Golf is a Noisy Game!

Golf is a Noisy Game!
 
Golf is a noisy game for a lot of players. Although proper golf etiquette asks us to respect our fellow golfers by remaining quiet while they stand over the golf ball, there are no rules or regulations to control the noise in your head.
 
Eighty percent of my clients come into the “Wired to Win©” program with an awareness that there is “a lot of chatter” going on in their minds and they want to quiet the noise. The “noise” I’m referring to is:
 
• Over thinking/Analyzing
 
This kind of mental noise is a reflection of a mind that is constantly “chatting” about things like mechanics. It also begins to analyze everything over and over again because it worries about making the best decisions. Thinking clearly is one thing. Over thinking and over analyzing beyond what is necessary will result in doubt and uncertainty over the ball. This is where the phrase “paralysis by analysis” comes from
 
• Refusal to “let go” of completed shots/results
 
How often do you hold on to a shot you hit ten minutes ago or even ten days ago? Everybody has this challenge from time to time. Your mind continues to analyze, criticize and judge well after the shot is finished as if you can actually do anything about it! This is the ultimate illusion isn’t it? You refusal to let it go and leave it be can cause a negative physical and emotional state which will affect you right now over the current shot you have. In this way, you’re actually allowing the situation to control you twice. First, when it actually happened and second, in the current moment you’re in right now. This is a key skill that both the amateur and the pro can develop more fully to improve their ability to truly be in “present time”.
 
• Self-Criticism
 
The amount of “noise” created by self-criticism and judgment can be rather loud and distracting. Self-criticism and judgment are the minds favorite kind of noise. “I’m no good” followed by any number of other criticisms and judgments can severely affect your play. For many, this noise does not quiet down while preparing for the shot at hand. For these golfers, the noise seems to lurk in the background causing a distraction and lack of focus.