Whether They Agree Or Not

Growing up as an athlete, I was taught, and instinctively believed, that 100% intensity and focus should be applied to everything we attempt.

I've always had high expectations for myself, and as a coach, have these same expectations for my students. If you want to be truly great at anything, being committed to sacrifice, no excuses, and a willingness to do what they're not, is critical for success. To separate from the pack means to do more, sometimes do it differently, but always work harder than your opponents.

This can be difficult for some to understand, as it often feels and sounds a bit "cut throat." Many view this type of intensity and sacrifice as unnecessary for success, and damaging to self. By definition, sacrifice means to give up in order to receive. Sometimes, we may have to let go of the things we wish to hold onto the tightest. This is how we separate - knowing most won't sacrifice what's needed to achieve their goals.

I recently shared my opinion on a few professional athletes, expressing my disappointment with their mental toughness. Some agreed with my assessment, but many didn't. Those who disagreed believed I was either too hard on them, or just flat-out didn't think I knew what I was talking about. I respect and appreciate all opinions, but what I DO know is competition at a national level, and pressure strong enough to make you gag on your own breathe. I've felt it, many times overcoming, and other times falling victim. Now, I study this sometimes paralyzing pressure full time, teaching how to react positively and confidently to it's affects.

When I'm assessing an athlete, whether a student or opponent, I instinctively look into their eyes, looking for an intensity that can hardly be described. It's a look that shows no fear, and an arrogance that believes they will succeed no matter what obstacles arise. When the great ones are at their highest peak of concentration, their eyes can burn a hole through you, and all peripheral vision becomes non existent. Pressure situations makes these hyper-focused athletes perform at a higher level ... they actually want and need the pressure to excel.

I was critical of a few professional athletes because I didn't believe they showed this intense focus on a regular basis, which has resulted in far too few championships. I don't know whether it's because they haven't been taught, or simply choose to believe it's not important enough, but something's not clicking for them under pressure. I tend to compare all athletes, professional or not, to the two greatest of all time: Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. They were on top of the "mental food chain," and are still the best examples of how to take your game to another level when pressure is at it's most extreme.

You don't have to be a pro athlete to give the same effort and attention to your craft. Be willing to sacrifice and become totally dedicated to propelling your skill past your competition. Work harder and longer than THEY do.

Teachers, never be afraid to voice your concern if you believe more can be done where less is currently taking over. It's my opinion that more can always be achieved, and we shouldn't ever, ever settle for less! Push past comfort zones, and help others fight through theirs... whether they agree or not.

I'm An Illusion

My name is Fear, and I dominate you. I control your every thought, and manipulate your daily actions. Because of me, you're unable to move forward towards your goals. Actually, due to my hold on you, you don't even set many goals. You view short term failure as guaranteed long term failure.

I have you handcuffed to the type of thinking that keeps you stationary - often times moving, but always standing still. My name is Fear, and I make sure you think of me the moment you awaken until the second you fall asleep. Many nights are filled with dreams of me, unable to find a way out of my grasp. I make you believe you don't have any control over your future. I hold you to a truth that, in reality, is a lie. I own you ... or so you believe.

Because of me, you view new experiences as opportunities to fall, unable to step past comfort zones. It's these comfort zones that I use against you. I make you believe that outside your natural comfort awaits insecurity and eventual failure. I am Fear, and you are holding on tight. We have a love / hate relationship. You know, deep down, I'm holding you back, yet you still love my familiarity. Fear is a crazy thing, isn't it. I make you feel comfort, knowing you're too weak to take a leap of faith.

I paralyze you to the point of giving up. You want more, but don't know how to pry my fingers from your wrists. Maybe you try once in awhile, but I've grown strong. My strength comes from your inability to fight. You quit, I win.

Thank goodness you don't understand I'm an illusion. I'm the power of your imagination. The same way you've allowed me to own your actions is, ironically, the way you'll get rid of me. My name is Fear. Do you believe in me?

