Posted by Dexter Francois
| Posted in
Mental Game,
Mike Southern,
My Rounds
| Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2011
I received a comment from Jordan, a fellow golf blogger, on the post in which I talked about setting new goals. I thought I would answer him with this post. You can check out his blog, Peerless Golf Experience. Lots of good information on how to keep your mind focused while on the golf course.
The last part of his comment was, "Obviously you worked hard on your game but did you try using any positive affirmations?"
I don't necessarily say positive affirmations, but I do try to keep my thoughts positive. I'm a big believer in the fact that our thoughts shape the outcomes in our lives. When I stand over a ball, I am thinking that I am about to hit a really good shot. If I'm thinking about what could go wrong, that is probably what will happen.
Another practice I'm into is visualization. At the beginning of the year, I began to see myself as a single digit golfer. I began to act like a single digit handicapper. The instruction I received from Mike added to my confidence. Once I received the proper tools to succeed, my belief became stronger because now I had a game plan.
I'll agree that positive affirmations work. Remember this little dynamo? The important thing is attaching some action to your affirmations. I used to say them and just wait for things to happen. It doesn't work that way. Once we have a thought, we must act on it. More action, more results.
As soon as I decided that I was going to be in the single digits, I began to do the things that would get me there. Things like practicing(the right way). Paying more attention to how the pros play the game. I really take note of what they do in certain situation and then when I'm in a similar situation, I try to mimic the action. I'm like a chameleon. I become that golfer for that shot.
Sounds a little wacky, but I believe it works. There are many ways to improve in whatever you are trying to do. This seems to be working for me so I'm going to stick with it. No more negative thoughts. No more doubts.
Once again I would like to thank Jordan for his comment. It made me think a little bit about my approach to the game. To all of you out there who are working on your golf game, let me know what techniques you are using to improve. Would love to hear your thoughts. Have a great round and always hit your target.
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Dexter,
Thanks for following up and doing so with a post. You've mentioned some really interesting things on ways you acted on your goals. Many golfers forget they need to take action on their goals. Things don't just happen out of nowhere as much as preachers of the Laws of Attraction will have you believe.
My question in your goal setting post was to see what else you did to achieve your goals and you have answered that nicely in this post. It was also in a way a precursor to my latest post about Scott Stallings and using a concrete item as a reminder of one’s goals.
You and you're readers should check that out here
http://peerlessgolf.ca/2011/08/how-to-positively-affirm-your-golfing-goals/
Anyways, your progress is inspiring and it's always so much better to hear about people getting better!
Thanks again for the kind words Jordan. I studied the Law Of Attraction but like you said, it kind of leaves you hanging if you don't explore further. It's a good starting point, but there is much more that goes into it "attracting" what one wants.
I try not to make anything too complicated. I try to see what I want. See myself doing it or having it, and then it's time to make it happen. Golf has taught me this and is why I'm thankful I was introduced to the game.
Looking forward to reading more of your articles. All the best.
Great post
Visualisation is something most average golfers fail to do. Glad you highlighted this fact. Good work
Hey Gareth. Big believer in visualization. I really try to create a concrete image in my mind of what I want to happen. It doesn't work out all the time, but with more practice, I believe that my skills will begin to match my expectations.
Thanks for this awesome article on Golf tips. Golf is one of my favorite sports to play and I took Golf Courses in Las Vegas, where I learned most of my knowledge on the sport. I think many should go to Las Vegas for Golf because it is truly a great scene to play in and you feel at home as well.
Hey Brooke. I have been to Vegas but have yet to play golf there. I've seen the pictures and many of the courses look awesome. Looking forward to the day I can play a few.