Transcript
I’m often asked about how to improve my focus on the course and in this video, I’ll address it by telling you that what you think is a “focus” problem is really a “motivation” issue. Yep, you heard me and I know you’ll agree when you follow my logic here.
so here it is, you go out on the course and when you stick to your pre shot routine and block out distractions and key in on your swing key and go through a consistent set of motions, you tend to get consistent results right? And then, when something knocks you off track like a bad shot or poor score on a hole, you lose your focus, right? Your emotions get out of hand, your mind starts coming up with negative thoughts about your game and all sorts of “interference” wrecks your swing and putting stroke.
Well here’s the interesting observation I’ve made over the years of working with golfers mental game. I’ve heard this story about needing to focus from doctors, high-level executives, and every sort of very successful people in various careers…here it comes….wait for it…. where they all had to use EXTREME focus for prolonged periods of time in order to achieve that success.
…and then they tell me that they have a FOCUS problem!
I don’t buy it! They all know how to focus fantastically. The kinds of distractions you’ve experienced on the golf course is NOTHING like what you face in your vocation or calling and yet, we say we have a focusing problem. No you don’t. The big difference is in your career, you have a very strong motivation to call on your ability to focus.
Often if you don’t call on it, you might get fired or at least have some sort of serious repercussion if you don’t. In your career, you’re completely driven and in the present moment dealing with every facet of what you do hour by hour.
On the golf course, however…it’s just a game. The motivation to call up that internal power you have and have used time and time again just isn’t there and so your mind wanders and is weak out there on the course. You would never have that kind of mental weakness in your career because, well frankly, it’s not tolerated out there.
Right now, I want you to go back to a time in your career (maybe it was yesterday) where you used your excellent ability to focus…and you got things done. And you did it for an extended period of time. Can you see it or feel that right now?
Don’t ask how to improve your focus…ask yourself how motivated am I to call upon what I already know how to do.
I’m Craig Sigl, mental toughness trainer
greens and fairways
Thanks Craig, You have confirmed what I already know (and invariably fail to utilise). I will work on building in an (or several) appropriate concentration trigger/s to my pre-shot routine
You’re welcome S.carson! I sincerely believe that we all have the answers within us to get through our blocks and achieve our goals. Sometimes, we just need a 3rd party to point it out. Glad I could help.
Greens and Fairways,
Craig
Thanks Craig
Interesting analysis. Can it be narrowed to a specific problem in my game, I.e. Chipping? It is poor, unlike my driving, irons and putting. I have a totally different feel standing over chips versus all other shots.
Laren
Hi Laren,
Of course it can. Take some time to go back and re-live a moment when you were extremely focused in your vocation…. Really get into it. Work on bringing that up and feeling it. Every time you really get there, say out loud: “Focus”
When it comes time for chipping on the course, think about that time and say out loud: “Focus” and bring that state back so you can do what you need to do to execute the shot.
Greens and Fairways,
Craig
Thanks Craig, I will try this next round.
m now playing to 10 but played to 7 for over 20yrs , so I have some consistent swing but I am currently incapable of playing through the round without making a mistake. PS it needn’t be a serious one as I have lost balls in recent rounds with “perfect” shots to blind holes only to find or not find the ball! My confidence is zapped, as I am always waiting for the least mistake. PS I play on the best golf course in the UK but sometimes I wish I could play on one that was fairer!
I hear you Ken, and I understand the struggle completely. First off, you are in good company. All of us are incapable of going through a round without making a mistake. Maybe that’s part of the problem, thinking that you shouldn’t make mistakes. Let that go. Certainly using my focus techniques (more coming soon) will help. The next things to work on are getting rid of the fear of making those mistakes and learning how to play unconscious (automatic) golf. I address those issues here:
1. http://golfshortcutsecrets.com/videos/from-range-to-course-part-1/ (for getting over the fear)
and
2. http://golfshortcutsecrets.com/videos/consistency-part-1-unconscious-golf/ (for playing unconscious golf)
Greens and Fairways,
Craig
Excellent video.
Thanks Jack. Appreciate the comment. Keeps me going knowing somebody is getting value!
Greens and Fairways,
Craig