Here are some simple ways to start building a strong, positive mindset. Negativity is a habit. It will take practice to make a new habit to replace it. •Look for the Positives-be present and notice the good things around you. They are always there. •Be realistic about expectations-this helps us avoid unnecessary disappointment. Perfect is not a realistic expectation. It is fine to strive for perfection, but if we are expecting ourselves to never make an error, we will be disa

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

This is a small change that will make a big difference. Use it everywhere. Replace the words 'don't forget' with the word 'remember'. When you say don't forget, your brain hears two negatives. The focus is negative and it is on forgetting. Usually this actually makes us forget. Have you ever told your child "Don't forget your lunch." and then they forget it. Try using 'remember' instead. Here are some examples of how to use this on the course. Change "Don't chunk it in that t

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

A meditative session to create a mental zone or happy place where your best sports performance can flow freely. Part one of two to create your zone, practice getting there and make it part of your mental golf bag. #improvedsportsperformance #psychology #focus #concentration #clearmind #golf #preshotroutine #behaviorcontrol #performanceenhancement #sports #zone #confidence #refocus #positivethinking

Staying positive when negative players are around can be a full time job. Protect you positivity and play your best game. This is the forth and final part in the series. #improvedsportsperformance #psychology #focus #controllingemotions #clearmind #concentration #golf #performanceenhancement #sports #positivethinking #sportspsychology

Keep those negative thoughts out to maintain your #confidence and #focus. #controllingemotions #focus #golf #concentration #psychology #performanceenhancement #sports #confidence #positivethinking #sportspsychology

If you have ever been stuck in a cart with someone who complains on every hole, you know that it affects your attitude and your performance. Here are some #strategies to defend your #positive #attitude. #psychology #concentration #golf #behaviorcontrol #performanceenhancement #sports #confidence #positivethinking #sportspsychology

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

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

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

Practice getting to your zone After spending some time in your zone, which now has a name and is familiar to you, add minor annoyance or distraction and return to happy place. Imagine a fly buzzing past (a minor annoyance) and then return to your happy place. Practice, add slightly greater annoyance and return to happy place. As a trigger to return to your happy place you can use the name of the place, or a song or phase that connects you to that place. You can also use a phy

Identify a place where you feel all of the great feelings that you identified- Focused, Confident, Relaxed, Capable, Motivated, Strong, Talented. Spend some time on this. Where are you when you feel all of these things? It can be a place from your childhood, a vacation spot, you can make up a place. There should be no negative things that compete with the positive feelings in this place. Relax and spend some mental time in this place. What things do you See around you? Take y

Nudging- a small change that can make a big difference Replace "have to" with "get to." They are two simple words that can change your mind-set, perspective, and approach to life. When we change "have to" to "get to," we change a complaint to an appreciation and realize that each day we wake up we get another opportunity to make today better than yesterday. Research shows that when we practice gratitude, we get a measurable boost in happiness that energizes us and enhances ou