Sticking with the driving metaphors…  This concept also comes from Tim Elmore’s Blog, Growing Leaders.  In Tim’s book, which I highly recommend Habitudes for the Journey he explains this concept of Windshields & Rearview Mirrors.  Basically when you drive a car you can see behind you through the rearview mirror and in front of you through the windshield.  The rearview mirror is wonderful to glance at to see where you have been but spend too much time gazing behind you and you end up crashing!  When driving a car it is definitely best to focus on what is in front of you. The same is true for life.

What a profound metaphor for a tennis athlete as well.  It never hurts to glance back at past accomplishments and successes because they can help you in understanding where you have been and where you are going.  However, it is best to focus most of your attention on looking ahead to what is to come.  This mindset sets the stage for a wonderful source of energy and long-term motivation.  It also keeps focus on the process of getting better day-in and day-out.