Ever felt that 24 hours a day are insufficient for you? Be it the President of the country or your neighbour, we all have the exact number of hours, but it’s what we do with that makes all the difference. On International Women’s Day, we present to you some insights on the lifestyle of tennis player Sania Mirza, ranked No. 1 (women’s doubles rankings) and Brand Ambassador of Telangana, in our weekly column — Five Habits of Successful People.
Hard work and discipline
Sania Mirza’s rise, as the tennis chap puts it, has been because of her razor-sharp vision to rise to the top. “I have taught myself to be stronger despite the criticisms and hardships I have faced over the years. And there are no shortcuts, you need to work hard — whether you want to or not — to get to the top,” she says.
Love what you do
For a sports player to hold a record of 41 straight wins is no easy feat— a record held by World No. 1 pair Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza. “With thousands of people watching me play, there is bound to be intense pressure. And that’s why it’s important to enjoy the ups and downs in a game; I love working under pressure because it fuels me to give my best,” says Sania, who adds, “Yes, there will be times where you will feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to truly enjoy what you are doing to be able to succeed. Tennis truly is my passion.”
Adaptability
One look at Sania Mirza’s social media account and it’s quite evident that the tennis champ is all over the place. From attending inaugural events to making time for her daily practice sessions, the 29-year-old admits that the trick lies in willing to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances. “Be it on or off season, I have no specific pattern because my schedule is very unpredictable and apart from practice, I have a lot of other commitments to fulfill. And to be able to survive and still deliver your best, you need to mould yourself,” she says.
Be true to yourself
Whether it’s her unique fashion style or her journey of becoming World No. 1, Sania has never taken a backseat when it comes to speaking her mind. “I have always been taught to be true to yourself and I ensure I am true to this teaching,” she says.
Family support
Whether it’s showing support for her sister’s recent business venture or having her father as a regular companion at many of her matches, Sania has always put emphasis on family values. “I have always done what I have felt is correct and done justice to what my parents have taught me. And they are the ones who have always got my back and helped me be who I am today,” says Sania.
