| |
The Mental Side of Getting In Shape
|
|
| |
There are many articles available about the benefits of being
in shape as well as suggesting a variety of specific exercises
to help improve your game. Here are some insights about the
mental side.
|
|
| |
Why do most golfers wait for the spring to start exercising?
If being in shape is good for you, why don't golfers
maintain a year round physical fitness program? The reason can
be found in one's mental make-up and lack of goals or
commitment to their goals. |
|
| |
As obvious as this sounds, the first step to being in shape is
to have that as one of your goals. Next, it is very important
to write down your goals as well as a specific conditioning
program that will allow you to reach your goals if followed.
Then, it comes down to the strength of your desire and
commitment to get and stay in shape. |
|
| |
Many golfers have the wish to be in good physical condition,
but lack the desire and discipline to do the work. What most
individuals fail to realize is that their level of desire and
discipline can be strengthened just like the muscles in their
body. By understanding how your mind works, you can train it
to do what YOU want it to do, instead of what it is use to doing
or not doing when it comes to exercising. Once you get your
mind in shape, your body and everything else will follow. |
|
| |
Your brain starts working at a very early age. Approximately
six months after conception, your brain starts recording all
your mother's thoughts and actions while you are in her
womb. Your brain continues to record all your thoughts and
actions throughout your entire life. We will call the
recording process of your brain - your tape.
|
|
| |
Your tape is a conceptual representation of the entire history
of all your previous thoughts and actions. The importance of
your tape is that your mind is programmed to make similar
decisions according to your past tape. Your mind spontaneously
uses all your strengths and weaknesses recorded on your tape
in its decision making process. |
|
| |
Your tape does not care what you do. Its job is to keep you
repeating what you have done in the past. You are up against
your tape when you decide to turn a new leaf and get in shape. |
|
| |
Fortunately, you can change your past tendencies because the
most current portion of your tape has the biggest impact on
your decision making process. Otherwise, you would be a robot
and could never change. The strength of your desire determines
your ability to successfully reprogram your tape. |
|
| |
By putting new thoughts and actions on your tape consistently
for thirty days or more, your brain will assimilate these as
new habits. They become a part of your normal tape response.
To build self-discipline and strengthen your determination,
start with small victories over your tape. In time you will
develop the strength and discipline to accomplish larger
goals. |
|
| |
For example, to a person who is not in shape, thirty minutes
of exercise a day three times a week is a lot of exercise.
However, do you think you can exercise for one minute three
times in a week? Of course you can, if you want to! |
|
| |
After the first week, do you think you would have built up
enough strength and endurance to exercise for two minutes
three times a week? I am sure you can see yourself being able
to continue adding an additional minute to your routine every
week until you can exercise thirty minutes a day three times a
week.
|
|
| |
If you are presently out of shape, you will not believe how
much better you will feel and look from exercising thirty
minutes, or even only 20 minutes, a day three times a week. You will be stronger, have
more endurance and more energy when you play a round of golf.
Your self-confidence, self-discipline and spirit will grow
tremendously in the process of controlling your tape and
getting in shape.
|
|
| |
All it takes is desire, a game plan you can achieve over
time and self-disciple to overcome the resistance and excuses
on your tape. Remember that your tape knows all your
weaknesses. It does its best to do its job, which is to keep
you where you are.
If you decide to get in shape and fall behind your
conditioning program or stop, ask yourself this question,
"Who is in control, me or my tape?"
|
|
| |
If
you have not read "The Mental Keys To Improve Your Golf",
you will benefit greatly from my book by seeing the whole
picture instead of just pieces contained in my mental tips.
I guarantee it! So
order now and lower your score.
Back To Mental Tip Archive
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
