I just finished reading Andre Agassi’s autobiography titled Open.
I LOVE tennis bios, they are possibly my favorite book genre because I love tennis, but more than playing it, I love following the professional tour and especially the people in the game. For me, it’s the personalities and the human stories that really inspire, hence I love it when the top players release books about their life playing the game.
Agassi’s bio was different to others I have read (I have Sampras, McEnroe, Newcombe and Scott Draper in my collection so far). Why it was different was because how much the book focused on Agassi and a few key people in his life and less specifically about the game of tennis, the matches he played and the people he played against.
Tennis tournaments and players certainly play a role in the book, but the focus is more on Agassi’s personal journey to discover himself. Reading the book felt a lot like reading what an angsty teenager goes through growing up. Lots of uncontrolled emotions from a person locked into doing things he doesn’t want to do.
Surprisingly, Agassi actually hates tennis and states so many times in the book, further demonstrating how bizarre a life can be for someone who is brought up to do one thing and one thing only, when he doesn’t actually want to. As Agassi grows up he gains control over his life, yet his hatred for the game he keeps playing remains, which makes the contrast even more bizarre, since he is choosing to continue to do something he doesn’t want to do.
Then of course, if you really think about it, Agassi is doing the same thing most people do today.
How many people continue working jobs they don’t want to every day because they feel they have to for whatever reason? Lots. Probably more people do this than people who actually enjoy and have passion for the job they do. This unique form of insanity is shared by many people on this planet, but the fact that Agassi excelled as he did, makes his story even more compelling.
Hard Work Pays Off
I took away a few key lessons from Agassi’s life as a tennis player that relate directly to all of us, no matter what we do.
Although Agassi had a unique talent, it’s pretty clear why he was as good as he was, is because of his work ethic and training regime.
It started with his father who made him hit a million balls a year as a kid to develop his strokes and reflexes. It continued as Agassi was molded into a super-athlete thanks to Gil, his trainer and bodyguard. Many times Agassi won matches because he had “more in the tank” than other players, playing just as fresh in the fifth set as the first.
You have to take this on board beyond just the physical advantage. It’s a huge mental advantage too, knowing you can outlast other players physically. This means you won’t give up mentally because you trust and believe in your abilities.
Knowing you can do something is often more important than actually being able to do it. Having the belief can make it true, and although you can never know what came first, the chicken or the egg, often it’s what you believe and thus act that makes things real.
I found Agassi’s book motivating because of how hard he worked. It made me want to work harder too.
One of the dangers in the lifestyle I lead, which you are likely striving for right now, is that you gain tremendous freedom. Once you meet your financial goals, set up some passive or near passive income streams, you find yourself with more time and too many options.
Some people become addicted to the rush of achievement and the thrill of making money, so they use all their time to grow an even bigger business. Others use their new found freedoms to do different things, to relax, have a holiday and indulge in leisure activities. Unfortunately most people tend to lose balance, either becoming workaholics, a slave to always wanting more, or they become lazy, and start to lose their passion altogether.
I personally strive for balance, but it’s not always easy. I’m lazier than I’d like to be, so I found Agassi’s story motivating. It made me want to achieve and do so on a grander scale each time. It’s made me want to turn 2010 into a big year, a bigger year than I may have otherwise if I didn’t read the book.
Giving Is the Purest Action
Although Agassi had a hate-love relationship with tennis, and you could say it continued beyond tennis – he had a love-hate relationship with life and he struggled to reconcile the two – there were some key moments in the book that stand out as beacons of clarity.
These moments focused on one very specific thing – helping others.
Agassi noted that he felt so right helping other people, whether it was the injured daughter of his trainer Gil, or starting a school for disadvantaged teens in his hometown of Las Vegas, or helping to save the life of a friend’s premature baby. There was no angst about these actions. It was just right, pure, what he – what all of us – are meant to do.
