My All-Time Role Model: Why Roger Federer
Inspires Me Beyond Tennis

Greetings from beautiful Malta! As I enjoy an October half-term family vacation, I wanted to share my thoughts on a figure who has profoundly influenced me: Roger Federer. This might come as a bit of a spoiler, but my admiration for him isn't solely rooted in his talent on the tennis court. I hope you'll find this post useful and maybe even a bit inspiring.

First off, for those who don't know me, I'm Kevin Brittain, and welcome back to day 1615 of my "Diary of a Runpreneur." My mission involves saving children's lives by attempting the ultimate ultramarathon of run vlogging consecutively every day – barefoot! If this mission resonates with you, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. Every bit of support helps us raise more money and, ultimately, save more lives.

Now, onto the subject at hand: Roger Federer and why he’s one of my all-time role models. Despite what you might think, my admiration for him extends far beyond his incredible tennis skills. The key reason I consider him a role model is his mindset.

Blending Entrepreneurship with Family Time

This past week, I’ve discussed the challenges that come with balancing entrepreneurship and family holidays. It’s not easy to juggle business obligations and the demands of family, especially while on vacation. There are moments when things don’t go as planned, and you’re compelled to address urgent issues, leaving your family feeling neglected. This stress becomes even more apparent when you have young children who just want to have fun with their dad.

Roger Federer's Mindset

It’s here that Federer's mindset becomes a beacon for me. One quality that set Federer apart in his career was his ability to stay cool, calm, and collected under extreme pressure. This trait made him, in many people's eyes, the greatest of all time, even if other players have surpassed some of his records. He carried himself with a level of class that transcended tennis, making him a role model in multiple facets of life.

Take a Beat and Be More Roger

As a young boy, I was an avid tennis watcher, and I saw Federer take over from the great Pete Sampras. Early in his career, Federer was known for his emotional outbursts on the court – smashing rackets, shouting, and showing frustration. Many thought this raw passion gave him a competitive edge. However, the more refined Federer, who dominated the later years of his career, displayed little to no emotion, enabling him to remain calm in the most stressful moments, such as deciding tiebreakers in Grand Slam tournaments. His ability to stay cool while his opponents often reacted emotionally gave him a significant edge.

This approach is something I strive to adopt in my own life. During this holiday, I've had to deal with some challenging entrepreneurial issues, and yes, I’ve felt like I was letting my family down. In such moments, I remind myself to take a beat, gather my thoughts, and think, "Be more Roger."

Personal Application

Even when my kids are going crazy and misbehaving, I aim not to let work stress provoke me into shouting. Instead, by staying calm and collected, I attempt to handle such situations with a more composed authority. This helps not only in parenting but also in business. Through maintaining emotional control, I believe I make better decisions and react more appropriately, solving problems more effectively.

In summary, my key takeaway from Federer's example is the importance of emotional regulation. He transformed from a reactive, emotional young player into a calm, poised professional, and this shift undeniably contributed to his success.

I hope you find this perspective useful. Remember, whether you're facing challenges in your professional or personal life, keeping your emotions in check can lead to better decisions and outcomes. If you have questions or comments, please drop me a line; I respond to everyone. And again, if you believe in my mission of saving children's lives through run vlogging, please support by subscribing, sharing, liking, and commenting.

Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.

Warm regards, Kevin Brittain