What Golf Taught Me About Persistence and Learning New Skills (And Why You Should Take a Swing at Something New)

So, I started golfing because I was dating an avid golfer, and we lived close to a beautiful golf course. Seemed like a great idea, right? How hard could it be? Spoiler alert: Very. Very hard.

The first time I picked up a golf club, I thought, "This is going to be easy." Then reality hit. I found myself chasing a tiny white ball through sand traps, water hazards, and more trees than I ever cared to count. I quickly realized I was in way over my head. But the frustration didn’t push me away; it pulled me in.

Why? Because I was determined to get better. I needed to develop persistence. And, as it turns out, golf is a fantastic teacher. Here’s what I learned:

1. Change: Embrace the Uncomfortable

Golf is all about doing things you’ve never done before. Swinging in a way that feels unnatural, focusing in a way that feels intense, and managing emotions that you didn’t even know existed. And life? Well, it’s not so different. We all have our comfort zones, but the real growth happens beyond that. As they say, the adventure begins where your comfort zone ends. It’s where you find your true potential, your authentic self. Are you willing to explore your edge?

2. Perfectionism: It's Not Your Friend

Here’s the thing about golf: You can do everything right and still have the ball land in the pond. It’s maddening. But it’s also a great lesson in focusing on effort rather than outcome. You can’t control the wind, the terrain, or even that annoying squirrel running across the green. But you can control your swing, your mindset, and your attitude. So, forget perfection—commit to the process. "I am responsible for the effort not the outcome" became my new mantra.

3. Set Small Goals: Celebrate Every Win

In golf, like in life, progress can feel painfully slow. But I learned that the key is setting small, achievable goals. Celebrate every straight drive, every putt that doesn’t go too far past the hole, and every time you manage not to curse out loud. (Hey, small victories count!) These small wins add up, and before you know it, you’re looking back and realizing how far you’ve come.

4. Embrace Failure: It's a Stepping Stone

Golf is a humbling game. You will fail. Repeatedly. But failure is just feedback in disguise. Each missed shot is an opportunity to learn and improve. It’s the same with any new skill. Embrace your mistakes, laugh at them, and use them to get better. Because every “oops” is one step closer to a “wow!”

5. The Value of Practice: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

If there’s one thing golf demands, it’s practice. And then some more practice. The first time I tried to swing, I thought, “I’ve got this.” The 50th time I tried, I realized I didn’t. Practice is about building muscle memory, refining technique, and—most importantly—developing patience. You can’t rush it. It’s the same with any new skill: consistency is key. Show up, do the work, and embrace the grind. Improvement doesn’t come overnight, but each practice session brings you one step closer to mastery. And yes, even the boring, repetitive parts matter. So, grab your clubs, your paintbrush, your laptop—whatever your “golf” is—and keep practicing. Progress comes with persistence.

6. Enjoy the Process: It’s All About the Journey

At some point, I realized it wasn’t just about getting the ball in the hole. It was about the experience—the early morning sunrises, the camaraderie, the joy of learning something new. It’s easy to get caught up in the results, but if you’re not enjoying the process, you’re missing the point. So, take it from me: enjoy the journey, because that’s where the real magic happens.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or just plain curious, I challenge you to try something new—whether it’s golf or anything else that pushes you out of your comfort zone. You’ll learn more than you ever expected about persistence, mindset, and, yes, even humility. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself.

Remember: Change starts with awareness, acceptance, and action. Get out there, take a swing, and let the adventure begin! ?????

Michelle