Golfers are a strange bunch. We do love this game yet we are so frustrated by it. If are round has more frustration than joy we grumble, growl and complain about our play and our score. On the other hand if the round has more joy than frustration we leave the course proud, laughing and wanting to get back soon.
You probably already realize that golf is an emotional rollercoaster. From shot to shot, hole to hole, round to round and season to season we are constantly riding up and down with our emotions and performance.
Over the course of time we develop an attitude that reflects our emotional state at any given time based on what we think of ourselves or our performance. Our body language, facial expressions and our speech tell others around us which attitude we showing at the moment.
Attitude makes all difference is an old saying. It applies to all aspects life and golf is no exception.
Hank Haney, one of Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers, has said that a student with a bad attitude is what he hates the most. A student that is too hard on themselves comes in a close second.
He feels like they have forgotten just how hard of a game that golf is and that overcoming struggles is as much a part of the game as driving or putting. The key to improvement is a positive attitude and a healthy work ethic.
What about you? When it comes to golf are you too hard on yourself?
Do you expect to play near perfect golf while carrying a 15 handicap? Seems unrealistic too me. Do you get down on yourself for mistakes? Even Tiger makes mistakes.
If you judge yourself too harshly and begin to criticize you and your performance this is destructive negative criticism. It ruins your attitude and creates shame needlessly. You are mentally saying to yourself that you are not good enough to perform the way you expect.
You can react differently and create a different outcome in the process. Try this mental toughness technique next time you’re on the course.
Mental Toughness Tip
The technique is called constructive self-criticism.
When you have just failed to please yourself instead of speaking negatively use more constructive language. By speaking positively you reach down into your personal pride. Instead of saying, “Gosh, I suck at this game” try “I know I’m can play better than this. I have before and there is no reason I can’t do it again now”.
You’ve seen great athletes do this for years. They are said to “reach down” or to be “playing with all heart”. They were able to do it because they fundamentally believed in themselves and refused to get on a negative train of thought about themselves or their ability.
You can do that too. Think positively. Speak positively. Play positively.
Whatever the final outcome you performance will be better than if you have taken the negative approach.
Emotions drive feelings and vice versa. Take charge of them by taking charge of your thinking and you will be able to better cope with the golf’s emotional rollercoaster.
