In The Zone

All our world leaders are gathered this weekend in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss our money, or what's left of it.

Quite why they choose Davos, which is Europe's highest town, cut off from humanity and up to the eyeballs in snow, well who knows.

As a quick aside, a very dear friend of mine is in 'love' with one of the greatest Swiss of all time, Roger Federer. With his looks, bank balance and tennis skills who can blame her. I must confess I don't have any deep feelings for Roger but I do have a great love for Switzerland and look for any excuse to go there.

So it was in the summer of 2001 when I flew into Zurich and boarded a train, destination Davos and St Moritz. Of course the trains in Switzerland are a joy - they pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, along the side of mountains and through v shaped valleys - and always precisely on time!

Now hang on to this story because it starts to get exciting. As a result of a total aberattion, near to Davos I got off the train a stop too early. To my consternation, I found myself in a Swiss outpost, deep in a forest, with a few log cabins and not a sign of humanity. However, being a fully trained and experienced Boy Scout there was no panic - but instead I set off through the forest along the side of the narrow gauge railroad. At one point I had to cross a 400 m bridge suspended in the clouds, with only a handrail to stop me from tumbling into the deep ravine below.

It was all a bit scary and I was totally outwith my comfort zone - but it was a truly exhilarating experience and one I wont forget.

Now my point here is that, to get the greatest stimulation in life, it is very worthwhile to venture out of our self imposed comfort zones. It might be something simple - like changing your hair style (I'm still working on that one!)

On the tennis court we can become predictable, and therefore too easy to be read by our opponents. It is often a good idea to mix things up (Andy Murray is an excellent exponent) perhaps by varying your speed and direction or even slipping in a few 'trick' shots. Even though it doesn't come off, when it does it's a blast!! (had to fit that word in somewhere!)

A word of warning for you guys out there. I would go easy on hitting shots through your legs. You could end up in a hospital bed - or singing in the Luton girls' choir!

So here's my final thought for today folks. Ships are safe in harbour but that's not what they are designed for.

Go for it!