One of the key attributes needed for success in golf improvement is – DRIVE. Without it, we could not achieve anything, so we need to understand drive and how it relates to our golf journeys. Many describe drive as the ‘need to achieve’ and starts with a desire to play golf at a better level than we are currently at. Sometimes the struggle to achieve what is desired forms the basis for drive and peak performance. You develop desire by creating a clear vision of what you want to achieve and surround yourself with people who can help to make that vision a reality. Tell your coach what you want to achieve, explain your vision. Sharing your vision shows you have purpose and meaning in your golf. Great players have a team of coaches, some of which shape the vision and ADD to it. Golfers who do not have a clear vision progress more slowly.

CONFIDENCE & BELIEFS

A belief is simply an interpretation that you hold to be true. Our brains are wired for beliefs and when activated the body responds as if the belief is reality, producing behaviour. Our brains cannot distinguish external from internal ‘reality’. And here’s the KICKER – If we believe we ‘CANNOT’ play a certain shot, we will struggle every time we play it. By changing our beliefs inside, we can create a new reality which, in turn have a massive effect on what we are capable of.

Here’s an example:
You believe you are always unlucky when playing golf so you ignore and delete all fortunate breaks, instead highlighting all the tough breaks during your round. Often, your limiting beliefs only activate under certain circumstances, leading to a negative result under pressure such as a crucial putt, a drive on a certain hole or a game against a certain opponent. This leads to a negative affect on our emotions and behavior, demonstrated by negative thoughts, anxiety and tension. To describe how change is possible and how it links to beliefs think about Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile in 1954…medical experts thought it unsafe for anyone to try….fast forward a year, 300 runners broke 4 minutes.

Did they become fitter?

No, they changed their beliefs which led to a change in emotions and feelings which led to reaching new levels of performance.

You can too.!!!!

LEFT & RIGHT BRAIN

The right side of the brain is linked with ideal or peak performance. What does this mean for you and I? Well, simply because most of us are left brain dominant.

The left brain handles the processing of information, analytical thinking and verbal instruction. Our right brain specializes in Visuo-spatial relationships, images and non-verbal information.

So, for peak performance to occur we need to shift dominance to the right side of our brain. Let’s call the left side – the learning head and the right side – the playing head. So move away from logic, strategies, criticism, thinking of past/future events and work on feel, touch, tempo, creativity, vizualization & living in the present.

That will allow you to be self-confident, free from worry & destructive anxieties.

Watch out for the follow up post on how confidence is linked to beliefs.

GOAL SETTING – What are your goals? Did you know that for improvement to occur at the best rate you need long-term, intermediate and short-term goals? The specific types of goals you must combine are:
Outcome Goals – these focus on results and consequences.
Performance Goals – such as hitting 10 GIR’s.
Process Goals – such as remaining positive during an entire round of golf.
As long as the goals are realistic, goal setting can enhance performance in several ways.

What do you think these could be?

When setting goals remember to think SMART:

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Agreed & Achievable
4. Realistic
5. Time Phased

BARRIERS – What kind do you put up to stop you achieving you best golf. They can be split into 3 categories:
Physical, Emotional and Mental.
Physical barriers are poor diet, sleep habits and fitness for example.
Emotional barriers include low stress tolerance, impatience, frustration, lack of trust and low motivation
Mental barriers are having poor concentration & time management. Slow problem solving, lack of discipline and time spent practising.
What are your personal barriers???