Lessons I learnt on the golf course that I hope will set me up for more in 2023

Is it too late to wish you a blessed, successful and fulfilling 2023? We hope not, Happy New Year!

Yes, I know this sounds like a weird topic to start the year off with but trust me there is a point to this so keep reading😊

At the end of 2022, PJ and myself decided to have ourselves a year end function. We decided to go play a round of golf. I don’t really play – well I played a bit at school on a mashy course (a beginners golf course) and have been to the driving range a few times. PJ on the other hand does play and can handle himself on a course. So off we go – me with a bunch of expectations about how the day would go. See, when it comes to sport I have always been relatively good at getting the hang of things and I haven’t really ever been afraid of the effort it takes to master the skills required – AND I don’t really enjoy losing.

We get to the first tee and I basically hit my first shot straight into the clubhouse lapa (for those of you who don’t know much about golf, this wasn’t a great start). I shake it off and try again. The second attempt is slightly better, but I mean slightly. At least it went in the general direction I was aiming.

As we go, I just cannot get out of my head. I am thinking about all the coaching cues, how ridiculous I must look to the other players, why is this so darn hard – it’s not that complicated to HIT THE BALL. By the time we got to the fifth hole, PJ jokingly asked me – “why are you acting like a teenager?”. Laughingly, my response – “I am learning my lessons, okay!”. Truth is, I like teaching lessons and not learning them. But many of the lessons I get to teach I often had to learn first.

We had a chat – and here are my learnings:

• Let go of unrealistic expectations: Like golf, anything worth achieving will take time and effort. Yes, have high expectations and set goals, but expect it to be hard, communicate what you need clearly, and be willing to do the work.
• Think, then just hit the damn ball: You need to plan, you need to think and spend time in your own mind, you need to create structure that enables you to think less and do more. But once you have decided on a course of action, commit and start moving.
• Give yourself a little grace: When you are busy learning something new, going through something hard or taking on a new challenge, allow yourself space to make mistakes and learn. Know that sucking at something new is part of the process. You will only get better if you see it through.
• Surround yourself with people who see you! PJ needed to ask me the question for me to actually take responsibility to think and act differently. My husband also often plays this role, making me think deeper and take responsibility for what I actually can control. Choose your circle well and listen when they talk.

Good news – it did get better! On the 7th I hit a great putt and by the last hole I actually made par😊 May this year be filled with new experiences, lessons and lots of love.

Let’s go!

(Actual evidence of the results of a great shot below!)

At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.