As we already discussed in Module 2, goals for your round should be aspects of your performance that you have complete control over, not your score or anything else that is uncertain.
Your Performance Process
Your “Performance Process” is be your anchor or “playbook” under pressure. It tells you the best thing to do in any moment, to give you the best chance of getting your desired outcome.
Instead of letting your mind drift onto things that are just a distraction and that will take your focus away from your process (i.e. results and your ego), train yourself to bring your attention back to it.
Your process reminds you of what you need to focus on to execute each shot as best you can and control your performance state.
Let’s spend some time defining your performance process, or “mental framework”. What are the most important things for you to execute or focus on during each round, that are 100% in your control? By focusing on what you can control, you will reduce performance anxiety and increase your focus on what is most important.
Once, you’ve finished the training program, fill out the following template (I’ll remind you at the end):
Evening before
What will you do the evening before to stay relaxed and get yourself ready?
Morning of
What will you do the morning to stay relaxed and get yourself ready?
Pre Round
What can you do before your rounds to make you feel confident and prepared? How will you deal with any doubts or feelings? Will your Pre Round Preparation vary?
Pre Shot
What is it best for you to focus on as you prepare for the shot?
During the shot
Where will your focus be during your swing?
Post shot
How will you respond to the outcome of your shots?
In between shots
What will you focus on in between shots? Will you have mantras to say, talk to your playing partners, pay attention to your senses or your breathing.
Post round
How will you review your rounds and measure your success?
The Mental Game Scorecard
The goal of your mental game scorecard is to keep you focused on your “performance process” during your rounds. You can download it by clicking this link.
The Mental Game Scorecard template will allow you to enter 4 process goals that you consider to be most important.
After each hole you will give yourself a point for each process goal you successfully achieved. You’ll have a total of 72 points available for 18 holes (4 on each hole).
Examples of shot routine process goals are:
- Clear visualization of the shot shape and target (clear intention)
- Feeling centered and balanced before pulling the trigger
- A deep breath before walking into the ball
- Choosing to respond well to poorly hit shot
- Making tension-free swings with a good tempo
- Aligning properly to every shot
- Engaging with the target
- Quietening your mind during the engagement phase of your routine
- Accepting every shot
Examples of in between shot goals:
Being optimistic
Strong body language
Being present
I’ve put together another version of the Mental Game Scorecard which focuses solely on the Pre Shot Routine. This is a good tool for practice rounds, to improve your focus during your shots. To download this version, please click here.
Your process goals don’t have to be set in stone but stick to them for at least a few rounds. We can review and refine them during the post round review.
Have a Great Attitude
“A bad attitude is worse than a bad swing” – Payne Stewart
A great game + A great attitude = A great player
Attitude is so important and can make the difference between success and failure. The good news is that attitude is a choice and can be improved. Choosing to be negative and playing the victim and saying things to yourself such as, “why does this always happen to me?” will keep you in a rut of negative thinking and poor performance. Instead, choose to be positive, optimistic and adaptable. No matter how you’re playing, you’re learning and growing as a player if you can keep a good attitude and an open mind. All the great players have a winner’s attitude. If you only achieve one goal in your round, make it this one.
All rounds and shots are equally important
It’s only you that attaches more importance to one shot vs another, or one round vs another. A 10 foot putt to win is the same challenge as a 10ft putt for birdie on the first hole. Playing a local tournament is the same challenge as playing in the state finals. The golf ball doesn’t know what tournament it is or whether it’s a putt for birdie or bogey.
When you perceive a tournament, round or shot to be more important than others and verbalize by saying things such as “this is a big tournament” or “this is a huge putt”, it’s going to add pressure and performance anxiety. Treat them equally – as if they are all rounds of golf and each shot is just as important as any other.
Be Grateful
As we discussed in the last module, it’s always a good perspective to be thankful and have an “attitude of gratitude” while playing. Put the game of golf in perspective – there are far worse
things that you could be doing than being outside in beautiful surroundings and being healthy enough to play. Ask yourself what you are grateful for about this round that has nothing to do with the end result. By doing so, you’ll take some pressure away from having to play well to make it time well spent.
Positive Affirmations
As we discussed in Module 4, self-talk and the story we tell ourselves daily can, overtime, become our belief system. The good news is that we can create a new reality and beliefs about ourselves by choosing more positive self-talk or affirmations. As you drive to the golf course or after your morning meditation, make some positive statements about yourself, such as:
- I know I have the skills to play well
- I am so lucky to be able to play this game!
- I know how to play well under pressure
- The challenge of competition raises my game
- I have amazing touch around the greens and can get up and down from anywhere
- I am a powerful driver
- I am a calm, composed and confident player
- I love the challenge of this game!