The Ultimate Test of Agility and Mindset
I recently started playing squash, and I quickly realised, it’s a battlefield. Unlike golf, which is meditative and reflective, squash is fast, intense, and unrelenting. It’s the perfect fit for my competitive nature. Every rally is a fight for dominance, a strategic duel where speed, endurance, and mental toughness decide the winner.
The Competitive Edge
Squash brings out the competitor in you. The confined space forces constant movement, immediate reactions, and split-second decision-making. There’s no room for hesitation—only action. I love that about the game. It’s a raw display of willpower and strategy, where every shot, every sprint, and every dive counts.
Unlike some other sports, you don’t get a break between plays. The game is relentless, just like life. If you pause, you lose. If you hesitate, you fall behind. Squash demands that you stay engaged, push through exhaustion, and fight until the last point is won. That mindset translates well into everything, work, challenges, and personal growth.
A Workout Like No Other
I’ve done plenty of workouts before, but nothing quite matches the physical intensity of squash. It’s an all-in-one fitness test, cardio, agility, power, and mental endurance, all packed into a few brutal games. You burn calories like crazy, but more importantly, you build resilience.
Every game is a lesson in pacing yourself while still pushing your limits. You have to know when to explode with energy and when to conserve it. It’s a constant balance, much like managing effort and focus in everyday life. Too much too soon, and you burn out. Too cautious, and you lose ground.
Strategy Over Strength
One of the biggest surprises in squash is that brute force won’t win you the game, strategy will. Sure, fitness and reflexes matter, but the smartest player almost always comes out on top. Angles, deception, shot selection, and movement patterns dictate the match. Just like in business or life, raw effort alone isn’t enough. You need to think ahead, plan your moves, and adapt when things don’t go as expected.
Playing squash has already taught me valuable lessons about patience and control. I’ve learned that attacking recklessly leads to mistakes, while precision and patience create real opportunities. It’s a lesson in discipline, one that applies far beyond the walls of the squash court.
Harnessing My Competitive Spirit
Squash taps into my natural desire to win, but it also forces me to channel that energy in a productive way. Getting frustrated or impatient only leads to errors. Staying composed, thinking critically, and keeping a clear head, that’s what leads to victory.
It’s a great parallel to life and work. Wanting to win isn’t enough; you need a strategy, discipline, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Squash has already sharpened my mindset, and I know it’s only the beginning.
A Sport Worth Trying
If you’re looking for a challenge that pushes you physically and mentally, squash is it. It’s more than just a game; it’s an experience that forces you to push past limits, stay focused, and think strategically.
I’ve only just started, but I’m already hooked. Whether for fitness, competition, or sheer intensity, squash is proving to be the perfect fit for my personality. If you’ve never played, I highly recommend trying it out. Just be ready to sweat, struggle, and grow, because squash doesn’t just test your body, it tests your mind.