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

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

Focus on What You Can Control Do you worry about your competition, the weather or course conditions? This is a waste of energy and focus. You can't do anything about these things. There's only one thing that you can control, yourself. Focus on your confidence, physiology, positivity and behavior. In essence, it is all about you. Fretting over outcomes will also take your focus away from what you can control. If you take care of the process, the outcome will take care of itsel

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

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

It is a Happy Place where your best performance flows from you with ease. There is no thinking or trying, it just flows. If you have experienced this, it likely happened in an emotionally charged competitive situation. Wouldn’t it be great if you could go there whenever you needed or wanted? Well, you can create your own happy place and practice getting there. This will help you focus and give you more control. Here is the first step. Relax, close your eyes and imagine a plac