By: Paul Monahan, Graves Golf Mental Game Coach

&

Tim Graves, PGA

Making Change – Intentionality and Commitment:

If you want your golf experience to transform into something it is not, (If you want to play better, struggle less, and enjoy the game more) then you have to be intentional about what you are willing to do to affect change in your game, and you have to stay committed to the actions that will create that change.

The brilliant and experienced GGA coach Ralph Rabago suggests that we change our language about practice and development. He uses the word: “training” instead of the word practice –  and I think you should seriously consider using it yourself.

Check out Ralph’s discussion with Tim Graves on Tim’s podcast: Tim G Podcast

Think about it, if you and your subconscious are going to “practice” your mental game skills (or any skill set) the idea of practice just does not hold that much import. “I’m gonna go practice a little and see what happens.” (Ralph says that practice is often a little “loosie goosey” – without a lot of clear goals or outcomes.)

However, if you tell yourself – “I am in training” with respect to your mental game development you will approach the transformative process differently. You will:

• Get clear on the gap between where you are right now and where you want to be in six months.
• Find ways to measure your development.
• Get intentional about exploring the most important ideas.
• Set goals and measure your progress.
• Show up to train and develop your mental game skills – not just “practice” them.

If you want lasting change, if you want transformation in your game, commit to being “In Training” not just practicing. This is the key to your development.