I like golf.
I like the anticipation of the game. I like setting it up with my friends. I like getting my gear ready. I like driving into the parking lot. I like carrying my gear to the first tee. I even like paying for the privilege of playing.
There is something about the game that has an allure to me.
Turning my cell phone off and having some “me” time. Joking around with my friends at the tees. Watching my friends succeed on the green. Walking through lovingly manicured courses. The anticipation that the shot that I am about to take may go where I want it to go.
My problem lies in the fact that I am not good at hitting the ball. As a lefty golfer I have developed a habit of hitting every drive that I make left instead of straight. Left into the rough. Left into the water. Left into the sand. And not just a little left – I am shooting left by 45 degrees or more. :S
What happens after I shoot left? The first 5 or 6 shots I can usually suppress my frustration but eventually it bubbles to the surface and my day is ruined. Friends cannot console me. The joy is gone but I play on like a man walking through a rain storm who is soaked to the bone.
So for a long time I did what any man would do. I would try harder. I would try to force my body to HIT THE BALL STRAIGHT!! I would practice harder and more often. I would contort my body in ways to make the ball do what I want it to do. I would turn my body so when I hit it left then at least it would be straight (this made it worse). All to no avail.
I just figured out my problem.
My problem is that I care where the ball goes more than I care about the process for getting the ball there.
Now I have a new plan – focus on the joy of the movement within the shot and stop caring about where the ball goes. My shot may not improve at all but by changing what I consider success to be I will find peace on the course. And this is my real success – peace.
I’ve never understood the fascination of hitting the little white ball 500 times (well 3 if your Tiger) to get it into a little hole in the ground. Pick it up, walk over and drop it in.
I think what draws people to the game is the social side of the game and the challenge of it.
Give it a try with some good friends.
I like this realization Jason. One of the authors I read quite a bit is William Glasser and he talks about two ways to change your chances of success when you are blocked:
1. Change the actions you are taking to be successful.
2. Change your definition of success.
Your decision to change your definition of success to increase your enjoyment is great! I also have a suspicion that once you change that success requirement and start enjoying the game more the shot will improve.
Jeremie