If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that requires a lot of work, that incurs a great deal of interest and this is a challenge to you, you will always look  forward to waking up to see what the new day brings – Susan Polis Schultz

The desire to play, practice, report, discuss, read or dream about one specific thing can have an awesome effect on ones life.  It is important to have a goal that makes you happy and stokes the desire to achieve greatness.  For some it is building furniture, others helping the less fortunate, or for some being an expert in a particular field of study.  There really are no limitations.  Only the person can decide.

Over the years, many goals have come and gone.  Some were accomplished, some not. Regardless, having a goal has always helped me focus on whatever I wanted to achieve. Through it all, there have been two lifetime goals that I have always kept close.

First is my family.  To be the best husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend I can be. This is an ongoing goal and one that will last my lifetime.

The second goal is to be a scratch golfer.  To be a scratch golfer takes discipline, willingness to be a student, openness to try new things and a mental focus that is sharper than most. Through the years, this goal has faded in and out because of life, but has periodically rose from the ashes of neglect like a fiery Phoenix.

This year, I find that desire rising again. So after some introspection, I decided to go for it and have come up with a four step plan.  Here it is:

1. get fit – focus on exercises designed to improve my golf game;
2. research – the drills and techniques required to improve my game;
3. practice – dedicate time to practice to improve my game; and
4. compete – either formally or informally compete every time I hit the links.

This may seem like a simple plan, but I assure you it is not.  Over the next few months, I will be sharing what I find, my progress, and how I refine each step to achieve my goal.

My first step starts today – I must develop a growth mindset!  I have to change my thoughts from “I think” to “I can” – I believe I have no limitations and I will achieve my goal.  I am ready for the challenge.  The Power of Belief – Mindset and Success: Eduardo Briceno at TEDxManhattanBeach is a great video that explains the attitude shift required to achieve my goal of being a scratch golfer.

This is going to be a fantastic year.  I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!