When I was in college, I worked at a golf course. The jobs varied, but eventually, I ended up working as a starter in the pro-shop, and before long, an assistant professional helping to teach clinics and youth groups.
For my development as a player, I would take lessons from the course pro regularly, trying to improve a handicap that never got better than scratch. Sure I could par the course from time to time and even shot under par on occasion, but I was no Arnold Palmer.
It was always the same advice from the pro. “Hit your favorite wedge one hundred times every day. And, hit 100 drives every day.” And I did, but my scores never improved.
My ability to play golf improved, but not my scores.
One day after a coaching session, he leveled with me and said, “Garon, there are two types of players who can master this game. You have to either be a genius or an idiot; you are neither.”
Looking back on this memory with much older and more experienced eyes, I see that he was the idiot in his example, and there is something one can learn from his advice.
First, the brain gets in the way
Whether it is paralysis by analysis or allowing emotions to dictate decisions, the brain can get in the way.
There is a reason sports psychology has grown and is now a well-accepted way to improve. The brain indeed gets in the way.
Second, I am an idiot (if I don’t seek help)
I don’t believe that I would have had to have been an idiot or a genius to improve my game, and he probably didn’t either. I think he was trying to let me know that I was overthinking.
What’s the saying? Work smarter, not harder!?!
To this day, I find myself going solo and trying to figure everything out myself. Like I’m the first person who has ever tried something before.
Going solo = working harder
There is something to be said about figuring something out as an individual, but it’s not always the most efficient way to accomplish a task. Asking for help and finding a mentor saves time and focuses your hard work in a direction that will benefit you the most.
Recap – So what did I learn?
I learned that I’m not a genius (regardless of what my mom told me) and that I often overthink. I also learned that it is wise to seek mentorship from others who have succeeded in my area of interest, and doing so will save time and focus my efforts.
Photo by Tyson Dudley on Unsplash
