Don't Be Afraid To Fail

Do you remember the movie "Tin Cup"? Kevin Costner had a chance to play it safe on the last hole and come in second at the U.S. Open. But, he chose not to lay up short of the water and take a safe second shot. He went for it, again and again, until he made the shot over the water that he knew he could make.

He did not win or even come close. However, he won the admiration and hearts of others for his daring effort. The movie audience left shaking their heads in awe and had a very warm feeling inside. How do you respond when the devil looks you in the eye? Do you flinch or confidently stare back?

Whether you are on the PGA or LPGA Tour, trying to break a 100 or somewhere in between - Old Man Golf will test your strength of spirit. It is not a question of will you be tested. It's just when. How you respond to the challenge is usually determined by your personality and what is on your tape.

By nature, a conservative individual avoids risk and takes the safe road. While an aggressive spirit, has no choice in the matter. His personality makes it impossible not to take the shot, win or lose, and see what happens. He could not live with himself if he didn't.

So what is the best path to take, conservative or aggressive? There is no right or wrong. It is just a question of preference. The conservative golfer usually is found in the middle of the pack unless he happens to be Tiger Woods.. The aggressive golfer usually ends up on top or the bottom of the heap because he is willing to risk all going for the gold. Does this sound familiar Phil or John?

So what does this have to do with you and golf? If you are an aggressive golfer, you will be more successful by learning to funnel your negative emotions and defeats into determination to do even better. If you are a conservative golfer, don't be afraid to take a chance and fail. Metaphorically speaking, you will find the view much better on top of the mountain. In your glory days, you will always remember that great shot you made in the face of adversity.

Golf is a great game because it is considered to be a microcosm for life. While there is no fault in failing to win or make a difficult shot, who wants to go through life failing to even try? You can admire heroes or be one. It is important to master your mental game as well as your mechanics or your golf will suffer.

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.
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