From Fairways to Pathways: Mastering the art of managing expectations in golf and life??

Hello there and thank you for joining me again for another edition of "From Fairways to Pathways” where we explore the lessons to be learnt from the golf course that can improve our daily lives. In this episode I wanted to talk about the art of managing our expectations both on and off the golf course. There is a profound connection between managing your own golf based expectations and fostering a healthier perspective that resonates beyond the course.

If you’d like to learn more about the shared lessons of golf and life, take a listen to the Positive Golf Mindset Podcast????

So let’s explore how our expectations play a pivotal role in shaping our experiences and influencing our well-being.

Understanding the nature of expectations

Our expectations arise from our desires, past experiences and the narratives we construct in our minds. Whether we’re aiming for a par or envisioning a promotion at work, expectations set the stage for our emotional responses to outcomes. So obviously if our expectations are too high there is a risk or disappointment if we don’t achieve them and vice versa if our expectations are too low we can be perceived as lacking confidence. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle and the only way we can get to this point is by fully understanding our own level of expectations without judgement.?

The paradox of perfection

If you play golf, there is a very good chance you may have at some point fallen into the paradox of perfection. We pay money to play this game, to buy the right equipment, perhaps to be a member of a club or to pay for lessons, none of this comes cheap, so when we get a chance to play, we want it to be the best it possibly can. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t live up to what you had hoped, our expectations hadn’t been met. But it’s important to remember that the pursuit of perfection can also be a driving force - provided you understand that the journey is what’s important and not the destination necessarily. The relentless quest for an idealised version of ourselves or our circumstances can lead to stress and disappointment. Embracing the imperfections, enjoying the journey both on the course and in life, becomes a liberating mindset shift.

Navigating the hazards

When we visualise an outcome, the outcome that we desire, that we expect, do we consider strongly enough the possible hazards along the route? Hazards on the golf course test a player's skill and strategic thinking. Similarly, life presents unforeseen challenges and hazards that we have to navigate. Managing our expectations in any forum involves acknowledging that obstacles are part of the journey. Cultivating some resilience and adapting ourselves to unexpected twists and turns will help you to cultivate a more robust mindset.

Celebrating small wins

I can happily tell you that a well-executed approach shot or a successful putt will most definitely be a cause for celebration. Goodness me, a cleanly struck chip and run to within 5 feet might well receive a fist pump, irrespective of the overall score. I talk to people all the time about the power of celebrating small wins, about using positive language with yourself let alone with others to help drive your confidence and happiness. Translating this to life, if we can recognise and appreciate small victories, even in the face of our larger challenges, we will be able to better foster gratitude in what we have and a more positive outlook in general.

Learning from setbacks

Trust me when I say that golfers encounter rough patches, missed shots and dare I say, even the occasional triple bogey. Trust me. The ability to bounce back, to learn from mistakes and to adjust your strategy is key. It’s the central premise of the person fostering a growth mindset. Similarly, in life, setbacks provide valuable lessons - maybe we struggle to see them in the moment, but lessons they are. Managing expectations involves viewing failures not as defeats but as stepping stones to growth.

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery along the way

I have found that in our pursuit of improvement we can sometimes forget about the beauty of the present. Remember, the journey is at least as significant as the destination and often moreso. Take a moment to look around, to breathe and to enjoy the path. By staying present and finding joy in the journey, you not only enhance your golf performance but also create a richer experience for your life. Managing expectations becomes a holistic practice that balances your ambition with appreciation of life, your goals with gratitude and your scores with the sheer pleasure of being in the moment.

As you traverse through life whether you’re on the fairways, in the office or at home, the lesson becomes clear: managing your expectations is not merely a game strategy but a philosophy that transcends sport. It's a blueprint for cultivating a healthier perspective, reducing stress and embracing the nuanced beauty of life's journey.

Contact me for your FREE mini session Book your mini session here?? Let’s spend some time understanding and breaking down your own barriers, the things that are getting in the way of achieving your goals. I’ll hold you accountable for your own development and support you on your journey.