I was just going through the thread about the compliments that we have received about our games that have encouraged us.It sparked a thought in me of a past memory while watching the 97 US Open golf tournament.They were doing a short devotional on Ken Venturi's life as a golfer and the hardships he went through.Ken himself was a big part of this.He said many things about different aspects of his life,but one thing he said really stuck out to me.He said "When I was a young player,maybe 18 or so,I would run up to my Dad and rant and rave about how good I was.Then one day my Dad my Dad stopped,looked me in the eye and said,'Son,when you play good,all you want to do is tell everyone.But when you play GREAT,everyone will tell you!'"
Reason I bring this up is because I think so many great players in all sports struggle with this at some point or another.It has to do with recognition.In my own experience I can honestly say that I have struggled with this.I was very hungry for other peoples approval of my game.I knew that I was a very good player,but I had a hard time playing in front of people under pressure.When I heard Ken Venturi say this on TV,a light went on and something made sense.
Then there was another line that I will never forget as long as I live.It was in a movie called 'With Honors'.Joe Pesci was a bum and he was talking to Brandon Frazier about some deep mental hangups in people.He concluded by saying to Frazier "I'm not a loser,I'm a quitter.You,well you just try too hard!Winners,hell,they don't even know they are in a race,they just LOVE to run!
Has any advice that anybody ever given you really enhanced the mental side of your game?Maybe it was a line from a movie or some sports commentary?Maybe from a personal friend or family member?It would be nice to hear some comments on this.
Reason I bring this up is because I think so many great players in all sports struggle with this at some point or another.It has to do with recognition.In my own experience I can honestly say that I have struggled with this.I was very hungry for other peoples approval of my game.I knew that I was a very good player,but I had a hard time playing in front of people under pressure.When I heard Ken Venturi say this on TV,a light went on and something made sense.
Then there was another line that I will never forget as long as I live.It was in a movie called 'With Honors'.Joe Pesci was a bum and he was talking to Brandon Frazier about some deep mental hangups in people.He concluded by saying to Frazier "I'm not a loser,I'm a quitter.You,well you just try too hard!Winners,hell,they don't even know they are in a race,they just LOVE to run!
Has any advice that anybody ever given you really enhanced the mental side of your game?Maybe it was a line from a movie or some sports commentary?Maybe from a personal friend or family member?It would be nice to hear some comments on this.
