Healthy Habit: Vision

First Tee Healthy Habit: Vision
 In order to make the most of one’s  unique gifts — talents, characteristics
and abilities — an individual needs to learn from the past, value the present,
create their vision and future to ultimately “leave a healthy footprint.

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Updated 1/2024

I love golf and I am fortunate that I get to do what I love every day.  It was once said that if you love what you do then it is not a job and that is exactly I how I feel.  Does that mean that I stop setting goals for the future?  Absolutely not.  I have a lot of personal goals that I would like to achieve.  Some of them are golf-related and some are not.  

I know exactly what those goals are and what needs to happen before I can achieve them.  I know what I need to do every day and I do them.  I am committed and I keep pressing forward.  When things get overwhelming, I take time to think, evaluate where I am and make changes if needed.  Some days are easier than others but the achievement is worth it.    ​

Most people set goals but don't make it time sensitive. In my opinion, if your goal does not have a date associated with it, it is the same as creating a bucket list or the someday list. For this reason, I like the SMART model for setting goals to keep you accountable.

The SMART model also requires you to be specific about your goal and to establish checkpoints for how you are doing along the way.    But even the best designed plan of attack can go astray.  Always overcome and persevere.  I have had to do a lot of this through my current battle with melanoma.  No matter what comes your way keep pursuing your goals. ​

Check out this video for some tips on setting goals for your golf game.​

In my experience from working with both my adult and junior students, the toughest part of pursuing your goals is taking the necessary steps to accomplish it.  I have had some students become crippled with fear because they want to play a tournament but they are afraid of not doing well.  The reality is you may not play well in your first tournament but you will not know unless you try.  If you don't play well then you use that experience as a learning tool. 

​Negative thoughts of fear and doubt are a part of life, the trick is to not let the feelings of negativity take over.  If you think you can, you will, if you think you won't, you won't.  This is where a thought goal ladder can be helpful.  I found a few examples that I liked online, review them and apply the concept the next time your thoughts challenge your ability to accomplish your goals. 

When you love this game, you overcome.