Episode #123: Use this Insanely Easy Rubberband Hack to Stay Focused

I don't know about you, but my mind loves to wander on the golf course. While meditation and other mindfulness techniques have helped, it’s still something I must focus on during the round.  

To play your best golf, you need to put a leash on your mind (metaphorically speaking) so you can focus on one thing only—the present moment. You will never play your best golf if you dwell on bad shots you hit earlier in the day or get anxious about upcoming shots in the current round. As Dr. Joseph Parent said in Zen Golf, “The past is history, the future is a mystery, being alive in this moment is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”

You can’t change the past and the future hasn’t happened yet. Focus 100% of your attention on the present moment to give yourself the best chance to hit a good shot.

Another easy trick to stay present is to wear a rubber band on your wrist. Anytime you look back to a putt you wish you made or a future shot you’re anxious about hitting, snap it. This is another great trick I learned from a sports psychologist that has done wonders for me on the golf course. 

As I like to say, snap back to reality! 

Over time, this will train your mind to stay more focused on the present moment and not drift to the past or future. Always remember, golf is one shot at a time - don’t get ahead of yourself.