5 Career Lessons from Ash Barty

1. Focus on reflective practice not the outcome

When Ash Barty lost a match, her response was ‘we will learn from this.’ She paid attention to the outcome, but didn’t fixate on them. Rather, she had a growth mindset that allowed her to focus on the things she could control and keep perspective about what the outcome really means. As clinicians, monitoring outcomes can feel disheartening when progress is slow or travelling in the wrong direction, but a growth mindset will allow us to remain open and curious about what we can learn or what we need to adjust. This is the essence of reflective practice and vital for our work.

2. Focus on enjoying the process not just the success.

In the past year, Ash Barty has spoken a lot about enjoying the opportunities her tennis brings. She was a fierce competitor, but off the court you could see the genuine friendships and bonds she was forging with her team and even her competition. This past year, I have thought a lot about this in my research work. I have come to realise that a final publication brings me little joy (by the time it happens I am sick of looking at it!)… But collaborating with wise, compassionate and engaged colleagues has been the highlight of my 2021 working year.

3. Success is always a collective effort

In every press conference Ash Barty talks about “we.” The wins belong to the team and the losses are for the group to problem solve. In an individual sport like tennis - this approach is unique but has the hallmark of greatness. And it is just as true in life - for every “individual” success I have achieved, there is a wide circle of support around me that was pivotal. And for every challenge I face - I have a team of colleagues, mentors and supervisors who are available to help me problem solve.

4. Know when to take a break

Ash Barty left tennis at 18 years and when she returned to the WTA at 20 you could see her clarity and maturity. Within 5 years, she had won Roland Garros and Wimbledon within 5 years. At the end of last year she skipped the last tournament to be in Australia with her family. An unusual move in tennis, it left her fresh to dominate the Australian Open. Without a doubt - taking a break made her better. For me … this is a lesson I am still learning …

5. Know whose opinion matters

We have seen the impact of public opinion on tennis players in the past few years. It’s rough. I wouldn’t cope. But Ash Barty resilience seems to stem from her clarity around whose opinion matters - her team, her family, her nieces. Similarly, working in mental health can be tough. Trauma re-enactments, pressure from client’s family members and our own inner critic can wear us down. So we need to know whose opinion matters to us - then surround ourselves with those people. It will be different for everyone but may include family, supervisors, friends and colleagues.