The most dominant female tennis player in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Martina Navratilova was born as Martina Subertova on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now known as the Czech Republic).
Lesson 1: Keep learning to adapt to change
During her time in professional tennis career, she experienced a staggering level of change from equipment to playing styles. What helped her maintained her dominance in tennis is that she embraced new ways of doing things without fear.
“I was never afraid to learn new things” Martina
Lesson 2: Believe in yourself
Having a belief in oneself is one of the key attributes every great person used to achieve success. If you do not in yourself, your ideas and your abilities no one will. Champions understand that their most valuable resource is their mindset.
“Once you start believing in yourself, anything is possible.” Martina
Lesson 3: Follow your dreams
While in the Czech Republic and at age 14 Martina won a tournament. The Czech authorities wanted to manage her and determine how she should play her game. Martina decided to leave for the US and have the freedom to play her own game and follow her dreams of becoming one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Whatever you do there will always be external influences but the greats learn to shut the noise out and follow their dreams in their terms.
Lesson 4: Always move the goal post
Peak performers are always looking for a new challenge and never stand still. They know that being complacent is the greatest risk to continued success. They are continually looking for new ways to better their previous best record.
“The better I get, the more I realize how much better I can get.”