In the book Mastering Golf’s Mental Game, Dr. Michael Lardon says to improve, we need to build a set of clear goals, both process-oriented and results-oriented. They should be attainable without being too easy.
Lardon goes on to say:
“Goals are important because they form the backbone of a positive feedback loop—one of the most effective tools you can use to stimulate the human brain. If you set clear, specific, productive goals and you improve in a measurable way toward those goals, your motivation to continue to improve increases. The more motivated you get the harder you work—and the more goals you’re able to reach.”
Lardon suggests using a Goal-Setting Matrix to organize your goals.
As you’ve probably heard, the legendary Head Coach of Alabama, Nick Saban, is a big proponent of The Process. The Process is Saban’s way of getting his team to focus on what the team and his players can control rather than the outcome.
Studies have found that process goals are more effective than outcome goals. This is because they focus on the how versus the what. Dr. Alex Auerbach says they do this by providing a clear action, anchoring you to the present, and allowing for quick wins.
The Goal Matrix is a simple but powerful concept that will help you stay focused and on task. Give it a try. Write down three goals for the upcoming season. Then, write 1 or 2 ways you will achieve that goal. Focus on the process.
Til next week.
