Commitment

Deciding your commitment to your sport is possibly the most important 'Sports Psychology' decision you will make.

If all you want out of golf is a bit of fun and relaxation then your approach should be entirely different to someone who wants to reach the top.

It is important to realise that excellence demands complete dedication. If you want to be a top golfer, then training to be a top golfer must be the most important thing in your life.

If your social life or friends are more important than your sport, you will find it difficult to devote the time and dedication you need to achieve excellence.

Once you have decided on your level of commitment adjust your training and expectations accordingly.

You have no right to be disappointed when things go wrong if you haven’t put in the preparation. You only get out of life what you are prepared to put in.

Ask yourself

“What do I want to achieve?” When you have considered the question, ask yourself “Why?”

Be honest with yourself. It is the only true way to establish whether your vision and intention are one and the same thing.

Be realistic

Your commitment will be tested time and time again. Golf by its nature will challenge your ability and determination. It is important to set yourself achievable goals in order to feel your commitment has been justified.

Remaining committed

Whenever your commitment is challenged, simply return to your two basic questions – “What do I want to achieve?” and “Why?” Reminding yourself of these facts will help pull you back on track. Remember, things that come easy are probably not worth having!

It doesn’t hurt to dream

Without dreams (imagination) advancement might be considered impossible. But there are different kinds of dreamers –

• A doer imagines what can be – an innovator, inventor or go-getter.

• A talker simply daydreams about what might be.

Throughout the ages, fantastic advancements have been the product imagination. Without vision (dreams) the human race might still be living in mud huts.

In this context, dreams may be considered as a visualisation of what you wish to become – an essential component to success. How do you imagine yourself?

Also see

Goal Setting

Distraction