The 3 Cornerstones For Mastering Your Mind
Ever heard the axiom that golf is 90 percent mental? While sports psychologists, hypnotherapists and assorted mental gurus delve into the convoluted depths of the unconscious, their esoteric information often overlooks 3 basic beliefs that are critical for improvement.
Belief Number 1: The Odds Are Against You
Every consistent player understands the game is inherently unfair. Compared to other sports where the player uses the same bat, racket or stick under controlled conditions, the golfer has to adjust to 14 clubs of various lengths in a constantly changing arena.
Tour players need to be constantly reminded of this axiom, which explains why the majority of them have a renowned sports psychologist at the top of their speed dial list.
No matter how much you practice, there are aspects of the game that are beyond your control.
You can hit a perfect Drive 250 yards down the middle of the fairway, then watch in dismay, as the ball caroms off a rock and bounces out of bounds. A sudden gust of wind could lay claim to a towering wedge shot heading right for the pin, and deposit the ball 3 feet short of the green into a demonic pot bunker.
Understanding that the game is capricious, will help you deal with the inevitable "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune".
Belief Number 2: There Is No Absolute Correlation Between Practice and Playing
This could be the hardest axiom for most of us to accept.
The natural assumption, is that the more we practice, the better we play. How often have you hit excellent shots on the practice range and then played like a neophyte lumberjack?
A good practice session will certainly boost your confidence, but results on the practice range (either good or bad) have no direct relationship to how you play.
Your ability to control expectations, is the essential element in making sure you "stay in the present". The true value of practice will be the topic of the next article.
Belief Number 3: Your Game Is A Work In Progress
How long will it take?
I can't count the number of times a new student poses this question. Biting my tongue, I answer with a vague response, like"... it depends on how much you practice". A realistic answer would be "forever".
The best players in the world are constantly working to improve. A good coach will help you avoid detours and dead ends, but the construction is never-ending.
Your ultimate goal is to shrink the roller coaster of inconsistency, to speed bumps that you can negotiate.
Summary
This article briefly touched on the 3 cornerstones for mastering your mental arena: (1) The odds are stacked against you (2) Practice and playing are not casually related (3) Your game is a work in progress.
Keep these beliefs in the forefront of your golfing mind or, better yet, write them down (in your own words) on a card and keep them in your wallet. Review them every time you practice or play.
Next month, you will learn the true value of practice. Thanks for your time.
See you soon!
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