It appears to me that we are wired to find peace, enjoyment and contentment in helping other people. Whether it’s the smallest act of everyday kindness, up to grand gestures of giving or lifetime commitments to serving others. We’re meant to make other people feel safe, happy and find comfort, that in turn gifts us the gift of purpose and peace.
The wonderful thing about giving is that it’s not just about what you might term altruistic activities. Yes it’s a wonderful idea to be like Mother Theresa and spend your entire life helping those in dire need, but it doesn’t have to be as single-minded as that, if you don’t want it to be.
Giving has also emerged as the most powerful marketing technique available today. There’s nothing more satisfying in my life knowing I can write a blog post that has the potential to help thousands of people, and I can earn money doing so. It’s wonderful that you can write a report full of your best ideas, give it away so you can help lots of people without them spending a cent, and still make money when a tiny fraction of those people choose to give you money in exchange for more from you.
Helping others, giving of yourself and focusing on how you can deliver value, is the key to living a fulfilling life. However in yet another of life’s wonderful dichotomies, most of our focus is on what WE want. How we can get what WE desire, improve our OWN lives. When you realize what’s best for you is actually what is best for everyone else, you start to realize how connected we really are.
Life Is The Best Example
One thing I’ve noticed lately, since I’m more open to it than I have ever been before, is how life is one constant example.
Books, people, events, actions and consequences, whether it is your life or others, are all designed to help you discover what is your truth. Everything is a lesson, teaching you either what you want, or what you don’t want, creating clarity by simply showing you more about you.
The truth is already in you, but you need the stimulation of outside influences in order to crystallize it. Thankfully we can’t opt-out of this process, just by living you are participating. However you can choose to ignore it, which unfortunately leads more often to a focus on what you don’t like and choices made to perceive experiences in a way that doesn’t benefit you. That’s the only risk you face – choosing ignorance – of who you are and what everything around you means.
If you’re a tennis fan, or just enjoy a good character story, I recommend you check out Andre Agassi: Open.
Yaro Starak
Tennis Fan
P.S. In Agassi’s book he comes across as very different to the way I perceived him as a player, which I think except for those people close to him, is a statement many people will share. Agassi spent much of his career flat out lying to the media, saying what he thought people wanted to hear, rather than his truth, which was buried deep within layers of the angst, confusion and lack of identity he felt. The book feels very much like a decision to “wipe the slate clean” and come out with how it was really like for him as a person, rather than how the media portrayed him.
Consequently, due to the openness of the book, it’s garnered a lot of press coverage. Agassi did drugs. Agassi lied to the ATP about it. Agassi tanked in some big matches. Agassi is brutally honest about his opinion of other players, much of which is not friendly. The book is full of drama, and the media – and us – love drama. You could say it was a very smart marketing decision, given sensationalism spreads, but it was also a risky choice for Andre as he has damaged his reputation in the eyes of some people.
I like this book for its honesty, and as I said previously, it serves as a great example to come up with our own truths. Agassi is just as good of an example of what to do as he is an example of what NOT to do. I think the biggest example of what not to do in this book came from Agassi’s father, who didn’t let Andre grow up as a normal child and make the decision of what to do with his life for himself. Instead his father made the decision and then turned tennis into a jail for Andre. That’s not healthy, and it’s clear much of Agassi’s personal torments were born from this upbringing, even if his father was doing it out of love for his son.
Agassi made the choice to be honest with many things and he obviously prepared himself for the consequences, though he no doubt could never be truly ready for what was to come. I feel it’s more important to use his story as a tool to enhance your life, rather than simply a means to judge Agassi. Take Andre’s good traits and use them as inspiration in your life. Observe what you consider negative things that Andre did and make sure you don’t repeat his mistakes in your life.
It’s easy to label someone as good or bad based on their actions, but you should judge the actions and not the person. People are always a work in progress – life is a work in progress – and you’d have to agree you are too. It doesn’t matter how good or famous or gifted you are, we all are human.
