Why You Need a “Ready Position” —
In Pickleball, Your Home, and Your Life
Yesterday, while playing pickleball with some players who were much more experienced than me, I noticed something that really stuck with me. No matter what kind of shot they just returned — an easy lob or a fast, tricky angle — they always got right back into “ready position.”
That small habit of returning to center, balanced and prepared, made all the difference in their game. It kept them calm, confident, and able to handle whatever came at them next.
And as I stood there watching, it hit me: this isn’t just good advice for pickleball. It’s exactly what we need in our homes and in our lives too.
What Is a Home “Ready Position”?
Think of your home’s “ready position” as a baseline of calm and order — the place your space can return to, even after a busy week or a couple of chaotic days.
When your home has a ready position:
Everything has a place to go.
Tidying up feels easy and doable.
You can miss a day or two of upkeep without it spiraling into total overwhelm.
Just like on the court, it doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to play flawlessly every time. But when your home has its own ready position, you can recover from life’s curveballs much faster — and with a lot less stress.
What About Your Mental & Emotional Ready Position?
The same idea applies to your mindset and emotional health. Life throws tough shots at all of us — unexpected challenges, stressful situations, hard decisions.
If you’ve built habits that keep you grounded and centered, it’s easier to regain your footing when things feel shaky.
Your personal “ready position” might include:
Moving your body regularly through exercise or walks
Having dinner with your family or calling a friend
Prayer, meditation, or journaling
Making time for hobbies that bring you joy
These small practices become your foundation. You can always come back to them — and they help you feel steady no matter what life throws at you.
How to Create Your Ready Position | If you don’t already have one, it’s never too late to start.
In your home:
Declutter the extra stuff that keeps getting in the way.
Designate a place for everything — even little things.
Build simple daily or weekly habits (like resetting the kitchen every night or doing a 10-minute pick-up).
In your life:
Identify the habits and practices that leave you feeling strong and calm.
Commit to just one or two to start — you can build over time.
