Thread by @AbhishekPonia

Lessons I learned (& relearned) from my interactions with Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal ), one of the greatest athletes of all time

A THREAD
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I always admired Rafa for his achievements, his never-say-die attitude and his success in the RF era.
But my personal experience of working with him made me respect him for his character & personal traits. Honestly I was mind-blown!

It was in December 2015 that I got the opportunity to work with him.
I often refer back to that time for some basic but powerful lessons.
Here they are:

1. HUMILITY: I have worked with many celebrities, both from India & abroad... and I must say that Rafa is by far the most humble celebrity I have met.
The way he speaks, You would be excused for thinking he is a newbie .. but he is exactly what real Idols should be!

2. RESPECT FOR ALL: Rafa gives EQUAL respect to ALL the people he meets. Whether it is the driver or his coach, the ball kids or the fans, the Chef or the Security Guard, he is equally respectful to all of them.
Gave me a whole new perspective!

3. GRATITUDE: I was a part of the back end team organising the event that Rafa was participating in. We were in the backoffice at the stadium. As always, each one busy in their work.
Suddenly we noticed that Rafa walked in. We were stunned cos no player had come there before.

And the reason he came - to THANK ALL OF US for the work we were doing. Met each of us individually, shook Hands & said “thank you”.
I was speechless!

4. PREPARATION: One day I was at the practice courts, getting a few things in place. Rafa came for a session with his team. There were just 8-10 people in the campus.
Rafa started his warm-ups, etc. we were busy with our work.
Suddenly we heard a BIG LOUD GRUNT!!

Rafa just started practice & the first ball that came his way, he played the shot with all his effort & intensity.. And this repeated again & again. He was practising like his life depended on it.. like a Grand Slam final!

The intensity & level of preparation was UNBELIEVABLE!

5. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR 100%: We see him on tv fighting it out during big games.
But he is equally committed even during his practice & prep! Same incident as Point 4.
Amazing lessons!

6. SWITCH OFF OUTSIDE WORK: Over the course of a few days, Twice I went to Rafa’s suite to brief him about some activations!
Both times he was busy playing the Spanish version of the game LUDO!
Even there he was competing hard, but enjoying it!

Top level sport is high on pressure & expectations. Rafa had his way of blocking off the stress & pressure. I think we should have an activity we indulge in everyday to maintain a balance!

7. TREAT YOUR PEOPLE WELL: Rafa treats his team like his family. It was very heart warming to see. His trainer, physio, brand manager & PR manager have remained unchanged for a very long time.
His team reciprocates by working hard for combined success.
Lessons for team leaders!

Rafa taught me the value of the basic morals & principles that we take for granted!
It made me think - if Rafa can be like this, so can I!

LEGENDS are made when no one is watching, when there are no fans around & there are no cameras.

Rafa is an example of this & I am privileged to have got an opportunity to closely interact with one of the nicest human beings ever! Thank you @RafaelNadal

END.