The first thing to do is to determine what your mental stumbling blocks are. Take note of your limiting thoughts about the golf course or how you view your upcoming round. For example, you might think; “I am nervous playing with better players.”
Most golfers are intimidated by playing with better golfers. During the round, they worry about what the better golfer might think of them and their game. This kind of thinking causes anxiety and a lack of mental and emotional control.
Decide what is under your control and what is not.
The ability and the way someone else plays the game is not under your control. However, letting go of worry and thoughts about someone else’s game is under your control.
Instead of dwelling on something outside of you that you can’t control, reframe it into a new perspective that will reinforce a positive focus on attaining your inner control. Anytime you determine that a thought is outside of your control, use it as a cue to give yourself a positive, constructive message where you can influence or control yourself positively.
Some examples are:
- I give my full intention and attention to each shot.
- I play my best by thinking and executing one shot at a time.
- I am decisive in preparing for each shot.
- I use a consistent pre-shot routine for every shot and putt, visualizing and feeling each one.
- I relax between shots by keeping the conversation light, breathing deeply and feeling the joy of swinging with ease.
- I stay relaxed to keep a good swing tempo for maximizing my physical skills.
- I love all the challenges of playing a round of golf.
The only thing you can control is yourself. Do not give any mental or emotional energy to what you cannot control.This includes the condition of the golf course, the weather conditions, your playing partners’ behavior or their scores. Spend your energy on preparing for your shot, sticking to your game plan, your own awareness and changing negative perceptions to positive thoughts.
Play “In the Zone” with Joan
Entrain Your Heart & Mind for Peak Performances
To train your brain to believe in your abilities, listen to PMI self-hypnosis CDs in the privacy of your own home. You can order today at http://www.pmi4.com/cart
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