
We are in the thick of winter, as they say, in Northeast Ohio. For myself and many golfers February is the hardest month of the winter, and typically the coldest with constant snow coverage for at least 28 days. We know March is coming and the weather will start to turn, but in the meantime we have to get through February first.
This is a great time for junior golfers to plan and set goals for the upcoming season. Yes, you can still focus on your golf game when it's 10 degrees outside and snowing. I have the privilege of working with one of the top junior golfers in the country. We usually sit down and do a classroom session every couple of weeks to talk about the mental aspects of his game, how to handle emotions in competition, and we set goals. Setting realistic goals are extremely important to success, not only on the golf course, but also in life. Here are some quick notes from our last session.
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"
- Luke 14:28-30 (ESV)
First let's start with the kind of goals you can set. There are 3 main goals you can set for this golf season; Outcome Goals, Physical Goals, and Mental Goals.
- Outcome Goals are just that, they are outcomes. "I want to win 5 tournaments this year." These provide direction and give you something to shoot for. They provide the "why" you pursue other goals.
- Physical Goals are just that, physical. "I want to gain 10 pounds of muscle mass. I want to drive the ball 300 yds." It's assessing your current skill and even equipment and making calculated improvements.
- Mental Goals are the mental habits you want to develop to make your game stronger. "I want to improve my focus." "I want to be more aware of all the elements before I make a swing." You are completely in control of these goals as you practice and play competitively.
1) Begin with the end in mind. Set yearly goals that would make you proud to accomplish by the end of 2021. I recommend setting a few yearly goals in each category.
2) Break down your yearly goals into 90 day targets. For example, if you want to win 8 tournaments this year, your 90 day target would be to win 2 tournaments. Do this for every goal.
3) Write down your goals and targets and keep them in a place that you see daily. Also write down at least 3 bullet points under each goal that will help you zero in your focus on accomplishing that goal.
4) Remember that each goal must be Specific, Measurable, and Attainable. Get as specific as you can. Each goal should also be able to be measured. Hitting the ball longer is not measurable. Hitting your 7 iron 180 yards and averaging a distance of 20 feet from the hole is specific and measurable. Make sure your goals are attainable! They must be realistic! The greatest flaw is setting an unrealistic goal. This goal actually hurts you more than helps you.
5) Give yourself flexibility. Goals are not etched in stone. Use your 90 day targets to track your progress. If your yearly goals need to change that's fine. Adjust them so that they remain realistic. Usually we set A and B goals when we are together, and that's ok.
It's February in Northeast Ohio. The absolute worst time of the year to be out on the golf course, but the absolute best time of the year to set your path and your focus and come up with some great goals for the year ahead!
Looking forward to see you all out on the course soon!
Tim
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