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TRYING Won't Get You on the PGA Tour

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Dr. Shannon Reece
Dr. Shannon Reece

Find out why TRYING will NOT improve your golf game. In light of the ongoing Masters Tournament, this is a timely post to highlight the difference between the approach of the elite golfer and the average golfer. Discover the secret to success that requires a simple shift in your approach to the game.

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http://trainingforoptimalperformance.com/why-trying-wont-get-you-on-the-pga-tour/ April 22, 2013 TRYING Won’t Get You On the PGA Tour With everyone’s attention tied to the Master’s, where the elite come to test their mettle, it’s important to point out that we are witnessing doer’s, not players who have spent careers “trying” to win a coveted Green Jacket. Words Can Hurt Your Golf Game There’s a big misunderstanding when it comes to the meaning and value of the word “TRY.” I work with lots of golfers who believe that trying hard to play better is sufficient, when it absolutely is NOT! What I mean is that trying only represents an attempt at achievement, rather than a commitment to success. And in golf, trying just isn’t enough if you truly want to succeed. Winners don’t settle for vernacular that limits their potential. Whether you realize it or not, there’s a big difference between trying and doing. When you try, you are only giving yourself a 50/50 chance of success. So if you feel like you’ve been working hard at your game, but are experiencing ongoing frustration over the lack of results, keep reading. Two Fundamental Problems with TRYING Problem #1 - Trying essentially gives you an out when you fail — After all, you tried, right? You gave it a shot, so what more can you ask of yourself? Indulging in that line of thinking and expecting to improve doesn’t work. That path will only lead to more inconsistency, and failed attempts. Problem #2 - Trying will prevent you from fully committing to a single plan, direction, or shot. It enables you to entertain doubt and provides for the existence of an alternative. Having a Plan B in the back of your mind is distracting and potentially debilitating. It will undermine your dedication to Plan A. Think about what happens when you approach a shot with any amount of self-doubt — whether it’s your read on a putt, the club choice you’ve made, or your ability to execute the shot you’ve selected for this moment. If you don’t give yourself permission to step away from address when troubling thoughts arise to reset your thinking and re-commit to a single, successful outcome, you risk delivering sub-par performance. You can’t be thinking, “well, if this doesn’t work out, then…” if you expect to deliver a well-executed shot. When you wonder if there is a better option, or know you’ve got a second ball in your pocket just in case disaster strikes, how can you possibly commit 100% to the shot at hand? “Trying” opens the door to doubt, fear, uncertainty and failure.
Winners operate from a “no option to fail mission” one shot at a time. If, after giving absolutely everything you had to give and things don’t pan out, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board and establish a new Plan A. Never should you entertain a Plan B. It’s Time to Start Doing If you aren’t completely satisfied with your golf performance, the first thing you must examine is your thinking. Most golfers spend hours analyzing their technique, never considering that their thinking might actually be the true culprit. Your thoughts direct your actions, therefore poor thinking will lead to poor performance. It’s that simple. Spend some time examining your approach to your biggest challenges. Are you committing to one plan, with an expectation of a successful outcome, no matter what? Or are you hedging your bets with a backup, just in case? Are you hoping that your effort will pay off? Consider the impact that “trying” is having on your game. If you desire to reach your full potential in golf, then make sure you are 100% on board to succeed, rather than merely giving it a try. When you embrace success as the singular option in the face of any challenge, more often than not your performance will follow that line of thinking. Identify your long-term goals in the game, map out a very specific plan to get from where you are to where you want to go, and don’t settle for average performance in your game from the range to the course. When you embark on your own “no option to fail mission,” and focus on leveraging your greatest assets in the game, you will find a way to cross your finish line. If you want to learn more about shedding your limiting beliefs, and tapping into your true potential, Contact Me today. Dr. Shannon Reece (17 Posts) Dr. Shannon Reece is a top mental game coach and founder of Training for Optimal Performance - The Top Institute in Sport, Business & Life. A graduate of University of Virginia's master's and doctoral Sport Psychology programs, Dr. Reece had the opportunity to study under Dr. Bob Rotella. Her passion is teaching junior, amateur and professional golfers how to unleash and engage their inner arsenal of tools to consistently perform at the top of their game. Find out more at http://thetopinstitute.com Like this post? Please share it...
TRYING Won't Get You on the PGA Tour

