Salvaging a Bad Round of Golf
Having a bad day on the links? Can’t get your groove on? Hold on before you throw in the towel for the day. You still may be able to turn your game around. One of my favorite ways of doing so is by using micro goal setting.
What is micro goal setting? It’s re-establishing your goals to a smaller, more specific context. For example, instead of aiming for a particular score for 18 holes, you set a goal on one specific hole, letting go (for now) of the goal for your total score. You may have started your game with the goal of breaking 72. You may realize at some point that it’s just not your day and 72 may simply be, for all practical purposes, out of reach. But what about this specific hole? Narrowing your goal to shooting par, or maybe even one under par for one particular hole, gives you a fresh start and a new focus. Alternatively, rather than focusing on any particular score, you can set a micro goal of improving your driving distance, or consistently using that new swing you’ve been considering. This enables you to get something out of your golf game, even if you’d had a bad start.
In addition, you increase your likelihood of success by using effective goal setting strategies.
1. Set specific goals that are observable and measurable. You can easily determine if you’re making progress toward the goal of achieving two birdies within the next five holes. It’s specific, you are able to observe it and you can measure it. On the other hand, the goal of having better focus is vague and difficult to measure. What does “better” mean? How would you know if your focus was better?
2. Set goals that are of moderate difficulty. If you set your goal too low, it’s not challenging and therefore not fulfilling if you achieve it. If you set your goal too high and have trouble reaching it, it may become frustrating and discouraging. Your goal should be challenging, yet within your reach.
3. Keep track of your goals. Write them down and journal your progress toward your goals. It’s easy to up the stakes on ourselves and forget about the progress we’ve already made and the goals we’ve already achieved. Having a written record is a good reminder and a good source of feedback on our progress.
Golf can be incredibly fun and exciting, but it can also be incredibly frustrating. The next time you’re having a rough round, give it a try. See if micro goal setting works for you.
Jayne Raquepaw, PhD