Yaro,
The message you’ve gotten from the book and have posted here is incredible. It really is a testament to how well you can communicate and get your “thoughts onto paper” effectively…definitely something that I think we can ALL learn from. So kudos to you for developing that skill buddy. It really shows in this article and all of your recent articles that I’ve been reading.
Just knowing that Andre Agassi didn’t enjoy what he was doing is a complete shock, as I’ve been following his career for quite some time. Although he didn’t seem too happy in many press conferences, the fact that he had been unhappy playing tennis is flat-out crazy. It really proves that you don’t know anything about anyone unless you REALLY get to know them.
I certainly have learned A LOT from this blog post, including the fact that you should NEVER pre-judge anyone. Always give people a chance to enter your life, because you can ABSOLUTELY learn something from everyone. By being more open-minded and accepting of others, it can only help you through life, and this is very related to the “giving” concept that you brought up. By giving more and freely offering your services to others, you will get back what you gave them tenfold, whether it be life lessons or monetary compensation.
Thank you so much for this post Yaro, as it ABSOLUTELY has opened my eyes EVEN WIDER!!
Cheers,
Jomo
wow, great post, this very nice and give me idea ti write post in my blog, thank;s yaro
If someone can endure something, come through it and then teach others because of it, then they have done what is part of their life’s plan. Too many, I fear, don’t do the third and most important thing – share with others and teach them.
Thanks for the post Yaro.
Andre was, is, and always will be my hero.
He has an amazing presence and the discipline that he applied to his gift to develop it ever further, at a time when others simply faded away, should inspire each and everyone of us to be a better version of ourselves.
Glad to know you’re a fan of Andre’s and a tennis player too.
Let’s hit some around sometime soon.
Rick Falls
Yaro, I’ve been blogging for over a year, always looking for more ideas and inspiration to grow my blog. When I was looking for a “guru” to teach me, I came across your blog and was more than impressed with your attitude about giving great value free! So impressed that I signed up for your membership site class and have been following along. It’s an attitude that you focus on in your review of Agassi’s book:
“It appears to me that we are wired to find peace, enjoyment and contentment in helping other people. Whether it’s the smallest act of everyday kindness, up to grand gestures of giving or lifetime commitments to serving others. We’re meant to make other people feel safe, happy and find comfort, that in turn gifts us the gift of purpose and peace.”
You do all of that yourself! Thanks for being a great inspiration to me and a lot of bloggers.
Yaro, thanks very much for your insightful view of Andre’s biography and life. I’ve always admired Andre enormously and am now inspired to read the book. I’ve liked your blog so much I’ve decided to send it on to one of my kids who is tormented by similar experiences. Sharing is true caring and I’ve always felt that Andre cared.
I love reading biographies as well Yaro… They are awesome! I’m listening to richard branson’s bio right now and I love to learn from amazing people! Hard work and training does pay off for everyone! athletes know that but I think so many entrepreneurs give up because they don’t see immediate results. When there aren’t immediate results it’s difficult sometimes to stick with it. But sticking with it pays off big time!
Thanks for the post man!
David
Great Post Yaro,
I can not believe this man who I grew up watching on TV and actually looked up to, Hated what he did. Amazing. Imagine the thoughts going through his head.
I know he made millions but to actually do it while hating it..hmmm.
Will pick up the book next week and have a read.
T
i liked the insights about his work ethic, I always like hearing about “how” someone got where they are because that mindset can be modeled.
Thank you for the post
Thank you for a great review of Andre Agassi’s book. I would not normally go out and by a book like this but you certainly have me intrigued enough to do just that.
I had the pleasure of listening to Andre speak at a seminar I attended. I was struck my the difference between his very humble talk and the media identification.
Maintaining a balance in life requires a constant awareness of self and the forces at play in ones life. But it is a struggle worth fighting for. Balance is the center of all things.
Nick
Agassi was always my favourite player.Thanks for the post.
