3 Real Ways Pickleball Can Build Character

taken from https://blog.pickleballcentral.com/category/improve-your-game
posted in Bringing people closer together, Improve Your Game by Glen Peterson

​Many of us grew up hearing, “Sports build character.” However, studies have concluded the opposite is true. Winning satisfies like a good steak. Character satisfies like Don Paschal’s kale salad. Like my dear friend Vegen says: “Sport doesn’t build character; it reveals character.”
I learn more about a person in one hour on the court than in enjoying a dozen meals together. I also learn about myself.
Winning’s not everything, but… it sure is fun! (Credit: Petr and Bara Ruzicka)
Why does winning still matter to me at 55-years-old? What longing is fulfilled through another medal or through winning a game at any level? Does 5.0 status make me a better person?  I certainly hope not. Some days I wish I was back at 4.5 level competing for golds with my good friend Ken Crocker.
I am still discovering that a good reputation is more valuable than a drawer full of medals. Don Paschal’s kale salad does satisfy. Consider three tips for gaining pickleball perspective on court.
Concentrate on making good shots and a good game will follow (Credit: Chad Ryan)
1. Compete by making great shots. After all, that is all I control. Be satisfied by playing well and losing.  Congratulate opponents when they make better shots. Losing implies I had the opportunity to be on the court with better players.
2. Be the most complementary of partners. Pickleball is a social activity which begs for laughter and smiles. Fun banter and big smiles compensate for many poor shots.
We can all stand to be gracious in both victory and defeat (Credit: Chad Ryan)
3. I love to be around people who can pursue a goal with great intensity and discipline but are content regardless of the outcome. Perhaps there are moments where I can be that person on a pickleball court.
In life as in sports, I have benefited more from my losses than my wins. I think I will make a kale salad for lunch.
Delicious kale salad (Credit: Brandom Dimcheff)
What tips might you have on how to gain pickleball perspective?
– Glen Peterson