Own your game, own your growth (1).

On Zen writings #1

(This is the first post on a continuing series of writings which will review various articles on Zen, and summarizes their teachings as they relate to sports.)

Here are three main insights for athletes and others keen on top performance from an article "The Seventh Zen Precept" by Roshi Nancy Mujo Baker and published by Tricycle here in winter of 2010.

1. "Blame Kills Focus: Own the Moment"

• Story/Example: The article describes how blaming others (e.g., a child yelling "Johnny took the cookie!") is often a projection of our own unconscious desires or fears.
• Takeaway: Blaming external factors (referees, weather, opponents) wastes energy and distracts from self-improvement.
• Sports Parallel: Tennis player Novak Djokovic famously stopped blaming line judges after early career outbursts—focusing instead on his own technique led to dominance.
• Actionable Drill: "No-Blame Cool-Down": After a loss/mistake, write down only your own actionable fixes (e.g., "I missed 3 serves wide" vs. "The sun was in my eyes").

2. "Victim Mentality = Self-Sabotage"

• Story/Example: The article warns that playing the victim (e.g., "My coach ruined my career") secretly elevates oneself as "innocent" but traps you in powerlessness.
• Takeaway: Even in unfair situations, responsibility (not guilt) unlocks adaptability.
• Sports Parallel: Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team—he used it as fuel instead of blaming the coach.
• Actionable Drill: "The 24-Hour Rule": After a setback, give yourself 24 hours to vent, then ask: "What can I control tomorrow?"

3. "The ‘Equal Dharma’ of Competition"

• Story/Example: Zen teaches "no separation between you and me"—like Thich Nhat Hanh’s poem identifying with both the pirate and the victim.
• Takeaway: Seeing opponents as partners in growth (not enemies) reduces pre-game nerves and post-game grudges.
• Sports Parallel: Rivals like Federer/Nadal publicly praise each other, using competition to elevate both.
• Actionable Drill: "Respect the Rival": Study one technique your toughest opponent excels at—then add it to your training.

Why All This Matters: Blame and victimhood drain mental stamina; responsibility and respect turn challenges into fuel.

Control the controllables.