Let Them Live

"I am not a role model." -Charles Barkley

In my opinion, he's half correct. Off the basketball court he wasn't, but on, he definitely was! Kids watched him in person and on television, and all they knew was how he reacted to challenges, treated the fans, and how hard he worked during games. This is what they knew, so for this, he was their role model in that small part of their lives. Off the court is a different story. The internet and media make us think we know these athletes, but we know nothing about them, their personalities, how they treat their family, and their moral beliefs.

My Twitter account has been blowing up about Tiger Woods, the media's unfair bashing of him, and the fans' relentless attacks on his personal life. And recently, more allegations of Tiger's use of Human Growth Hormone has sparked talk about whether or not he's "who we think he is." @GolfSchott, specifically, has been passionate about his defense of Tiger, believing the media has unfairly targeted his off course mistakes, and haven't given him a break, allowing any forgiving to take place. (I hope Brad doesn't mind me using his handle, but he's been very articulate and open about his beliefs... and I greatly respect his opinion. Thanks, Brad).

Tiger Woods is not a role model off the course, and never should be considered one. When my 2 year old daughter is old enough to understand his amazing physical gifts on course, we will discuss THAT part of his game in detail. I'll teach her the importance of his work ethic, mental toughness, and his ability to never settle for less. This is what's important to me, as a teacher and father, not his choices off the course. Again, we don't know him as a man, we only know him as a golfer ... perhaps the best of all time. Now, if the HGH rumors are ever proven to be true, I'll be forced to adjust that talk with my daughter, as it directly affects his on course play, in one way or another. @GolfSchott and I have debated how it affected Tiger's  performance, but the bottom line, in my opinion: He's an on-course role model, it's cheating, and he should be judged harshly if he has ever taken these drugs.

I'm not here to prosecute Tiger, only to make it clear that my belief is simple: We, as fans and parents need to understand that all professional athletes are human beings, living their lives, and making mistakes, just as we do. The media has made us believe they aren't human, they shouldn't make mistakes, and when they do, we shouldn't forgive them. We definitely should forgive, but more importantly, we shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking we need to know every detail of these people's lives. Watch them on t.v., cheer when they do well, and let them live!

What Are You Waiting For?!

Mentally grab ahold of what you want.

Mentally know that it will happen, and you'll do whatever it takes.

Mentally create fearlessness and a hunger unmatched.

Mentally allow yourself to fail, knowing it's the only way to succeed.

Take it!

Mentally climb. Climb higher. Keep climbing. Never stop.

Mentally punch out any negative thoughts that attempt to handcuff your progress.

Mentally fight, and love the sweat building as you battle. 

Mentally wipe away the inevitable frustration that shows it's face along the way.

Take it!

Mentally ignore all nay-sayers.

Mentally know and believe without evidence.

Mentally laugh at those who critique your passion, knowing it's only jealousy they spew.

Mentally never doubt your abilities.

Take it! 

Take it, dammit!

What are you waiting for?!

It's A Delicate Balance

Know your strengths, develop them into weapons, but also be aware of when they're turning into weaknesses!

My biggest strengths are my aggression and my intensity. I've learned through years of competing, the more aggressive competitor wins a higher percentage of the time. I've developed the ability to take this aggression to another, more explosive level when needed. I always feel I can "out-aggress" my opponents under pressure, which in the long run, gives me a huge advantage over them. This aggression, if not watched carefully, can backfire and turn into recklessness. I must be aware of when I'm crossing this thin line, and be able to reel it in. This is a skill set in itself, but knowing how to achieve this delicate balance can be the difference between achieving my goals, or falling short.

Since I was very young, I've had the ability to become super intense and take focus to the extreme. During competition, these qualities can be huge weapons, especially during pressure packed moments. I'm able to quiet my body and mind to the point where I have complete tunnel vision. I, literally, can't see or hear anything in my peripheral. I only see my target, and mentally calculate the best way of getting there. This process is best achieved when I focus all my attention inward, leaving many opponents viewing me as cocky or arrogant. When I'm competing at my best, I don't talk, and especially never give compliments. Compliments make my opponents feel comfortable... why would I ever want them feeling comfortable?! During highly competitive situations, these are my biggest weapons, creating instant advantages, BUT become weaknesses outside the competitive arena. If I'm not careful, this focused intensity can turn into solitude and selfishness.

