At the start of each year I spend time reflecting on the year just passed and then set goals for the following year ahead.

I find this very beneficial as it enables me to reflect on my greatest achievements and successes but also allows me to discover areas that I wish to improve and progress in. It helps me create a clear vision for 2014.

Could it be worth you reflecting on your last year? If you like the thought of reflecting, setting goals and taking control of your success, then consider the following basic pointers:

What happened in 2013?
Celebrate your successes, what went well, what did you achieve 

Write down at least 3 accomplishments.

What were your biggest disappointments of 2013?
In order to handle disappointment and move forward, you have to be upfront and honest about what didn’t go well.

‘’In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to do the next time’’ – Anthony D’Angelo
Write down at least 3 disappointments.

What did you learn in 2013? – What discoveries did you make, what did you really learn, big or small.
Write down at least 3 things you learnt.

What do you want to learn and master in 2014?
You might want to learn to shape the ball, or you want to take your range game onto the golf course. You might want to become a better putter from 10 foot or learn to control your nerves and anxiety better in competition. 

Write down at least 3 things you want to learn.

What do you really want to achieve in 2014?


Do you have some outcome goals, maybe improving your handicap, if so, what do you realistically think you can achieve? Could it be achieving a personal best or winning a club championship? What about some process goals – more practice, or keeping stats on your game?

Start to jot a few ideas down. I can then assist you with creating some leverage and structure behind the goal.

“People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It’s as simple as that” Earl Nightingale

What plan has to be in place in 2014?

What do you think has to happen for you to achieve these goals? What actions and steps have to be put in place?

So how did you do, did you learn anything about yourself? What goals have you set? I would be intrigued to hear your answers.

This is a very basic template to get you thinking. If you’d like to sit down properly and discuss 2014 then let me know. Write down your thoughts and take action today!

“He who fails to plan is planning to fail”  Winston Churchill

“A year from now – you wish you had started today” Karen Lamb

A formula I use daily in my coaching is based on Timothy Gallaway performance model dating back to the 70’s. Why try and re-invent the wheel, I much prefer to work with the proven truths that already exist.

Understand this and your guaranteed success

Your performance goal should be to try and increase the potential and decrease the interference. Get this right and you will have a winning formula.
I’d suggest the only way you (and I) are going to improve by massive amounts is by increasing our potentials. For example, Rory Mcllroy potential is higher than mine and yours. Potential improvements take time and should be part of every player’s long term goal.  Increasing skills, increasing technical ability, increasing knowledge and increasing your experience must all be integrated in your plan. This plan should be ongoing – the day you stop learning is the day you breathing.

However to release your best golfer today, to maximise your current potential we must decrease the interference and learn ‘to get out of your own way’ and let the best golfer inside be released. At times it’s very easy to chase a result which creates trying and anxiety instead of a preferred state of flow, free from interference. I will predict your best golf to date has come from a certain physiological state, a state free of interference, free of confusing internal thoughts or external distractions. But I will also predict your best golfer only gets released occasionally, and when it does or does not, you’re unsure the reason why? Well don’t leave this state to chance, or an unintentional act. Learn how to bring out that killer champion on a regular basis to committing to this formula.

Make the Most of your practice in 2014 – ‘make it useful time, not time used up’ Pia Nillson
One of my biggest beliefs why people don’t improve as quickly as their expectations is simply the way they practice. I find this time and time again when I question golfer’s practice habits, even the one’s I’m coaching.

I like to work to the premise that the definition of insanity is ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. If you feel you didn’t improve as much as you wanted to in 2013 then please read on and these vital words of wisdom and research that will make your 2014.

4 Types of Practice

Warm Up – Pre Round Practice
This is a linking mind and body preparation with no analysis and no change.
Find your own rituals and mannerisms; find your own ideal performance state controlling your physiology (body language) and your ITV (internal television, movie screen in your mind).
Warm up on the range with some dynamic stretches and start hitting shots working through the bag. The final part will be to simulate the real game and work on your pre-shot routine. Use the yardage chart to imagine that you are out on the course and mentally playing a couple of holes.

Technical Training – “Deliberate” and “Blocked” Practice
This is your training session; what is your goal, what’s your intention, and how does it affect your bigger picture or goal? Are you focusing on a deliberate process rather than an outcome? Is your mind total fixed on your technical development, rather than just beating balls?
This is more of a mind game, not just body movement. We need to leave behind the thought that we have muscle memory and understand your golf swing is stored in our brains.
We must aim to make this new move permanent and automatic, thought repetitions and drill. Use techniques like active visualisation or internalisation; instruct the brain with images and feelings rather than a list of words.   Be clear and concise.
This part of deliberate practice is better performed alone and is not inherently enjoyable. The research suggests 45 minute bursts of practice. Reflection and focus is key.

Skill Development – Your personal learning and exploration
‘What we have to learn, we learn by doing’ Aristotle
For example what skills do you need that you don’t currently have?
This could be working on ball flight, distance control or spin variation. Maybe different lies, playing in wind/wet or shaping shots.  Play games, set yourself tasks and challenge yourself.
‘You are either developing the skills you have or extending the range and reach of the ones you don’t’

Game Simulation
“There is a great intensity to what we do on a daily basis. The players train competitively, they behave like champions each and every day. Each practice session is the most important session. Our competitiveness is not something we just turn on match days.” Sir Alex Ferguson
This type of practice is preparation to perform, cementing your performance rituals and habits.
For Example

• Your Pre-Shot Routine
• Your Post-Shot Routine
• Make practice measurable; find some facts through skills tests and games. This creates course and competition pressure.
• Varied and random practice, different targets, different clubs, different Situations.

Remember every shot must have a purpose, even in practice.