When setting your goals for 2019, I want you to be less focused on what you want to accomplish and more about who you want to be.
However, I don’t think you should not set goals for your outcome. It is important to know what you are working towards and why you will achieve it. We have limited time and need to plan how we will spend it. Setting goals for golfers can be motivating and inspiring.
But, if our only goals are results-based, there are some drawbacks to this approach.
1. It takes us from the present
Focusing too much on what you want to accomplish can cause us to miss the joy of the journey. You don’t fully experience the moment if you focus too much on the future. Focusing too much on the future can drain your energy and make it difficult to be present-focused.
2. Our identity can be tied to the achievement of the goal
Do you want to lower the handicap for 2022? Do you want to win the club title? Why? You are in a vulnerable position if you believe it will bring you happiness and fulfillment. Results can bring you confidence and fulfillment, but they can also change. Although I don’t remember who said it, this quote stuck with me: “If golf makes you somebody it can also make you a nobody again.” There is something deeper.
3. If you fail to achieve your goals, it can lead to frustration and loss of motivation.
You can feel like you failed if you set your goals for the year to achieve certain results, especially if they have deadlines. This can make you feel discouraged and demotivated.
4. Once we have them, it can leave us in a dark hole.
We feel great when we achieve our outcomes goals. But soon after that, we feel drained and empty. It can be difficult to get motivated again and continue the work. E.g. What happens when you win a major?
A Better Method To Goal Setting for Golfers
A values-based approach to setting outcomes goals should be combined with an outcome goal setting approach. Values are different from outcome goals in that they don’t get achieved, but we live by them.
I ask young players why they play golf when I first meet them. Most often, I get a list with goals for golf from young players. The most surprising answer is “I love the game and want to continue getting better”.
Goal setting for golfers should be based on values. This will allow you to focus your efforts on the person or player you are trying to make happy.
I don’t mean to say that value-based goals are not necessary for you to become a great player. My Tour player clients might not be happy if I said that “score doesn’t matter, success depends on values”. If you continue to live by the philosophy that you are a better person and an athlete, you will be able to bring more success measures (tournament wins and lower handicaps, etc.). You will be closer to your goals.
What values are behind your goals?
Let’s flip goal setting for golfers upside-down. Instead of focusing on the outcome you want, let’s focus on the values and purpose. This will make you feel happier and help you set goals that support your development. This will ensure that your actions and thoughts are in line with these values. Let’s not make this year the year we win the club championship, or break 80. Let us find a deeper reason to play. While results will change, the values that you hold dear will endure.
Be an exceptional human being should be your top goal
My online mental game training program starts with creating a player philosophy. What is your ideal person/player? What philosophy do you want to live by each day? It is important to write it down. Here are some examples of values:
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Curiosity
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A Better Focus for Golf
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Integrity: Doing the right thing regardless of whether people find out.
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Acceptance
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Growth mindset
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Work ethic
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Kindness
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Being classy
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Compassion
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Preparedness
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Authenticity
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Gratitude
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Patience
Make a statement that reflects the values you hold dear and use it in every round. No matter what you do, you will always win if you stick to your personal philosophy. While winning trophies is great, developing values is what is most rewarding about the game.
Instruction For The Mental Game of Golf published the article A Better Approach to Goal Setting: A Personal Philosophy.
By: David MacKenzie
Title: A Better Approach To Goal Setting: A Personal Philosophy
Sourced From: golfstateofmind.com/a-better-approach-to-goal-setting-for-golfers/
Published Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2022 15:59:35 +0000
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