MASTERING THE SERVE
Drawing Parallels Between Badminton and Writing
When I think about my journey as a writer on Medium, I can’t help but draw parallels to my experience playing badminton.
It’s a comparison that might seem odd at first, but stick with me, and you’ll see the connections I’ve made.
I remember the first time I picked up a badminton racket.
I was just a kid, filled with excitement and nervousness.
I had no idea how to play, but the thrill of learning something new was enough to keep me going.
Writing, especially on Medium, felt the same way.
The first time I published an article, my heart raced with anticipation and fear.
Would people read it? Would they like it?
These questions swirled in my mind, just as they did when I stepped onto the badminton court for the first time.
The Serve: Starting with an Idea
In badminton, the serve is the starting point of every match.
Getting it right is crucial because it sets the tone for the game.
Similarly, every article begins with an idea.
I often find myself staring at a blank page, much like I used to stand at the edge of the court, ready to serve.
“What should I write about?” I ask myself. “Will this topic resonate with my readers?”
One day, while reminiscing about my childhood badminton matches, I had an epiphany.
Writing and badminton are not so different after all.
Both require strategy, practice, and a deep understanding of the basics.
Practice and Patience
When I first started playing badminton, I wasn’t perfect.
I missed shots, fumbled my serves, and lost more matches than I care to admit.
But with each game, I learned.
I practiced tirelessly, honing my skills, and gradually, I improved.
Writing on Medium is no different.
My early articles could have been better.
I made mistakes, struggled with writer’s block, and sometimes doubted my abilities.
But I kept writing. Each article was a lesson, each comment a piece of feedback that helped me grow.
I recall one evening when I was particularly frustrated with my writing.
I had spent hours crafting an article, only to receive minimal engagement.
“Why am I even doing this?” After a tough loss, I asked myself the same question I had asked countless times on the badminton court.
But then I remembered why I started playing badminton in the first place: for the love of the game.
Writing, too, was something I loved.
The process, the challenge, and the joy of expressing my thoughts were my reasons for writing, just as the thrill of a well-placed shot was my reason for playing badminton.
Strategy and Adaptability
In badminton, strategy is vital.
You have to anticipate your opponent’s moves, adapt your playstyle, and sometimes, take risks.
Writing is no different.
Each article is a game, requiring a strategy tailored to the topic and the audience.
I often think, “How can I uniquely approach this subject? What angle will capture my readers’ attention?”
There was a time when I wrote an article about IoT (Internet of Things), a topic I’m deeply passionate about.
I had written extensively on the subject before, but I wanted to try something different this time.
I incorporated personal anecdotes and self-dialogues to make the article more relatable.
It was a risk, much like attempting a tricky shot in badminton.
But to my surprise, the article resonated with my readers.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and reminded me of a victorious moment on the badminton court.
Overcoming Challenges
Both writing and badminton come with their fair share of challenges.
There are days when my writing feels stagnant, much like a losing streak in badminton.
I remember a particularly rough patch when I struggled to develop new ideas.
Every topic seemed mundane, every sentence forced.
It was a frustrating time, and I felt like giving up.
One evening, as I sat staring at the blue skies, I thought about my badminton training.
My coach once told me, “Focus on the basics during a difficult period. When things get tough, return to what you know best.”
This advice had helped me countless times on the court, and I decided to apply it to my writing.
I returned to the basics: writing about what I knew and loved. I wrote about my experiences, journey, and passion for IoT. Slowly, the words started to flow again, and I found my rhythm.
The Importance of Feedback
In badminton, feedback is crucial.
Coaches, teammates, and even opponents provide insights that help you improve.
Writing is no different.
Comments, likes, and shares are forms of feedback that guide my writing journey. I remember when a reader’s comment changed my perspective on a topic I had written about. It was a simple comment, but it made me see things differently and inspired me to write a follow-up article.
Engaging with my readers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of writing on Medium.
Their feedback has been invaluable, much like the advice of a coach. It’s helped me grow as a writer and motivated me to keep improving.
Finding Joy in the Process
Ultimately, the most important lesson I’ve learned from writing and badminton is to find joy.
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers — the views, the likes, the comments. But true fulfillment comes from writing, just as the joy of badminton comes from playing the game, not just winning matches.
I often remind myself of this when I sit down to write. “Enjoy the process,” I tell myself. “Focus on the writing, not the outcome.”
This mindset has helped me stay motivated and passionate, even when the results aren’t what I hoped for.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey as a Medium writer, I realize how much it mirrors my experience as a badminton player.
Both have taught me the value of practice, patience, strategy, and resilience.
They’ve shown me the importance of feedback and the joy of the process. And most importantly, they’ve reminded me that success is not just about the destination but the journey itself.
So, the next time I pick up my racket or write, I’ll remember my lessons and continue to find joy.
After all, whether on the court or on the keyboard, the love of the game truly matters.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 