Creating a New Normal

Yesterday I promised a few tips on how to make changes to what you view as “normal”. Remember, this is important to shoot better scores because we must view the scores we want to shoot as normal. Let’s review our same example. Take a golfer who shoots 95 on a regular basis. Then they go out and fire their best round ever, an 85. Most players will chalk it up to luck and go right back to shooting 95 because that is “normal” to them. The subconscious part of our brains likes to keep things the same. What we must learn to do is intentionally change our “normal”. Is this making sense?

Remember a few weeks back when I wrote about Walt Disney and his process of creating the first Magic Kingdom. The creative process starts in our heads with an idea. That idea turns into words. The words eventually lead to actions that move us toward the goal.

Now let’s apply these concepts to playing better golf.

If you wish to create a new normal, you must go through the same process Walt Disney went through to create a Magic Kingdom. The new “normal” will start in your mind. Think about your target score. Visualize adding up the score card to that number. Imagine doing it time and time again. Start to believe that your game can improve to that new level.

The thoughts then need to translate into words. Next time someone asks, “What do you shoot?” You can answer, “My average round this year has been 95 but I’m working really hard to improve that number by 10 strokes in the next 12 months.” You were honest about your current scores but you also reinforced the goal you are working towards.

The final piece here is to start taking actions that support your new “normal”. We can’t just wish for things to change, we must take action. Action is always the key. Identify weaknesses in your game and work on them. Identify strengths in your game and make them even stronger. Start taking quick notes on the course so you know how many fairways and greens you hit. Keep track of putts. All this info can be reviewed later and it will become obvious where your time and energy needs to be spent. Become a student of you and your game. This is where mental toughness in golf begins. Collect the necessary data.

Through time, your internal beliefs will translate into external change as long as your actions stay in line. Now get to work and decide where your game is headed in the next 12 months. I sure know where mine is going!

See you next time.

Mike Snyder

Oh and 1 more thing. When people ask you why your scores have dropped, tell them you found a great website called “Great Golfer Within .com”!!