Motivation is the internal flame of desire. And because it’s internal, you decide and control the size of that flame, whether it’s a raging inferno or just a small flickering candlelight. And most importantly of all, because you have control over the flame, only you can finally extinguish it.
When Shi Yu Qi talked despairingly about whether it was time to retire, as he languished in the depths of despair following his crushing disappointment at #Paris2024, I hoped the uncertainty of both what he wanted, or what he should do, was a sign he wasn’t yet ready to hang up his racket.
Whilst the flame of desire appeared almost completely burnt out, Shi Yu Qi obviously wasn’t ready to extinguish it completely. And from the smouldering embers, something has sparked and reignited that internal flame of desire to once again burn brightly.
What an absolute delight to see a happy and highly motivated Shi Yu Qi display the artistry, athleticism and determination to win the #WorldTourFinals in #Hangzhou.
In his Group match against Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the man who destroyed his #Olympic dream, he had to dig incredibly deep to fight back from a 6/14 deficit in the deciding game. And in the final, he was superb. He looked confident and once again displayed the aura befitting a player ranked number 1 in the world.
What a transformation from the lost soul apparently trapped in the trauma of his shattered Olympic dream. The obvious rediscovery of his motivation was simply wonderful to witness, and a lesson to us all.
From the depths of despair, it is possible to rise again “like the phoenix rising from the ashes”.
📷@badmintonphoto
#Badminton
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