As many of you may know, I have recently kept a wall chart to keep a track of my daily practice habits. This was to keep me accountable; to provide evidence that I was ‘putting in the necessary work’; to use as research for my own golf and to apply to my coaching; and most importantly, to improve my golf. I have filled in my wall chart for over 7 months without fail. I recently crossed the 7-month mark at the end of November. I now feel like 7 months of solid work is a comprehensive enough ‘sample size’ and body of work, to draw some findings and conclusions. I have spent the last few weeks reflecting on the period of time, deciding on what I could pass onto others that might be in a similar position or just to those who want to get better.

It’s been challenging to narrow down my list of key findings, as I have learnt so much. The following 20 points are key factors and qualities that I feel are necessary to embark on the ‘journey to better’. Some people will agree with these, some people may disagree. These are simply my own personal views and findings. I’m not suggesting a person has to tick off all 20 points to make the most of their journey, but I certainly believe that most of these factors, qualities, characteristics, and ingredients have to align to truly start, stick with, and finish the journey. The more ambitious the goal or task, the more of these factors need to be in place.

Learning Points – part TWO of two.

11. Time – A ‘lack of time’ excuse can’t be an option. It’s far too easy in this day and age to say “I’m too busy” or “I don’t have time”. These excuses show a lack of organisation or mismanagement of priorities. Everyone has time. Whether that be early in the morning or late at night. If you truly want to accomplish something, or have a passion for it, you will find time. Get fully organised, and you’ll be amazed how much time you might find.

12. Lock in – This is associated with focus. ‘Locking in’ can be easier said than done in a technologically engrossed society. Distractions are everywhere. This links back to the ‘discipline’ point. To give a task your full attention and focus, you have to be able to cut out all the noise. Switch your phone off. Tell your friends you will be off the grid for a period of time. Find a place where no one can disturb your focus. Set yourself rules and boundaries. The task at hand deserves your undivided attention and effort. 

13. Obsessive – I often feel like the truly obsessed look a bit strange to the mere mortal. Society doesn’t get how someone could be so obsessed about a goal, a purpose, or a journey. Don’t expect everyone to understand your reasons. The worst thing you could do is feel like an outcast because you’re built differently. Be obsessive. Be different.  Be relentless with your consistency. It’s generally only these types of people who truly reach the top.

14. Mindset – The mind is this mythical quality that is unfortunately difficult to quantify or measure. In sports, especially golf, it’s often argued how the athlete’s ‘mindset’ can be the difference maker. I certainly agree that the world’s best have to possess a mindset that supports them and acts as a cheerleader or teammate. The mind and ‘inner voice’ can provide positivity; confidence; belief; decisiveness; and help their owner push through barriers they may not have crossed. You have to ensure your mind is ‘on your side’. If it’s working against you, especially in pressure-packed situations, you’re self-sabotaging. It’s far better to possess too much self-belief, rather than too little.

15. For the love of it – You have to truly love what you embark on. If you do, then no day will ever feel like a chore or ‘work’. You will love attacking each day; filled with excitement; engrossed in your processes. If you don’t love what you do, you’re more inclined to skip days; half-ass days; or even worse, give up and quit. This can be easier said than done, but believe me, if you find a ‘calling’ or ‘purpose’ that you truly love, the journey is a hell of a lot more enjoyable.

16. Hard work is hard – It sounds a bit cliché, but hard work is hard. Becoming elite, world-class, or simply the best version of yourself, shouldn’t be easy. If it was, everyone would do it. The difficulty of a journey is what makes arriving at the destination that bit sweeter. You earn a sense of accomplishment. Hard work and difficulty produce growth. Don’t expect everything to be clean sailing and easy. If you do, the shock can be too much for some to handle. I don’t believe you have to always enjoy the work, but you should respect it, and acknowledge it serves a purpose. 

17. Patience – This is such an important quality, especially in difficult crafts like golf. Too many get impatient when they don’t see immediate results and give up. Depending on the starting skill level, the start of the journey can be slow. Results aren’t given, they have to be earned. Don’t expect ‘quick fixes’. Understand that most things aren’t built overnight. Sign up for the long haul. There are simply no shortcuts. You have to know when to be kind to yourself and realise you are still in the ‘learning phase’. With the correct work, focus, and discipline, you will move into the ‘growth phase’. Sometimes managing expectations is half the battle.

18. Results – At some point we all need to see ‘results’. There is only so long we can say, “I’m getting closer”; “I’m performing great in practice”; or “It’s just a matter of time before it all clicks”. Of course, in the short term, we want to see ’signs’ that our hard work is paying off, but at some point we have to step up and produce on a stage that matters. Nothing breeds confidence like evidence. This is when you truly know you are arriving at your first ‘finish line’. So, not to contradict my previous point about patience, we can’t remain ‘patient’ forever. At some point, blend expectation into your patience.

19. Finish line – I don’t necessarily believe there is a ‘finish line’. As soon as you reach one theoretical finish line, another is created. This isn’t seen as a bad thing, but rather, a good thing. The world’s best continue to push themselves into new territories. Once one goal is accomplished, they create a new one. They raise the bar. This creates direction and focus. My original goal was to put in a good body of work for my Open Qualifier. Once that date had passed, I entered the Irish PGA Championship. Once that passed, I entered another tournament, etc.etc. I crossed all my mini finish lines, before creating a new one. This kept me motivated and hungry to keep pushing forward. I hope I never have a ‘final finish line’. 

20. Happiness – A topic that could be talked about for hours and one that is specific to every individual. What makes one person happy, could make another person miserable. The beauty of this topic is that it is subjective. The challenge is discovering what makes YOU happy. Embarking on a journey or endeavour that makes YOU happy is the goal. Finding an ambition or goal that gets your juices flowing and ignites a fire within you, can be life-changing. It creates purpose and delivers contentment. Everything is easier when you’re ‘happy’.