We must fully understand our strengths, and the potential they have to turn into major weapons, all while being hyper aware of when they begin turning against us. While you're competing, never be afraid to take these qualities to the maximum level. Attempting to stretch past your normal comfort zone is the only way to achieve greatness!

It's Mandatory For Next Level

"I want to take my game to another level, and reach that 1% mindset, but I don't want to seem cocky or arrogant in the process." -100% of the students I've worked with.

To take our game to the next level, we have to know we're the best, and believe no one can touch our skills. Without this belief, we're vulnerable to opponents who do think this way.

As Rory McIlroy said in his press conference, prior to the final round of U.S. Open: "I have to find a cockiness and arrogance tomorrow (in order to win this tournament)..."


To be arrogant doesn't have to mean being an ass to your opponents or fans... it simply means you have a deep, personal understanding of your skill level, and believe you will defeat anyone who stands in your way. To many, this sounds rude, but to the elite in their field, it's a simple fact. They believe it's absolutely mandatory to think this way, as it creates an important mental edge over their opponents.

On the court, Michael Jordan was as fierce a competitor as there ever was. When he put on his Bulls jersey, he knew with every competitive fiber in his body, that he was the best, period! No matter the situation, he knew he could single-handedly take over a game. 6 championships later... Was he cocky? Yep! Was he arrogant? Yep!

During his dominant years, when Tiger Woods stepped onto the first tee, in his mind, there was no doubt he was going to win! No one on the planet could touch him if he was playing well. He knew it, we knew it, and his opponents definitely knew it. His swagger down the fairway showed everyone, as did his blistering, focused stare on the greens, that he was the best. This was a man who, with 100% certainty, knew he couldn't be touched! Is this cockiness or arrogance? Yes to both.

It's more than a simple confidence. Everyone who's experienced a fair amount of success can create, and play with confidence. The type of belief I'm talking about comes from a burning desire to separate from the pack, and not care what anyone thinks about us as we strive for this goal.

This attitude is healthy, as long as it stays ON the playing field. There's nothing wrong with believing we're the best. In fact, without these thoughts, it would be impossible to excel at anything. The problem with arrogance is when it spills into personal lives. Unfortunately for Tiger, he didn't learn how to keep that belief inside the ropes, leaking it all over his life, leaving him where he is today. The arrogance, itself, didn't cause the problem... his inability to control it was ultimately the issue.

This is the "million dollar puzzle," isn't it? How do we become cocky and arrogant while we're competing, yet not allow it to spill over into our personal life? It's taken me over 20 years to figure out, but I finally have the answer. I learned that we, as intense competitors, must create two separate buttons to push. Without these buttons, the line becomes blurry, cockiness becomes a grey area, eventually affecting everyone around us. There's nothing wrong with competing with extreme confidence. Ie: Cockiness / arrogance... as long as we understand it's potential destruction off the playing field.

Hold Yourself To A Higher Standard

I wake up every morning, repeating four simple words: 

Never Settle For Less!

If there's more time to practice... then practice.

When you begin to feel average... look for the uncomfortable.

When you think you're finished... do more.

If complacency opens the front door... slam it shut.

Mental fatigue is guaranteed... accept this fact, and ask yourself, "Now what?!"

Strive for perfection, knowing it may not exist. 

Never settle for less... you deserve more!

What Can We Learn From Him?

He's poised. He's articulate. He's thoughtful. He's willing to speak honestly about his shortcomings... and now he's a US Open Champion! He's Rory McIlroy, and he's 22 years old!

