Just wanted to share parts of the awesome book "Golf is not a game of perfect" by Bob Rotella. This book has really made a big difference in my approach to the game. And I would recommend this audiobook to everyone who would like to improve their mind set and mental game. Once you've listened to it a couple of times you'll see the behaviour he's describing in people you play and during tournaments. And you can really get an edge if you create a mind set and use it!
It has taken time and you really need to practice the mental game just as much as everything else and it takes time but it is worth it. Here are some parts from the book:
Golf is not a Game of Perfect!
Amateurs tend to criticize them selves harder than the pros'.
“No matter what happens with any shot you hit, accept it. Acceptance is the last step in a sound routine”
Good golfers have to get over the notion that they only want to win by hitting perfect shots. They have to learn to enjoy winning ugly. And that entails acceptance of all the shots they hit, not just the good ones.
The best golfers strive to minimise their mistakes, but they don’t expect to eliminate them. And they understand that it’s most important to respond well to the mistakes they inevitably do make.
If you want to eliminate anything, eliminate smothering perfectionism.
You must throw away your expectations when you walk onto a golf course and just play.
You must become your own best friend and not berate yourself constantly during practice and play. You have to be non-judgemental, be honest with yourself and work on your weaknesses but not on the golf course. There you must stay optimistic and enthusiastic.
Acceptance allows a golfer to be patient and patience is one of the necessary virtues in golf.
Golf is not a game of justice.
You have to learn how to wait. But you have to learn to wait with confidence.
A successful player has to develop the ability to evaluate himself objectively to work harder when he needs more practice, but to ease up when he’s tempted to push too hard.
You have to remember to throw away expectations, just to have fun and see what’s the lowest score you can shoot. You have to attend to the process and not concern yourself with the results.
Link to audio book:
http://www.amazon.com/Golf-Is-Not-Game-Perfect/dp/B0000547FP
It has taken time and you really need to practice the mental game just as much as everything else and it takes time but it is worth it. Here are some parts from the book:
Golf is not a Game of Perfect!
Amateurs tend to criticize them selves harder than the pros'.
“No matter what happens with any shot you hit, accept it. Acceptance is the last step in a sound routine”
Good golfers have to get over the notion that they only want to win by hitting perfect shots. They have to learn to enjoy winning ugly. And that entails acceptance of all the shots they hit, not just the good ones.
The best golfers strive to minimise their mistakes, but they don’t expect to eliminate them. And they understand that it’s most important to respond well to the mistakes they inevitably do make.
If you want to eliminate anything, eliminate smothering perfectionism.
You must throw away your expectations when you walk onto a golf course and just play.
You must become your own best friend and not berate yourself constantly during practice and play. You have to be non-judgemental, be honest with yourself and work on your weaknesses but not on the golf course. There you must stay optimistic and enthusiastic.
Acceptance allows a golfer to be patient and patience is one of the necessary virtues in golf.
Golf is not a game of justice.
You have to learn how to wait. But you have to learn to wait with confidence.
A successful player has to develop the ability to evaluate himself objectively to work harder when he needs more practice, but to ease up when he’s tempted to push too hard.
You have to remember to throw away expectations, just to have fun and see what’s the lowest score you can shoot. You have to attend to the process and not concern yourself with the results.
Link to audio book:
http://www.amazon.com/Golf-Is-Not-Game-Perfect/dp/B0000547FP