I have also just finished reading Agassi’s book and found it to be truly inspiring. I have always been a huge fan of his, but reading about his struggles and the journey he went on to get to where he is today, makes me an even bigger fan. I loved the part at the end where the 15 year old kid thanks him for changing his life. How great a feeling that must be! To know that you have changed someone’s life for the better. Although he hated tennis, I can understand his decision to mount a ‘comeback’ for the purposes of helping others with the fame and money he earned. Truly a noble purpose. Thanks for the great post!
Hi Yaro..Thank you for the post ..very helpful.
Your right about helping others..it seems moral laws are as fixed as physical ones;
you reap what you sow …or as Zig Ziglar said : ” The more you help people get what they want ,the more you get what you want ”
That’s one reason i founded rubbishtippeople ..there are millions of poor who need help …perhaps they can help us more in mitigating climate change ??
Thank you again Ian
Great blog . I particularly like your PS reminding us not to judge. We are quick to tell others what they should or should not do, without knowing what it is like to walk in their shoes. I endorse your comment: “People are always a work in progress – life is a work in progress”. I’m glad of the opportunity each day brings to learn and grow, and it is my life’s mission to help and encourage others in their journey also. Like you’ I’m conscious of how important it is to have clarity of purpose – success depends upon it! Abundant blessings to you ….. SUZI
Hi Yaro, thanks for the great review. It’s all about having a crack at what you want to do. My grandad used to say ‘it’s better to live one day like a lion than 100 days like a sheep.’ I’ve never forgotten these words, and I spend my life trying to find ways to feed my passion, which is travelling around the world and experiencing what it has to offer.
Thanks again!
We can learn alot for sports personalities. The determination, the will to win and be positive at all times even when victory is far.
Hmm…tricky question lol..I woudl like to be person y becasue he’s improving and he’s tryign hard and thats really good.
Hi Yaro
That was a really thought-provoking piece of writing. I too am a tennis fan and I think you’ve just helped to sell another copy of Andre’s book.
Keep up the good work!
Ian D
Hi Yaro, thanks for the great review.
Hi Yaro, thanks for the great review. …..
People blow things out of proportion because they expect celibritys to be perfect. I think it’s a dumb idea to expect anyone to be perfect and we all know it’s not possible. I just don’t understand it when people gasp at the reality of things they know to be about people!
GREAT post yaro, once again! thank you.
heart n soul n ethics shine thru in what u say…. if we all give a little then we all receive so much more! tis truly an abundant uni-verse
ya gotta love the realm of polarities eh?
blissings galore
Devi SoulJuice
Hello Yaro,
Wanna know whats happening in the Real World ??? While we sit here and work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebOTc-7shU Look at This
Gary,
PS GET THE WORD OUT,
Dear Yaro,
This may be the best post I have ever read. If your photo wasn’t on your site and I couldn’t see your age, I would think you are a very, very old person.
I don’t want to get too dramatic, but this post has caused a shift in me. My 2010 is going to be different after reading this post. I’m going to keep track of what I do different because of it so I can measure it.
Thank you very much,
Sharon Beck
Just another quick comment…my husband was so taken with this post that he is at the moment, laboriously translating it into Hungarian for his mom who is visiting us from Budapest. That is not an easy task. Thanks again for it. So inspirational.
Sharon Beck
Fantastic post Yaro! I have always been a big fan of Andre Agassi and it was nice to hear about some more of his personal life. This post has also been very inspirational becomes it shows you the value of hard work and how it will pay off if you are consistent enough. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent post Yaro!
It is great to learn from well-known athletes.
I agree 100% that life is fulfilling when you help others. I get the most enjoyment from my blog when someone thanks me for helping them. Money is great, we all need it to survive, but I would not enjoy writing my blog if I did not get the comments that I do get.
Thanks again for another wonderful post!
