The Bad Shots Count
The Field Review: TFR-055
If you act like you don’t care, life will treat you that way.
There’s a big difference between living simply and living carelessly. One is a choice grounded in discipline and intention. The other is a shortcut dressed up like one.
I went golfing by myself yesterday, something I do semi-regularly. It takes some of the pressure off, and I always go before 7am so I’ll have the course to myself. Sometimes I’ll hit two or three shots to get better in different real-course scenarios.
The freedom of no witnesses makes it easy to focus. Or, in yesterday’s case, to get careless.
On my third hole, I had a tight short side chip just off the green. My first shot—the one that counted—I bladed over the green and nearly into the next fairway. Didn’t focus. Didn’t commit to the swing. Just raw carelessness.
“Take it seriously,” I told myself.
My second shot—the one that didn’t count—I chipped in for what would have been a birdie.
As a steward of the gentlemen’s game, that second one didn’t make it to the scorecard. Triple-bogey did.
It wasn’t just the chip shots. I rushed putts. Didn’t read them. Pushed everything to the right. I had more lip-outs yesterday than I’ve had in my entire golf career. For whatever reason, I was in a hurry despite having absolutely no reason in the world to hurry.
But on the last hole, I slowed down. Looked at the line from both sides. Took my time. Hit the putt, and watched it fall from fifteen feet.
If only I hadn’t hit my approach shot in the water…
It didn’t take me long to realize this game rewards respect. No wonder so many compare it to the game of life.
If you stop paying attention, if you convince yourself that effort is optional, don’t be surprised when the results reflect that.
Whether you record them or not, the bad shots count for just as much as the good ones. Even when no one is watching.
From My Desk:
What I’m Thinking/ Doing: My wife and I are celebrating our baby shower today for our first child due in August. The days, weeks and months are starting to move pretty quickly but I have no complaints.
On Deck for Monday Tuesday: It was good to have a long weekend. I definitely needed the break. But with this extra weekend day I also try to keep in mind that Memorial Day isn’t just a day off. It’s a day to remember the people who gave up their weekends (every single one) for something bigger than themselves. For that, we should be eternally grateful.
From The Field Review Archives:
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Venture Onward,
Jack