The Daily Divot: The Realistic Optimist

The Realistic Optimist

“Goals should be difficult to achieve because those achieved with little effort are seldom appreciated, give little personal satisfaction, and are often not very worthwhile. However, if you set goals that are so idealistic there’s no possibility of reaching them, you will eventually become discouraged and quit.  They become counterproductive. Be a realistic optimist.”

-John Wooden, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach

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I think most golfers fall into the second category, sometimes biting off more than they can chew. So if you are shooting a 95 on average, it’s probably not a good idea to make your goal to become a scratch golfer. Let’s break 90 first. And focus on how we’re going to get there.

My advice is to pick one overall main goal for the season, whether it’s a handicap or breaking a certain score. Make it challenging, but attainable.

Now set up some smaller micro-goals that can help you hit your main goal. It could be, going to the range twice a week, increasing GIRs per round, 20 minutes of putting practice, practicing 50% and 75% wedge shots, 36 or fewer putts, etc.

Once you break through your goal, reassess and make a new one.