The Game's Not Over for Serena Williams
We might believe our purpose throughout life remains the same, but Serena Williams is proving otherwise.
Vogue, August 2022
FINDING MEANING IN WORK
With so much of our time spent at work, having a sense of purpose tied to it can be vital in helping us with our direction and focus. It can give our work a deeper meaning, therefore leaving us with a sense of fulfilment.
From a young age, we begin the search for that one calling for our career that allows a sense of peace, knowing that what we’re doing is the right thing for us. We hold onto it as a comfort that our work signifies something ‘more’.
Whether we are sure or unsure of our purpose in work, there's little denying that seeing someone else pursue there’s wholeheartedly inspires us in our own journey. Tennis player, Serena Williams, has provided that inspiration to millions over the past decades. Perfecting her talent, in front of onlookers, she has been ranked No.1 by the Women's Tennis Association and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.
Her determination, commitment and devotion have set a standard for those coming up behind her, not just in tennis but on a wider scale too.
There is no doubt that, until now, tennis was her calling for work.
Now, after announcing her retirement via a Vogue cover no less, at Magnify we are inspired by her fresh outlook on her purpose.
A DIFFICULT FAREWELL
In her personal letter for Vogue, Serena shared how she has evaluated where her priorities lie at current and recognises it is time to change her focus from tennis to family and other ventures.
As a woman in a role that has demanded so much of her time and physical ability, it was likely there would come a day when Serena would have to reckon with her sports career and personal life.
Yet, while her announcement came with sadness and shock for many, her letter also had an air of excitement. Excitement for what’s next, and a refreshing perspective on what it means to pursue our calling at work in today’s world.
‘I have never liked the word retirement… Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.’
Serena is living proof that our purpose is not one singular thing that never changes once we figure it out. Instead, she’s proving that it evolves and changes alongside our lives and priorities.
Just because her time as a tennis player has come to a close, it does not mean that her future work will have any less meaning. At 41, her career is far from over.
A NEW PURPOSE
A positive outlook on new beginnings is much easier said than done. Any kind of change can be daunting, whether we see it coming or not.
In Serena’s case, the change about to happen in her life is her own decision, but there will be instances for some of us where a switch in our careers is not expected.
Not knowing if the risk we took will pay off or where the next month will lead us can take the excitement out of the potential that comes from changing direction.
However, in the Bible, we are reminded of the greatness that can come from taking a different path, expected or not.
‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’ Isaiah 43:19, NIV.
Embracing the route that God is taking us on brings back the delight of a fresh start for our purpose, and gives us confidence knowing that God will be with us through it all.
A fork in the road can be a chance for us to do something differently, have the courage to try something we’ve always wanted to, or build new connections.
So, as we look at Serena, excited for what her next career move will be, perhaps we can hold on to this same excitement when facing our own inevitable evolution. If we can, we’ll be able to replace any fear with anticipation of what we’re capable of and where God will lead us next.
WORDS BY
Ellie Dalton
