Playing golf is more than the technical and physical aspects of the game. We have discussed some of the mental challenges you can face on the golf course in previous articles but if you want to improve your golf in 2019, you need to adopt the best mindset for golf.
In terms of playing golf, there are two different mindsets, one of which you can choose to adopt. The first is the fixed mindset and this is the belief you cannot improve or develop your game any further.
Not only that, the fixed mindset means you are happy to stay at your current level and will only play against other golfers you know you can defeat. If you are afraid to challenge yourself or play against a player who is superior, you could be stuck on the fixed mindset.
Be honest with yourself and think back to your approach to golf last year. Did you only play golf against those you know you could beat? Did you think there was no room for improvement in your game?
If so, you can change your approach in 2019 by adopting the growth mindset.
The growth mindset involves the belief that there is always room for improvement. Skills can be developed by working hard and learning. If you believe you are stuck with the fixed mindset, there are a few things you can do which will help you change towards a growth mindset.
The first is to adopt an ‘I can’ and ‘I will’ attitude. Use these words on a daily basis when talking about your golf. If you think to yourself ‘I might work on my iron play today’, there is a good chance you are not going to do it. However, if you say, ‘I will work on and improve my iron play today’, you immediately change your frame of mind.
When you take time to practice your golf, always appreciate the effort you are putting in to improve. The results may not be obvious immediately so always give yourself a pat on the back for your work and dedication, even if you are not showing any signs of immediate improvement. That will come over time.
To really get into the growth mindset, you must challenge yourself and that means choosing a difficult opponent occasionally. Look at the leaderboard in the clubhouse and see which player you can challenge higher up than you. You do not have to play the best player at the club but look for someone who is higher than yourself.
Think about it as a chance to learn from someone who is playing at the level you know you can reach with more practice. Take the opportunity to learn and do not be afraid to ask questions about their approach to different shots at the end of the round.
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