05 Jan Life Lessons Apply to Golf as Well
One of my favorite books is “Life’s Little Instruction Book” by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. In this book there are 511 suggestions, observations, and reminders on “How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life”.
As I read this book I find that many of the suggestions offered can be easily used on the golf course. I teach lessons every day, golf lessons. But sometimes those lessons become more about life than about golf. Here are a few “suggestions, observations and reminders” that came out of this book that you can use in your golf game as well.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. Compliment good shots and do not “wish” bad luck on your opponent. You want to win or lose with dignity and respect.
Strive for excellence, not perfection. You can never be perfect in golf. You just want to do your best that day.
Compliment 3 people every day. Tell your playing partner or opponent “good shot” when they have played well.
Leave everything a little better than you found it. This is all about the golf course. Repair your ball marks, pick up trash, and fill in your divots. Leave the golf course better than you found it!
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. People want to play with positive people. You never want to be known as that person that is hard on themselves and others.
Say, “Thank you” a lot. When someone compliments your game, say “thank you.” I hate it when someone says “thanks but that was just luck”. Just say “thank you” and go on.
Commit yourself to constant improvement. There are parts of your game that can always be improved. Take lessons or practice to keep improving.
Have a firm handshake and look people in the eye. Learn to shake hands and look the person in the eye. When you finish a game, win or lose, shake your opponents hand and make eye contact. Keep your emotions in check.
Be the first to say hello. Be the first to say hello to your playing partners. Give them that firm handshake and wish them good luck in their round.
Stop blaming others. If you are playing poorly, know you are the only one in control of your golf game. Don’t blame the weather; everyone else is playing in the same conditions. Don’t blame a slow playing partner; learn to pace yourself and your golf game.
Take responsibility for every area of your life. Only you can make your golf game better. If you did not get to practice or play to prepare for your next round, only you are responsible.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I made a mistake.” Before you sign that score card, don’t be afraid to change the score when you forgot a shot. Better to change it before you sign the scorecard than be disqualified after you signed a wrong score on a hole.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” If you don’t know the answer to a question, say “I don’t know”. If you don’t know the rules of golf, buy a rule book and learn the rules.