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Expectations
An
expectation is a belief centered on the future. It is a belief that
may or may not be realistic, but more importantly in some situations
can give rise to lack of effort or disappointment.
Touch a
very hot object, and you will get burnt.
This is a reasonable prediction or expectation based on fact. The same
cannot be said for expectation in sport, where too many variable
factors come into play – opponent’s skill, conditions, fitness, mental
attitude, technique or motivation to name just a few.
Never
enter a match with expectations of the outcome.
Example:
Players enter a tournament. Of all the competitors, one particular
entrant is the favourite – everybody expects him to win. Having looked
at the draw sheet and listened to the observations of others, the
competitor himself expects to win. By the end of the day when all the
scores are in, he discovers several players have performed much better
and he’s not even in the reckoning.
There
are several issues here. Believing you will win -
-
gives
rise to lack of effort and attention.
-
indicates lack of respect for the ability of other competitors.
-
focuses the mind on the future, diminishing attention to the
present.
-
can
lead to stress and disappointment.
-
can
damage self-confidence.
A
competition must be won. Nobody has a divine right to win – no matter
how good they are. For the duration of an event all other competitors
are your enemy, even your friends, so take them seriously and always
treat them and the event with respect.
A
competition will be won by the competitor who demonstrates the best
technical and mental skills ON THE DAY.
Never
play a game with expectations about the conditions.
Assuming you know too much about a course can lead to trouble. Take a
36 hole competition where you have already played your first round.
Assuming the greens will play exactly the same in the afternoon can be
disastrous.
Throughout the day the greens will change.
-
Dozens of approach shots, followed by competitor’s feet pound the
putting surface.
-
The
grass will grow (believe it or not), and the nap (the direction in
which the blades of grass lean) will change to follow the sun,
slightly affecting the run of the ball.
-
The
surface may start off damp, speed up throughout the day, then get
damp again as evening approaches changing the speed and reaction
of
the ball.
-
Rain
will affect surfaces and ball flight.
-
Wind
will affect ball flight, but will also affect the drying time of
damp grass (as will sunlight).
Never
take things for granted. Make no assumptions and avoid disappointment.
Be
cautious with expectations of yourself.
It is
natural to expect a certain standard of play from yourself. But simply
expecting it could be unreasonable if for example –
-
You
have failed to put in the preparation (training, practice, routines
etc)
-
You
are struggling to achieve the correct mental attitude
-
You
are suffering from injury
-
The
conditions are difficult (i.e. bad weather)
-
You
are unwell
-
You
are fatigued
You
must always play within your capabilities and how conditions will
allow. Being realistic will help you remain calm and collected.
It is
most important to realise that your body and mind will become tired as
the day goes on. You should therefore be aware of the affects of
tiredness and play your game accordingly. Don't assume your thought
processes are immune to fatigue - ALWAYS PLAY WITHIN YOURSELF.
Remember
Expectation and Goal Setting do not make good companions. Expectation
is the belief something will happen, Goal Setting is the desire to
make something happen. |
