A few articles back I informed my readers that I was on an off season training program for golf. So here is the latest update.
Since November 1st, I have missed one day and that was Christmas Day. The focus of my workouts has been a combination strength, cardio, flexibility, and movement. Along the way I have dropped a few pounds, and lowered my blood pressure by a few points. Some of that was due to the exercise, watching my sodium and alcohol intake. The latter was certainly the most challenging.
Perhaps the most important action I undertook was my mindset. As previously mentioned I am thinking about playing a tournament golf again. Not talking about Club tournaments, because my Club excludes me because of my membership status. I guess they don’t want me win that $25 gift voucher.
Mental strength is the basis of peak performance. Mastering your mindset is just as critical as refining your physical skills. The ability of a competitor to stay focused, resilient, and confident in high-pressure situations separates good from great. I have learnt this from the books, podcasts and You Tube videos of Dr. Bhrett McCabe. Every round that I play he has saved me at least one shot. Thanks Doc!
His latest newsletter really highlights what I have been continually working on for the last five years. His weekly articles may be the best short read of your week even if you are not an athlete. I urge you to seek him out. His suggestions on the mental game will again be in my practice journal this year. If your do not keep a journal you do not know what you are missing. Below is a sample of his work that he posted this week.
Step 1: Develop a Growth-Oriented Mindset
Your mindset shapes your performance. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to learn and improve. Reframe negative thoughts into productive ones:
- Instead of:“What if I fail?”
- Try:“What can I learn from this experience?”
By shifting your focus from fear to growth, you create a mental framework that fuels performance rather than limits it.
Step 2: Build Emotional Resilience
Stress and adversity are inevitable, but how you handle them makes all the difference. Recognize that pressure is part of the game, and use it to sharpen your focus. Simple strategies such as controlled breathing, visualization, and mindfulness can help regulate emotions and maintain composure when it matters most.
Step 3: Strengthen Your Mental Endurance
Mental toughness is a skill that requires consistent training. Just as you would condition your body for peak performance, you must train your mind daily. Set clear goals, maintain self-discipline, and practice handling discomfort. The more you challenge your limits, the more prepared you’ll be when faced with real-world pressure.
With the right strategies, you can unlock a new level of confidence and performance. Stay strong, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.
Until next time, elbows up.
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Belief fuels Trust. Trust fuels Confidence.
Between The Ears 