Spring Cleaning the Golfer’s Mind: Adjusting the Spin Cycle of Self-Talk
Over a shot, our self-talk can either sabotage or create the conditions for success. The spinning wheel of thoughts directly influences our actions. For example:
-Thought: “I am a terrible putter”.
-Feeling/Emotion: Fear and hesitation over putts.
-Action: Increased grip pressure and decelerated putting stroke, resulting in a missed putt.
-Thought: “See, I told you I was a bad putter.”
The thought patterns can also spin in our favor, especially if we are aware, monitoring, and adjusting our perspective:
-Thought: “I am a good putter.”
-Feeling/Emotion: Confidence, quiet self-talk.
-Action: Tension-free, ideal motion, and the putt goes in.
-Thought: “See, I told you I was a good putter.”
or
-Thought: “This is my favorite hole.”
-Feeling/Emotion: Confidence, certain, committed to shot.
-Action: Effortless, efficient swing resulting in a good shot.
-Thought: “See, I really like this hole.”
Our perspective is key. Understanding this spin cycle of self-talk and polishing the dust of interference off the lens of perception gives us access to great golf. It’s time for mental spring cleaning on the links.
Dodie Mazzuca is the author of “Golf Sūtras,” “Daily Golf Tap-Ins,” and founder of Golf PROformance. She teaches golf lessons, golf schools, and performance coaching for competitive players in Santa Cruz, CA and Reno, NV.
Over a shot, our self-talk can either sabotage or create the conditions for success. The spinning wheel of thoughts directly influences our actions. For example:
-Thought: “I am a terrible putter”.
-Feeling/Emotion: Fear and hesitation over putts.
-Action: Increased grip pressure and decelerated putting stroke, resulting in a missed putt.
-Thought: “See, I told you I was a bad putter.”
The thought patterns can also spin in our favor, especially if we are aware, monitoring, and adjusting our perspective:
-Thought: “I am a good putter.”
-Feeling/Emotion: Confidence, quiet self-talk.
-Action: Tension-free, ideal motion, and the putt goes in.
-Thought: “See, I told you I was a good putter.”
or
-Thought: “This is my favorite hole.”
-Feeling/Emotion: Confidence, certain, committed to shot.
-Action: Effortless, efficient swing resulting in a good shot.
-Thought: “See, I really like this hole.”
Our perspective is key. Understanding this spin cycle of self-talk and polishing the dust of interference off the lens of perception gives us access to great golf. It’s time for mental spring cleaning on the links.