How To Create Difficult But Attainable Golf Goals
‘I’ve built my career on a succession of goals. Hitting them – and sometimes missing them narrowly – has been the fuel, the impetus that has taken me from one level up to the next’. (Greg Norman, ‘Shark Attack’)
This article is about setting goals. The following method designed by Leslie Cameron Bandler is the best method I’ve seen on goal setting. To begin, ask your self IS MY GOAL ACHIEVABLE? In determining this, consider if anyone else has achieved this goal before? If not, does it feel achievable for you? WHAT WILL I ACCEPT AS EVIDENCE THAT I HAVE ACHIEVED MY GOAL? What will you see, hear and feel when you have achieved your goal. Get a clear sensory based description of your goal.
IS ACHIEVING THIS GOAL WITHIN MY CONTROL? Booking golf instruction lessons with your coach to improve technique, is within your control, so is the effort you put into practice. ARE THE COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF REACHING THE GOAL ACCEPTABLE TO ME? Sometimes stepping up a level in golf may mean time away from family or friends, or may break up your regular Saturday playing group. Is that acceptable to you?
Analyze your golf technique and corrections needed. Is your coach competent enough to help rectify them? Is your body healthy enough to endure the physical needs of golf?
Lastly make a rough time limit in which you think you shall fulfill your goal. Are you going to fulfill it immediately? If not, is the delay acceptable to you? If it is not acceptable to you then you are back to square one as this goal is not for you. Set goals to take your life forward and not to frustrate you further.
1) What do I want to achieve, what is my goal?
2) Is it achievable?
3. What indicators would tell me that I have fulfilled my goal?
4. Do I have the reserves to achieve my goal?
5) Are the costs and consequences of achieving this goal acceptable?
6. Are the means to achieve the goal in my control?
7. In case my goal takes time to be fulfilled would I be fine with it?
And remember to set rolling goals and you will improve but leaps and bounds.