Prepare your mind with pre-shot and post-shot golf routines

The way to prepare your mind to play golf with lower scores, is by using a consistent pre-shot routine on every shot whether it is a tee shot or a putt. Using a consistent routine keeps you focused in the moment so your mind won’t be distracted. 

Why have a pre-shot routine?  (www.pmi4.com, Archived Newsletters, February 2005)

• The pre-shot routine prepares your mind and body to hit a shot.
• A consistent pre-shot routine will produce consistent results.
• The pre-shot routine moves you from the thinking phase to the automatic doing phase.
• The pre-shot routine keeps you engrossed in the moment and your thoughts away from the pressure of thinking about the results.
• The pre-shot routine is a signal to your unconscious mind to get ready to perform.
• The pre-shot routine is a series of actions to get you totally absorbed in the process of getting the ball to the target.

Why have a post-shot routine?

A repetitive post-shot routine helps you to build positive mental consistency. After the shot is hit, the post-shot routine prepares your mind to let go of a missed shot, or to anchor a successful shot into your subconscious mind. Our minds are very active and the memories we remember the most are the ones connected to good feelings or negative feelings. Repetition of a positive post-shot routine will also result in more self confidence.

Anchor your good shots. Anyone who has had a hole-in-one can describe in great detail where, when, and how it happened. Why? Because of the wonderful feeling of excitement generated which anchored the experience into your memory bank. If a shot comes off as  planned, anchor it by replaying it in your mind with a good feeling, good visualization and a physical trigger such as a smile or fist pump.

Let go of your miss-hits.   Use these steps to release the emotions of a miss-hit and focus on the process of creating the next shot:

1. Release your frustration and anger by exhaling a swear word. It has been proven that this works.
2. Take a deep breath to calm your mind and release the body tension.
3. Do not try and analyze what went wrong with your swing.
4. Step aside and swing the club you used until you feel the swing you wanted.
5. Focus on accessing your timing and tempo.
6. Visualize the ball going to the target.
7. Anchor the good feelings and visualization.
8. Don’t move on down the fairway until you have completed your post-shot routine.

Play “In the Zone” with Joan

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Improve your mental golf game now by listening to PMI self-hypnosis CDs in the privacy of your own home. You can order today at http://www.pmi4.com/cart