How often do you make time to just do the things you like?
Most of you reading this probably have a crazy, busy schedule and it's difficult to set aside time just for you. You're likely juggling long hours at work and the little free time you have goes to family. However, inside there's a wish that you could just have time for you. Unfortunately, that choice often goes unchosen because of a sense of guilt. We don't do what we really want because we feel we should always put others first.
So let me ask: Do you feel that way? Do you wish for one day just for you?
The reason I’m asking is because some of my students have gone through pretty serious health challenges and in their journey back to get healthier, they knew they had to make time for themselves a priority. Many of them decided to take golf lessons and started playing more golf because at first, their doctor and spouse told them to. Because of the unique characteristics golf offers I believe that this sport can help you to get and stay healthy and maybe even extend your years on this planet.
Here are some reasons I recommend golf and other 'out-in-nature' activities:
1. It turns off the outer world.
When you get out of the house and onto the course, you turn your mind and your emotions away from work and life's challenges for a few hours. I'm sure you've experienced this before, but we all need a lot more of this. No access to email, texts, phone calls and the internet is a gift we rarely give ourselves.
Here's what I suggest:
As soon as you arrive at the golf course, take your gear out of the car and remind yourself that this time is for you and now is your time to relax. Allow yourself to be present with your mind and body and step onto the green with the intention of zero judgment of your performance or score. The course is the perfect place for you to turn off the outside world. During the round stop a few times for just a minute, close your eyes and breathe while taking notice of the warm, breeze. Take in the quiet of the fairways, and the stillness of nature. In your mind's eye see the lush greens, the sandy bunkers and calm water around you, and then visualize, with a smile, your favorite hole. This is medicine for your mind and body and can help you feel happier, deeply relaxed, and more energized.
2. It creates more self-awareness. As you know, golf is a mental game. This means if you want to master golf, it's important for you to look in the mirror every day. If you want to gain more consistency and lower your score, it's vital to be aware of your mental strengths and weaknesses and learn how to manage your emotions when your hit a bad shot. For example: Many golfers fear hitting the golf ball over the water. (I’ve seen golfers playing around the water before) If you get nervous and don’t want to lose another ball in the water, I recommend that you come up with a simple pre-shot routine that makes you feel more confident. It's important for you to feel relaxed and to take your time.
3. You can make valuable connections.
Golf is a social game. If you are interested in making business or social connections golf is the perfect sport for you.
You can meet business owners, leaders in your community and potential lifelong friends at your local course.
If you're simply interested in making friends and having fun my suggestion is to join a league. Leagues play once per week and usually meet on same day and time. You'll be matched with people your same age and skill level and will play in small groups of 4. Joining a league will help to get you on a weekly schedule so you get out to play and socialize more than by just going on your own.
If you'd like to develop new business connections, I suggest setting up a tee time rather than meeting up for coffee.
Here's why:
Business people have busy schedules and it’s challenging to get a meeting with decision makers these days. However, if suggest a round of golf you may get an easier 'yes' and you will get more face-to-face time to get to know him or her.
Another aspect of golfing with business connections is this: The rules of golf express the values of honesty, perseverance, and a positive attitude. You can learn more about someone in one round of golf than you might in many hours chatting over coffee. You'll glean more not only by what they talk on the golf course, but also by how they follow the rules and witnessing how they handle themselves over the course of 18 holes. Just remember they will be watching you too.
I hope this helps you to get clear on some of the great reasons of playing more golf this year. I'll end with this, many years ago someone told me he'd never met a real golfer with a bad attitude. I truly believe that playing golf is a journey to self-awareness and personal growth.
Rogerio C. Higa
215-715-1307
#golf #golfswing #juniorgolf #golfcourse
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