When we are in the zone, there are no distractions. Well, not quite. There are all of the usual distractions. It is just that we do not notice them. This is the ideal. The next best thing is to notice them and just let them float by. Pay no attention to them and do not respond to them. The other alternatives are to turn our attention to them and respond emotionally. This is when we are no longer focused on our game. Learn to let distractions go by noticing when they arise or

The next goal is to make the pre-shot routine (PSR) a fluid, regular, connected, series of acts that become one. Like putting on your shoes or brushing your teeth. It should flow and be consistent each time and take little conscious control. **The exception here is if you are distracted very easily or get distracted during your PSR. Then go back to basics as you likely do if other aspects of your game go awry. Go back to doing each step while consciously thinking about it.**

You can only be in the zone if you are in the present. Thinking about the last shot is not being present. Once you start dwelling on an error, it is very hard to stop the cycle of negativity. This is because you’ll try to avoid making errors again – not a great mindset for being relaxed and focusing on the next shot. Your focus will be on the error and your mind will go there and your performance will follow. In some instances, you may display your anger or disappointment to

Practice getting to your zone and make it a natural part of your game or use it whenever you are feeling stressed, or need more confidence. #improvedsportsperformance #controllingemotions #focus #psychology #preshotroutine #concentration #clearmind #golf #relaxation #control #behaviorcontrol #performanceenhancement #sports #zone #confidence #refocus #positivethinking

Try this activity. The video is on youtube. Start training your brain to notice distractions sooner and let them pass without pulling you out of your game. These 2 breathing activities will pay dividends and only take a few minutes a day to practice. Will you devote the time? #controllingemotions #psychology #focus #concentration #golf #relaxation #behaviorcontrol #control #performanceenhancement #sports #confidence #positivethinking #sportspsychology

The control of your mental game all starts with your physiology. Your thought and emotions are derived from the streams of info coming from your bodily systems. Here is the first step in learning to control your physiology. Use it to keep your emotions or thoughts from getting the best of your game. #controllingemotions #psychology #focus #preshotroutine #clearmind #concentration #golf #relaxation #control #behaviorcontrol #performanceenhancement #sports #zone #confidence #re

Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, elevated blood pressure, are you Nervous? Exited? Anxious? In love? This is the cool part, you get to decide. The emotions are interpretations of physiological input from all of your bodily systems. These 4 interpretations stem from much the same physiological input. So why not choose how you are feeling. When you have an important match or meeting coming up, choose to feel excited about it instead of nervous or anxious. The physical fee

#psychology #focus #concentration #golf #relaxation #control #behaviorcontrol #performanceenhancement #sports #confidence #mentalgame #positivethinking #sportspsychology

If you want to make positive changes in your life or your mental game, start by being nice- To yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. The thing that you want to change was there for a reason. It served a purpose at some time. This frees up mental energy for you to move forward and start making the changes that you would like to make. We used to think that our personality was set in stone. We now know that we have the power to c

The mistake wastebasket. After a disappointing shot, you need to move on. You can analyze later but not during play. Here is another strategy to try on for size. Pick an inanimate object on the course to serve as a "wastebasket" where you will toss all of your errors. Choose a spot just off the fairway and behind you or another player's cart. Whenever you mess up, wad up an imaginary piece of paper. Focus on the mashing of this paper as you take 2-3 rhythmic, measured breaths

Here is another restart strategy to try. Find one that works well for you and use it. If you watch your favorite golfer on television, you may see them use their strategy. Take 5 big confident, springy steps toward your next shot to erase it. Focus on your physiology (posture, stride, core and breathing.) Count the steps (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) and gradually let the shot go. Or use a verbal cue to help you move on. My Next Shot Is My Best Shot Every Thing’s Gonna Be All Right #sports