Newsletter - United States Professional Tennis Association

President’s Message
Happy New Year!
It’s hard to believe that 2011 is already in the rear view mirror. I hope 2011 was everything that
you wanted it to be and if not, good riddance 2011 and HELLO 2012!
I just returned from the USTA Florida Annual Meeting & Tennis Celebration weekend in
Orlando, Fla. I can’t thank the USTA Florida Staff and Board of Directors enough for inviting
me and the USPTA Florida Division Board to attend a great weekend full of workshops,
meetings, parties, food, and awards. It was a celebration of the people who go above and
beyond, that make a difference and continue to grow the game of tennis in Florida. Both
the USTA and USPTA Florida Boards met and worked on finalizing an agreement that will allow us to work more
closely together and strengthen our partnership in growing the game of tennis in Florida and beyond.
2012 is here, have you thought of any New Year’s resolutions?
Here are some ideas to help get you started; learn a language, start a family, pay off debt, learn to fly, snowboard,
climb Kilimanjaro, sail the Caribbean, play in a tennis tournament, get fit & or lose weight, stop smoking or
drinking, save money or spend more time with your family; whatever you decide, the following tips will help see
that your resolution actually makes a difference.
1. Be realistic
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable.
2. Create a Plan
Setting a goal without a plan is merely wishful thinking. In order for your resolution to have resolve, it must
translate into clear steps that can be put into action. Create your plan immediately.
3. Write Down Your Resolution and Plan.
Write down your goals. When you put your resolutions into writing, you make them real. Put your goals where you
can see them, in written form, so you won’t forget what you’re setting out to achieve this year.
4. Think “Year Round,” Not Just New Year’s
Nothing big gets accomplished in one day. Resolutions are set in one day, but accomplished throughout the year.
New Year’s resolutions should be nothing more than a starting point.
And finally...
5. Be Flexible
Not everything is going to work out exactly the way you planned, so remain flexible in the goals that you set.
Expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us, and
flexibility is required to complete anything but the simplest goal. Just as a resolution isn’t accomplished the day
it’s started, neither is it accomplished the day you reach your goal. Rather, it’s accomplished in many baby steps
along the way. Just like any goal setting process, the key is to be realistic about your goals and the challenges
you may face in trying to achieve them. The more realistic and flexible you are, the more likely you’ll be to achieve
your goals.
I hope that you make one of your resolutions to get more involved within our tennis industry, volunteering,
attending a district meeting, hosting a workshop, playing in a tennis tournament, attending the USPTA Florida
Division Conference, etc. Believe it or not, the more involved you are, the further it will lead to more open doors
and opportunities!
I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year and wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy 2012!
Jeff F. Cohen
USPTA Florida Division President
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