The Power of Consistency – What Tennis Teaches us About Business Success

Our family loves tennis. My husband David was a coach for over 30 years, so the sport has always been a big part of our lives. Last week, we enjoyed a brilliant day at the Eastbourne Open, soaking up the atmosphere and watching some top players showcase their skills in this popular warm-up event before Wimbledon.

As we sat courtside, it struck me – what really separates the tennis greats from the good players? It’s not just about the booming serves or the spectacular shots down the line. Those moments might win a few points, but they won’t win the match. The secret? Consistency.

And here’s the interesting thing – it’s exactly the same in business.

A flashy marketing campaign might grab attention for a moment. A clever pitch might land a single client. But long-term success? That comes from consistently showing up, delivering value, and staying focused on what matters most. Whether you’re holding a tennis racket or running a business, consistency is what leads to real, lasting results.

So what are the key pillars of consistency – on and off the court?

Mental Focus – Stay Present

Top tennis players don’t just train their bodies; they train their minds. They learn to shut out distractions, refocus after every point, and stay fully present in the moment. In business, it’s the same. It’s so easy to get pulled in every direction – emails, social media, interruptions. But real progress happens when you focus on the task in front of you. Carve out time for deep work. Turn off the noise. Be intentional with your energy.

Preparation – Start Your Day Right

You wouldn’t walk onto Centre Court without warming up or knowing your game plan. So why start your workday without preparation? Take 10 minutes each morning to get clear on your priorities. Plan your top three tasks. Review your schedule. See my blog on daily planning for more detail – but trust me, this small habit builds big momentum.

Positive Reinforcement – Learn from Mistakes

Even the best players double fault. What matters is how they respond. Do they slump their shoulders – or do they reset, refocus and carry on? In business, mistakes are inevitable. What’s important is how you treat yourself (and your team) when they happen. Be kind. Be constructive. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Build Stamina – Look After Yourself

Consistency requires energy. That means looking after the fundamentals – eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly. You wouldn’t expect a tennis pro to play match after match without recovery, so why treat yourself any differently? When you’re well-rested and fuelled, you’ll be sharper, more resilient, and able to show up for your team and your clients every day.

Create Routines – Reduce Decision Fatigue

Anything that needs to happen more than once deserves a routine. Whether it’s your monthly accounts, weekly team meetings, or daily admin – put it in the diary. Assign a time. Then forget about it until it’s time to act. This reduces stress, avoids last-minute panics, and helps your team know exactly what to expect and when. The result? Smoother workflows and more consistent service.

Create and Document Processes – Sharpen and Share

Just like a tennis player practices drills over and over, businesses need to do the same with their processes. Refine them. Improve them. Make them smoother and more effective every time. And – crucially – write them down. When your processes are documented, your team knows exactly how things should be done. If someone is off sick or leaves the business, someone else can step in with minimal disruption. That’s what creates resilience and consistency.

Make Time to Work On the Business

I know what you might be thinking – this all sounds great, but I don’t have the time! Here’s the thing: if you want your business to grow sustainably, you can’t afford not to find the time. Start small. Just 30 minutes a day working on your routines and processes will make a world of difference. As the saying goes, “Inch by inch, it’s a cinch. Yard by yard, it’s hard.” You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight – but do something every day.

Consistency isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t make headlines. But it’s the reason champions win trophies – and the reason businesses thrive long-term.

Whether you’re on the tennis court or in the office, show up, do the work, and stick to the plan. The results will come.

Need help building more consistency into your business? Let’s chat. James Todd & Co would love to help you serve up success – one steady step at a time.