Identity

When the Australian Open Tennis finished up here in Melbourne  a few weeks ago I was interested in all the talk around what it takes to be a champion. Determination, tenacity, focus, strength, great support team and so on. Within all of this was much speculation around Justine Henin from Belgium. The former number 1. How would she go on her return to the International Tour? As we now know she made it all the way to the Final. After taking an 18 month break to 'find herself' Justine spoke openly of the fact she now knows herself much better than she ever had. Working on who she was, her 'identity', had been very important, essential to her continuing. Her new-found happiness since walking away in mid-2008, was being widely reported. 
At just 25 she was burnt out, retiring at her peak of World Number 1. But not before some of the worst losses ever recorded by such a high ranked player. Our identity, what defines us, is closely linked to our self-esteem. How we see ourselves as a distinct individual and how we then compare to others either pleases us or makes us uncomfortable. Based on many reports from champions who 'just needed to step away for a while' may lie a lesson for all of us - you might win without being clear about who you are but once you reach the top, to keep on winning, it just won't last unless you know yourself well.