Become your own Champion | One step at a time

What tennis can teach us about success, small wins, and the power of support along the way

I love tennis. I couldn’t let Wimbledon fortnight pass without giving it a mention here. While my own on-court skills might not be anything to write home about, I absolutely love watching the game. The mastery, the grit, the finesse. The way these athletes move, think, and perform, it’s nothing short of wizardry. But beneath the polished performances, we know there's something far less glamorous. Years of hard work, sacrifice, and countless small steps that have brought them to this moment.

It got me thinking about success, not just the kind we see on Centre Court under the gaze of thousands, but the quieter kind. The everyday triumphs that don’t come with applause or trophies.

Success looks different for everyone. For some, it’s lifting a championship trophy. For others, it’s getting through the day without feeling overwhelmed. It might be taking that first walk after heart surgery. Swapping a biscuit for a healthier option. Small steps and quiet victories, they matter. In time you can become your own champion one step at a time.

Success isn't smooth or straightforward – not in sport, not in health, and not in life. But setbacks aren’t the opposite of success, they’re often the path to it. Research has shown that people who experience some failure before achieving a goal are actually more likely to succeed long-term than those who don’t. Why? Because failure builds resilience, insight, and adaptability which are all key ingredients for lasting growth.

In your own health journey, there will be highs and lows. Days where everything clicks, and days where motivation feels miles away. That’s normal. It doesn’t mean you’re not making progress, it just means you’re human. What matters is not perfection, but persistence. Taking the next step. And then the one after that. Having support when you wobble and reflecting rather than judging. Just like elite athletes, we grow stronger through the setbacks, not in spite of them.

We also often forget, even the top tennis players don’t get there alone. Behind every success are coaches, physios, nutritionists, family, friends. People who encourage, guide, and remind them of their potential, especially when they doubt themselves, it's no different for us. Whether you're making lifestyle changes, managing a heart condition, or simply trying to feel more like yourself again, you don’t have to go it alone. Support matters. Being part of a team matters. And sometimes, just knowing someone is in your corner can make all the difference.

So as you watch the tennis, be inspired, not just by the big wins, but by the reminder that every journey starts somewhere. Whether your 'court' is the kitchen, the park, or a treadmill at your local gym, you are worthy of showing up for your own version of success. Because you don’t need a trophy to prove you’re doing brilliantly.

What does success look like for you today – and who’s in your corner as you take your next step?