I'm sure if you spent some time looking up golf tips, you would find several people talking about Practicing with Purpose. I think "practice with purpose" is probably the single most important thing to remember when trying to learn anything new. I apply this to everything in my life; from being a father, student, golfer, to less important things like cooking or video games. If you aren't doing something for the sake of improving yourself then you're just waiting for the activity to finish without it serving a purpose. In other words, you're allowing a unique opportunity to disappear forever.
Saying "I'll work on ____ next time" means you aren't do it this time and this time will no longer exist after it finishes. Every time I step foot on the driving range or golf course I clearly define my goals specifically for that session. E.g. "Ten balls with a controlled fade," "Fifty balls without hitting it fat," or "No three putts on the back nine." The more specific your goals, the easier your successes can be measured. Remember, there isn't a mathematical formula to improving your golf swing. Despite what many believe, X (number of balls hit) has absolutely no relationship to Y (level of skill obtained). You can only increase your skill if you use every ball your club makes contact with for a purpose.
Be specific with your goals so you can measure your progress and celebrate your victories! Enjoy the feeling that you get when you accomplish something new because you deserve to feel good about yourself! Now go and set your next goal so you can focus on blasting past it! Before you know it, you can look back at everything you've accomplished and can actually measure just how much you've improved.
My current goals:
- Shoot under a forty on a front or back nine.
- Eighteen holes without a three putt.
Keep Putting (with Purpose),
-Juno
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