-Todd
Wow thanks for the review, for some one to be so honest in a book, its takes a lot to be so honest like that. You can learn a lot from sport players. The hard workers become successful.
Wow what insite into creating the life you want. We always look to celeberties and movie stars thinkning they did it all right, but really you need to look at yourself and create the lifestyle you really want for yourself.
I agree 100% that life is fulfilling when you help others. I get the most enjoyment from my blog when someone thanks me for helping them. Money is great, we all need it to survive, but I would not enjoy writing my blog if I did not get the comments that I do get.
Yaro. I think that Agassi is a legend. Tennis is one of my favourite sports to play and watch. I have my own personal heroes in my field of interest. People like Flex Wheeler, Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose biographies I have read and kept on my shelf. You and them have inspired me to move forward with an interest that I have had for a while now (getting back into shape and developing my blog).
I have also read an article posted by Dee Barizo on http://www.performancing.com, entitled, 3 REASONS BLOGGERS SHOULD READ BOOKS. It’s a fact, the more fresh material you have, the less likely you are to post material which is an echo of another site.
I salute you
This is a great post
Hi Yaro, this is a great post. Many of us can relate to doing something because we feel there is no way out, and so we continue to do it. I certainly was one of them . Truly an inspiring blog.. and who can’t do with a little more inspiration!
Very moving video clip at the end. I have always been a big fan of Andre Agassi but never knew that he didn’t even liked the game he was the world champion for. And its hard to even imaging a guy as successful as him regrets a lot.
I agree 100% that life is fulfilling when you help others. I get the most enjoyment from my blog when someone thanks me for helping them. Money is great, we all need it to survive, but I would not enjoy writing my blog if I did not get the comments that I do get.
Love the post! You didn’t judge him which a lot of people tend to do when it comes to famous people. Instead you asked why, ‘what can I learn from here?’ and shared it with everyone.
I particularly like how you highlighted the fact that many of us spend a lifetime doing things we don’t like nor enjoy and yet, we are surprised when we hear this from those who have found success and fame. I look forward to sitting down with my own copy!
Its good to know that Im not alone regretting a lot of things I’ve done in my past. People like agassi who seem perfect in every way also are like us. He definitely is one of tennis’s most well known champion.
V look at someone like agassi and v so easily conclude that he’s happy but its not always true.
There’s definitely more to Andre’s book than hairpiece, drugs and hate for tennis.
Unfortunately, there are some who refuse to go beyond the book’s sensationalised facade.
Hope they get to read your post and realise that “Andre taught us something about being a better person”. And I hope that Andre will get to read your post and realise that his honesty has paid-off.
More power to you!
All the best to Andre!
helping them. Money is great, we all need it to survive, but I would not enjoy writing my blog if I did not get the comments that I do get
V look at someone like agassi and v so easily conclude that he’s happy but its not always true.
That sounds like a great read. I have never been into Bios all that much but I have read a few. I have followed tennis since I was a kid as My mother and her friends played a lot. I had many lessons and while I wasn’t bad i wasn’t good either. I was more of a field player. But I really enjoy tennis and It is interesting to hear that he continued to play even when he hated it. I mean your right in saying that a lot of people do what they hate but a sport. That is a new one.
Just another quick comment…my husband was so taken with this post that he is at the moment, laboriously translating it into Hungarian for his mom who is visiting us from Budapest. That is not an easy task. Thanks again for it. So inspirational.
Just another quick comment…my husband was so taken with this post that he is at the moment, laboriously translating
V look at someone like agassi and v so easily conclude that he’s happy but its not always true.
This was a really wonderful article for me
I just finished reading Andre Agassi’s autobiography titled Open. I LOVE tennis bios, they are possibly my favorite book genre because I love tennis, but more than playing it, I love following the professional tour and especially the people in the game.
Just another quick comment…my husband was so taken with this post that he is at the moment, laboriously translating it into Hungarian for his mom who is visiting us from Budapest. That is not an easy task.