This is that time of year that is famous for people setting goals that they never achieve! Just look at the amount of New Years resolutions that are given up on even before the end of January.
Well we’ve all done it. I have set some goals or targets that I have achieved and many that I have got frustrated with and then given up on. As a coach I also see both aspects of goal setting all the time.
Maybe it’s time for a different approach?
This year I am going to work on things this way and have already started to prescribe this idea to the people that I coach.
Firstly you need to set a goal but do NOT set yourself a time limit. Let’s use an example I bump into a lot. “I want to be a single figure handicap”. Most people then set themselves a time limit “by the end of the year”.
Could this be the factor that creates frustration?
The key to achieving the goal is to understand the factors that are needed to achieve it and then get very focussed on consistently doing those things.
Using the single figure example I would make a list of things I need to do on a regular basis. This might include:
Adding competitions to the diary.
Regular and planned practice (eg. 1 x shortgame session & 1 x range session per week)
Keeping and monitoring stats
Stretching and fitness work.
Nutrition and hydration (daily and also whilst playing)
Coaching
Improving mental game and concentration
The list may vary slightly from person to person but I think the most important thing here is that you need to buy into the key aspects that make a single figure handicap player.
If you then consistently do the things on your list you will be improving. You may achieve your goal very quickly however sometimes life gets in the way. Family, work etc can all put the brakes on your progress and if you get to the end of the year without playing much golf then it’s another goal that you haven’t achieved. If however you know the ingredients needed then you can quickly get back on track.
Achieving the goal will feel great but only for a short period of time. The journey to the goal, I think, is the really enjoyable part. So my commitment is to “walk the talk” and enjoy the journey.
Why not give it a go yourself? Make the goal BIG, leave out the date and commit to the ingredients!
neal granville golf 