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TRYING Won't Get You on the PGA Tour

  • 1. http://trainingforoptimalperformance.com/why-trying-wont-get-you-on-the-pga-tour/ April 22, 2013 TRYING Won’t Get You On the PGA Tour With everyone’s attention tied to the Master’s, where the elite come to test their mettle, it’s important to point out that we are witnessing doer’s, not players who have spent careers “trying” to win a coveted Green Jacket. Words Can Hurt Your Golf Game There’s a big misunderstanding when it comes to the meaning and value of the word “TRY.” I work with lots of golfers who believe that trying hard to play better is sufficient, when it absolutely is NOT! What I mean is that trying only represents an attempt at achievement, rather than a commitment to success. And in golf, trying just isn’t enough if you truly want to succeed. Winners don’t settle for vernacular that limits their potential. Whether you realize it or not, there’s a big difference between trying and doing. When you try, you are only giving yourself a 50/50 chance of success. So if you feel like you’ve been working hard at your game, but are experiencing ongoing frustration over the lack of results, keep reading. Two Fundamental Problems with TRYING Problem #1 - Trying essentially gives you an out when you fail — After all, you tried, right? You gave it a shot, so what more can you ask of yourself? Indulging in that line of thinking and expecting to improve doesn’t work. That path will only lead to more inconsistency, and failed attempts. Problem #2 - Trying will prevent you from fully committing to a single plan, direction, or shot. It enables you to entertain doubt and provides for the existence of an alternative. Having a Plan B in the back of your mind is distracting and potentially debilitating. It will undermine your dedication to Plan A. Think about what happens when you approach a shot with any amount of self-doubt — whether it’s your read on a putt, the club choice you’ve made, or your ability to execute the shot you’ve selected for this moment. If you don’t give yourself permission to step away from address when troubling thoughts arise to reset your thinking and re-commit to a single, successful outcome, you risk delivering sub-par performance. You can’t be thinking, “well, if this doesn’t work out, then…” if you expect to deliver a well-executed shot. When you wonder if there is a better option, or know you’ve got a second ball in your pocket just in case disaster strikes, how can you possibly commit 100% to the shot at hand? “Trying” opens the door to doubt, fear, uncertainty and failure.
  • 2. Winners operate from a “no option to fail mission” one shot at a time. If, after giving absolutely everything you had to give and things don’t pan out, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board and establish a new Plan A. Never should you entertain a Plan B. It’s Time to Start Doing If you aren’t completely satisfied with your golf performance, the first thing you must examine is your thinking. Most golfers spend hours analyzing their technique, never considering that their thinking might actually be the true culprit. Your thoughts direct your actions, therefore poor thinking will lead to poor performance. It’s that simple. Spend some time examining your approach to your biggest challenges. Are you committing to one plan, with an expectation of a successful outcome, no matter what? Or are you hedging your bets with a backup, just in case? Are you hoping that your effort will pay off? Consider the impact that “trying” is having on your game. If you desire to reach your full potential in golf, then make sure you are 100% on board to succeed, rather than merely giving it a try. When you embrace success as the singular option in the face of any challenge, more often than not your performance will follow that line of thinking. Identify your long-term goals in the game, map out a very specific plan to get from where you are to where you want to go, and don’t settle for average performance in your game from the range to the course. When you embark on your own “no option to fail mission,” and focus on leveraging your greatest assets in the game, you will find a way to cross your finish line. If you want to learn more about shedding your limiting beliefs, and tapping into your true potential, Contact Me today. Dr. Shannon Reece (17 Posts) Dr. Shannon Reece is a top mental game coach and founder of Training for Optimal Performance - The Top Institute in Sport, Business & Life. A graduate of University of Virginia's master's and doctoral Sport Psychology programs, Dr. Reece had the opportunity to study under Dr. Bob Rotella. Her passion is teaching junior, amateur and professional golfers how to unleash and engage their inner arsenal of tools to consistently perform at the top of their game. Find out more at http://thetopinstitute.com Like this post? Please share it...