In this episode
Merry Christmas
On the 228th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve, Ivan, and Andy interview Peter Kobelt. To make an understatement, Peter’s journey in tennis is remarkable. As a first-year student at Ohio State University (OSU), Peter red-shirted. Then as a red-shirt freshman, he only played doubles.
By the end of his collegiate career, he held the OSU record for most doubles matches won and tied the record for most matches won in a single season. Furthermore, he earned the #1 singles ranking in doubles and the #2 national ranking in doubles.
He was honored as an All-American multiple times and then proceeded to travel the world playing pro tennis. He reached the ATP rankings, 332 in singles and 378 in doubles. Following his pro career, Peter spent two years working as a volunteer coach at the University of Kentucky. From there, he moved on to the University of Nebraska as an assistant and, at the young age of 34, was promoted to the head coach position.
show notes
This episode dives deep into the spirit of the New Year as we reflect on traditions, resolutions, and the habits that shape our lives. We kick off the conversation by discussing personal updates, including transitions from local sports clubs to new opportunities, setting the stage for a light-hearted yet reflective dialogue about fresh starts and aspirations for 2025.
As we share our thoughts on New Year resolutions, the conversation sways to the topic of seasonal films. We reminisce about classic holiday movies and how they evoke personal memories, transitioning into a broader discussion about traditions, particularly unique cultural practices such as watching specific movies on New Year’s Eve.
We delve into the challenges of maintaining focus on personal goals, especially in a society rife with distractions. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability, positing that true change requires not just a shift in routine but a foundational change in identity. I reflect on my own experiences with habit formation, likening personal goals to the resolve needed in competitive sports.
The conversation transitions to practical advice on setting New Year’s resolutions, emphasizing the necessity of beginning with small, manageable changes. We explore the principles behind habit formation from reputable sources like James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” underscoring the relationship between identity and behavior change. I invite everyone to self-assess their current habits critically, with an eye toward incremental improvement rather than overwhelming overhaul.
We also highlight stories from the world of tennis, drawing parallels between the discipline required for athletic success and the same discipline needed to stick with New Year resolutions. The anecdotes shared regarding the dedication of trainers and young athletes illuminate the real heart of commitment and the importance of having supportive communities.
Toward the end of the episode, we present the Habit Poem, a compelling piece that encapsulates the essence of habits and their profound impact on our lives. The poem serves as a powerful reminder that habits form the backbone of success or failure, depending on how we choose to shape them. We conclude the episode with a call to action: to internalize our resolutions and make them part of our identities, thereby turning aspirations into lasting achievements as we step into the New Year.
With wrap-up comments and light banter, we reinforce the significance of looking forward to the possibilities 2025 holds, urging our listeners to embrace the challenge of becoming the best versions of themselves.
