I played in a match play format golf tournament today at Harbor Lakes Country Club in Granbury. It was a lot of fun. Winning my match made it that much better. Several years ago I read an excellent book entitled: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Bob Rotella. The author delves into the psychological aspects of the game. A game that can indeed be frustrating. I book transformed the way I viewed my game. I am not a great golfer, because I don’t play enough. But I do enjoy it immensely.

Here are a few things I have learned about golf that are not necessarily mentioned directly in the book, but Rotella’s work no doubt influenced me to some degree.

1. Relax It is really important to relax and enjoy the game. When I tense up, my swing is way off. I can’t hit the ball well for anything! When I relax, I tend to hit the ball right down the center of the fairway. My short game also enjoys a greater degree of accuracy.
2. Confidence I am on not Tiger Woods. In fact, I am not a great amateur. I am a weekend golfer. There is no reason for me not to step up to the ball in a state of confidence. I know what I am fully capable of doing. Big egos are extremely destructive in golf, but confidence helps.
3. Be Yourself I am not going to drill the ball 300 yards down the fairway off the teebox. But I am capable of making up for my lack of distance hitting by giving a lot of attention to accuracy. There are times in the final analysis that I can actually beat the long hitter. I have learned to feel good about what I am capable of doing and not worry about my partner’s style.

You may not be a golfer. You may not have any interest in golf whatsoever. The three principles listed above apply to a lot of life situations. Relax. Enjoy what you are doing. When we get uptight, we fail to do a good job at anything. The people who have to put up with us can sense it when we are uptight. It is not a pleasant experience for anyone.

Arrogance is not a good quality. Noboby appreciates being around an obnoxious jerk. Confidence is contagious. When we are confident, we breed the same quality in those closest to us. Confident leaders cause their followers to feel secure. I enjoy being around people that are confident. I learn from them. I am apt to follow their helpful example. I just like being around confident people.

I have to be reminded periodically that I need to be myself. There are times as a preacher I feel compelled to be like someone else. I feel like I should be able to preach like ole’ ________. When I realize I am not that person, I feel like a failure. Confidence is eroded. I don’t relax in the pulpit. Preaching ceases to be an enjoyable experience.

I just need be to relax and be myself. Confidence will soon follow and those listening will benefit accordingly. I always enjoying speaking when I am relaxed. It just feels good to be myself. I think golf has taught me a lot about all kinds of life situations both professionally and personally.

Perhaps I should play a lot more often… I might could become a scratch golfer…There I go again…wanting to be someone I am not. OK, back to the formula: relax, be confident, and be yourself! That is my advice, and I am sticking to it.