Some lessons outlast trends, careers, and even entire seasons of life. This is one I wrote about almost a decade ago — and it is still one of the most important truths I live by today.
There comes a point when you realise that “winning” — in any arena — is rarely about luck. It is about understanding the game you are playing, learning the rules, and applying them with intention.
I learned this early, in the most unexpected place: my high school lawn tennis court.
Back then, my teammates and I had a coach who, to put it politely, was not our favourite. He spoke with a slow drawl and had one line he would repeat over and over again:
“If you wanna win, you’ve gotta play properly.”
We laughed about it constantly. Partly because he never really showed us how to “play properly” — and partly because the delivery was just so unforgettable. Eventually, he moved on, and we moved forward. But over the years, that one simple sentence has found its way back to me in the most surprising ways.
Playing Properly Is More Than a Game
Whether you are on a court, in a relationship, or leading a business, the principle is the same: if you want to win, you have to respect the rules of engagement.
In business, that means learning your industry deeply — not just the headlines, but the systems, rhythms, and quiet shifts that separate the thriving from the barely surviving. In relationships, it is about understanding the person you are with: how they feel loved, how they communicate, and what brings them peace. In life, it is about reading the environment you are in and moving accordingly.
This is not about playing small. It is about playing smart.
Knowledge Is the Advantage
It is tempting to think that not knowing will somehow protect you — but ignorance is not bliss. In truth, what you do not know can leave you at a disadvantage you never even saw coming.
The people who consistently win are the ones who stay curious, who keep learning, and who adapt when the game changes. They know that talent matters, but preparation and strategy are what make it count.
My Rules for Playing Properly
- Learn before you leap. Understand the rules, the players, and the pace before you make your move.
- Study the greats. Watch how those ahead of you operate — and take notes.
- Practice with intention. It is not about doing more, it is about doing the right things consistently.
- Adapt when the landscape shifts. Every game changes. The winners shift with it.
The Lesson That Lasts
Today, “If you wanna win, you’ve gotta play properly” means something bigger than tennis. It is about showing up with clarity, strategy, and self-awareness — no matter the space you are in.
It is a reminder that while you cannot control every variable, you can control how prepared you are, how you move, and how you respond when the unexpected happens.
And that is how you win — in life, in love, in business, and beyond.