ‘stayed in her own thoughts and stayed focused.’

The ability to do that and come out the winner is as crucial a skill as the ability to ace a serve. Mindset wins. It’s a practice that begins long before a player walks on the court.

#6 NO ONE IS ENTITLED

The plaque on the wall that every player sees as they walk onto center court in Arthur Ashe Stadium features a quote from The G.O.A.T, Billie Jean King.

Pressure is a privilege.

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