How to execute and deal with change
IN this month’s article I want to introduce you to ‘Secret 6’ and what happens when CHANGE occurs. We humans are creatures of habit and are far happier in our comfort zone than stretching out and trying something new. Many of us understand the theory of ‘fear and flight’ and that a quick decision to run was very necessary in cave man days; especially if there was the possibility that a Sabre Tooth tiger was approaching and considering you for their lunch menu!
To simplify what is going on in your brain when this happens – and indeed your body as your physiology has a large part to play in any emotionally charged situation – ‘emotional decisions’ take far less time than engaging your intellect to make a decision.
Although there is only a millisecond of difference; thousands of years ago this could have meant the difference between life and death – nowadays on the golf course it just feels like it! These emotional and physical reactions have evolved to fit in with modern-day living, but we can still experience ‘fear and flight’.
Emotionally reacting and just wanting to get out of a situation is still a feeling many of us can relate to, especially on the course – you act upon these feelings, because evolution has taught us that it is better to get out of perceived danger quickly.
What is important is to get what is going on into perspective so that it does not ruin your game of golf! A purely emotional response to a situation will only give rise to a poorly executed shot because you are rushing. It is fine if you are
running to save your life from an ensuing man-eating animal, but you do not need to react quite so quickly on a course.
You can take your time. This is where a strong sense of self-belief is so important to support you in these situations. You have as much right to be on that golf course as your playing partners so why should you rush? Often when golfers find themselves in an emotionally charged situation; first tee nerves, facing a water hazard, stuck in out of bounds. They are just desperate to get it over and done with and move on as quickly as possible.
This does not help them to achieve the results they are looking for in playing great golf. Reacting quickly just compounds the problem. So let’s re-visit one of the most frequently asked questions that I come across to see how this works.
‘How do I overcome my nerves while standing on the 1st tee with everyone looking at me?’
Now you understand what happens to you when you make an emotional decision and how this does not help your golf. It is time to CHANGE, slow down and give yourself more time to get the results that you are looking for. Learning how to compose yourself in any anxious situation, controlling your emotional responses, and allowing your intellect enough time to give you a truer picture of what is going on will enable your positive self-talk to provide the logical reassurance you
need to play your next shot well.
The physiological side of your game will also come in line by taking a deep, calming breath, allowing your body to follow suit and by relaxing instead of becoming tense. This is essential for a good swing and will help you hit a more
consistent and drive every time – even off the 1st tee!
‘That’s easier said than done’ I hear you cry ‘but how do I achieve this time and time again?’
Unfortunately, I do not have enough space here to go through some of my tried and tested exercises and techniques, but in workbook six of my new online programme at www.confidencecaddie.com you can learn physical and mental exercises to incorporate into your pre-set up routine that will help this became an automatic response.
If you start to feel the physiological changes associated with ‘fear and flight’; such as a sweaty palm or your heart beginning to race, these exercises will stop them taking hold. It will become as effortless as changing the gears on your car has become.
Don’t forget to register for your FREE fortnighly tips on the home page of playgreatgolf.co.uk Make 2008 the year you get your mind to work ‘for you’ and ‘with you’ on the course!