{"id":3028,"date":"2020-08-02T14:14:44","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T17:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/positivementalimagery.com\/blog\/?p=3028"},"modified":"2020-08-02T14:14:44","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T17:44:44","slug":"how-do-i-play-golf-one-shot-at-a-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/positivementalimagery.com\/blog\/how-do-i-play-golf-one-shot-at-a-time\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I play golf one shot at a time?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Golf is called a mental game because you need to manage your thoughts to play well. Internal or external distractions keep golfers from playing at their peak performance levels. Your mind is most alert and calm when you are focused on the present moment and not thinking about the past or the future which will result in performance anxiety.<\/p>\n

In sports, concentration is more difficult because it is done under self-inflicted pressure. Pressure causes anxiety and anxiety is a distraction. Internal or external distractions keep golfers from playing at their peak performance levels. Anyone who is playing to their peak potential is perfectly focused.<\/p>\n

Concentration is a mindset that you can develop as well as any professional. Lack of concentration\/focus is due to many factors; including tension, being too involved with your score, correcting, finding or improving your swing, indecision, negative thinking, \u00a0fear of missing a shot, fear of keeping a good round going, etc. The list is endless.<\/p>\n

Concentration is not thinking. It is not an analytical process where you think about what is going on, what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future. When you are concentrating, the past and future thoughts disappear, and you are experiencing the process of creating your golf shot in the present. It happens when you focus your attention on one image, object, experience, or line of thought as it is taking place. Your pre-shot routine prepares you to concentrate in the moment.<\/p>\n

Your pre-shot routine is the map that gives direction to your brain about the shot you are going to hit. For your results to be consistent, your routine prior to swinging must be the same every time. The more you are absorbed in your preparation for the shots, the less you are distracted. When you focus on executing your pre-shot routine precisely the same way every time, concentration\/focus just happens. Then there is no worry, no anxiety and you are in total control with your mind and body entrained.<\/p>\n

The ability to focus your mind is all-important in achieving a successful performance.\u00a0 For most people, concentration constantly shifts from outside of you between shots to inside yourself for the actual shot.\u00a0 Watching an engrossing movie, your attention is focused on the action. In the same way, planning a golf shot can be just as engrossing. Focus your full attention along with your full intention on what you want to happen. Stay committed to your mental and physical pre-shot routines. This will keep you calm, in control, and focused on hitting one shot at a time.<\/p>\n

A mind that is busy, restless or indecisive will find it difficult to concentrate on one shot at a time. The first step toward improved concentration would be to quiet your mind.\u00a0 When it is your turn to hit, \u201cturn on\u201d your focus by going into your established pre-shot routine to keep your mind from wandering.<\/p>\n