Get Out of Your Own Way

“Courage is a necessary quality in all champions, but an athlete cannot be courageous without first being afraid.”

-Dr. Bob Rotella

 

Since my senior year of high school, I have been religiously studying the audio tapes of Dr. Bob Rotella. Known as one of the most prominent and successful sports psychologists to ever exist, he has shared his wisdom and experience on how significant your thoughts can be when performing. He has coached some of the worlds most successful athletes, and preaches that you can train your mind to become better than you are, no matter where you’re at in life.

If there is one thing I have learned from Dr. Rotella, and from my experience as a human, it is to get out of your own way. The biggest battle I have always had on the golf course has been in my head. I am discovering how to welcome my nerves and trust that I have practiced enough to hit the shot I want, rather than letting my nerves control my swing. Understanding Dr. Rotella’s tapes in a new way is the beauty of wanting to get better!

The key is to be so unequivocally focused on your target that you leave no room for negative thoughts. If you have trained and practiced, then let the nerves create momentum for you, but do not let them deter you from giving your best swing. Whether it’s on the golf course, at work, or any aspect of your life, get out of your own way and go for it! Go at it with everything you’ve got. What’s the fun in doing anything half way?

 

‘Til next time, birdies