Throughout my study of successful golfers I have observed one very noticable trait. This trait is best observed through their common practice habits. Though they are somewhat different in their individual approach they still make the most of their time by knowing exactly WHY they are practicing!

Most of us have a difficult time with practice because we never have a clear definition of "Why am I here and what am I doing?" Ask any professional coach if they would enter a game without a game plan. I guarantee that they have a distinct method of preparing their team for competition. Why don’t we have a method? Could it be we don’t have the time or are we just lazy? Throughout my 20 years teaching the game of golf I honestly believe people practice haphazardly because: THEY DON’T HAVE A GOAL. They really don’t have their reason for playing golf fixed in their mind. My colleague, PGA professional, Mike Hebron says that "everyone is ready but only a few are prepared".

Practice can be defined as “preparing yourself to perform to your best ability under stress”. So if practice makes perfect then why don't we practice more often? I believe the answer is simple: Practicing golf is very boring. This begs the question: How do I transcend this boredom and actually look forward to a practice session? The easiest habit to employ to get beyond this boredom is to have purpose or meaning behind it. You’ve got to have a goal. Just going to the practice tee with the vague thought "I want to get better" is not clear enough. Your brain needs to see the "light at the end of the tunnel". It needs a crystal clear visualization of a destination. .

Dr. Maxwell Maltz, the author of Psycho-cybernetics said "every human being has been literally 'engineered for success' by his creator." This means that within each of us is a goal-setting mechanism or a guided missile. In order for our guided missile to work we must have a definite and reachable target. Without a reachable target we are like a ship without a rudder floating endlessly without direction.

It is not very hard to set reachable goals. There are only three components, they are:

1) THEY MUST BE CLEAR AND HAVE A DEADLINE,
2) THEY MUST BE REACHABLE,
3) YOU MUST HAVE FAITH YOU CAN REACH THEM.

Here are some suggestions on how you can set achievable goals to accelerate your golfing success.

1) KEEP A GOAL NOTEBOOK AND REVIEW IT OFTEN TO CONSTANTLY UPDATE WITH NEW GOALS AND MODIFY THEM AS YOU PROGRESS.

2) DECIDE UPON YOUR PURPOSE FOR PLAYING GOLF:

What is my purpose for playing golf? Is it to exercise, to spend more time with my spouse, to help my mind and body to function better, to be with the friends, to get out of the house, to earn a living by turning pro, etc.

Understanding your purpose will help you to determine your long term goal. Once you have your purpose then determine your long term goal. Remember, it should relate to your overall purpose for playing.

3) DECIDE UPON A LONG TERM GOAL.

Some examples of long term goals could be: I will be a "X" Handicap by (MONTH/DATE/YEAR), I want to shoot my age, I want to play in the US Open, I want to be the champion at my club by 19XX, or I want to beat my friends, etc.

All long term goals need to be addressed over a period of time. This is important. You determine the time frame to review your long-term goals. You set the limits for your success. Be careful not to try to set your goals too high too fast. Try not to play in the US Open in only one year. Your time frame needs to be carefully considered because if you don't reach your goal fast enough you may become frustrated and lose interest in the game.

4) DECIDE UPON THE NECESSARY SHORT TERM GOALS TO HELP YOU REACH THE LONG TERM GOAL.

Some examples of short-term goals are: I will practice 8 hours a week for 20 weeks or I will take a lesson every three weeks, or I will practice one hour a day on at least one aspect of the game. Each of these short term goals relate to the long term goal.

Here are several way to help you maintain your goals:

1. Use the knowledge of instructors, videos, books to develop an understanding of your definite golf goals.

2. Employ and always have faith in yourself.

3. Practice perfectly to discover and unleash your personal initiative

4. Adopt a positive mental attitude (PMA)

5. Master self-discipline

6. Learn from adversity and challenges, they are your best teachers

7. Develop creative imaging by cultivating your senses

8. Maintain sound health through temperance

9. Budget your time to permit effective practice