We don't have to be golfers to understand how pressure affects our thoughts and actions. Just two months ago, Rory allowed that pressure to dictate, ultimately getting the best of him. The media frenzy that followed his mental collapse at The Masters would've destroyed most people, and definitely all 22 year olds. Somehow, he found the confidence and maturity to stand in front of the microphone, head held high, and, in front of the world, confront his weaknesses. He was sincere, unapologetic, and promised internal change would result.

This post isn't about winning the Open, but instead, the mental toughness, fearlessness, and discipline it took to make such a quick comeback. All of us can relate to falling on our face, and having to make a decision whether to stay down, or stand and risk more failure. We haven't had to look at those crossroads in front of the world, though... making his mental comeback even more miraculous.

The microphone from The Golf Channel was shoved in his face, tape recorders from ESPN, and an infinite amount of global reporters, all asking if he'd ever recover from his Augusta meltdown. How did Rory answer? By literally destroying US Open scoring records, quietly and confidently swaggering down each fairway.

His physical actions mirrored genius, but I'm more impressed with his emotional domination of the field. He made a conscious decision to mentally command his every thought. In his words, he "lost himself in the process of every decision." He focused on his mindset, and the results that would manifest from his thinking. THIS is the genius that was Rory McIlroy.

Some say he's the next Tiger Woods, others believe it's too early, and no one will duplicate that type of mastery. I'm of the opinion that if he decides the reward at the end of the grind is worth the mental discipline, his trophy case will be overflowing with Major wins. The power of the mind is infinite. Unfortunately, not many attempt to tap into it's ability, leaving us with many physical talents, most underachieving. Rory has proven his mechanical perfection, and for a four day stretch, the potential of his mental performance. Will he look in the mirror, smile, and feel the need for more?

When we stare at our own reflection, what's looking back? Are we living up to our potential? Are we pushing through our comfort zones, willing to grimace through the pain of growth? What can we learn from this amazing 22 year old?

K.I.S.S.

Back in high school during a basketball game, I remember trying to make a fancy play, Magic Johnson style, when my coach yelled across the floor, "Keep it simple, stupid!" I'm not a big fan of calling my students stupid, but I do agree with my former hot-headed coach that simpler is better.

One of the biggest traps coaches unknowingly fall into, in my opinion, is making it more difficult than it has to be. As I was recently reminded by a wise teacher, Lance McWilliams (http://www.ZoomBoomGolf.com): "You don't have to explain to me how the watch works... just tell me the time." That statement is as true as it gets. As a student, it's instinctive to think your coach must tell you everything he knows about the subject in order for you to learn. The opposite is true -- the less he tells you, the more you'll comprehend in the long term. 


As I was working out, practicing for a tennis tournament years ago, I was interrupted by a coach on the court next to mine, who was barking out instruction after instruction to his teenage student. "Do this, then that. Then after you finished that, make sure you remember not to forget to do this. When you're done with all of that, remember to check position (A), making sure it's not in position (B)..." I wanted to scream! The kid was struggling, and getting very frustrated. 


I literally walked over to the fence, in the middle of my practice session, and asked if I could add one simple instruction to his lesson. Back in those days, I didn't understand how much of a cocky, inappropriate move it was to interrupt another teacher's lesson. I was young, arrogant, and knew it all. I believed it needed to be done, as this coach obviously didn't understand the concept of K.I.S.S. I suggested that his student try focusing on (X), rather than getting bogged-down in everything else. The coach told me the problem was more complex than the one, simple fix I was offering, but he'd allow his student to try it (probably thinking it would fail miserably, and he'd be shoo-ing me back to my court). As the teenager began working on my suggestion, I went back to my practice session, but making sure I kept an ear on the teaching court. "Nice shot, Scott... you got it" was all I heard for the next 1/2 hour. 


No matter what your goals, make sure to focus on the simple path. It may look more exciting to walk along a complex, more detailed direction, but more isn't always better. Actually, it rarely is! Listen to everyone who wants to help you, but be diligent when trying to decipher who's "talking big" vs. who's talking simple. I've learned the hard way -- the one who constantly talks about how good he is, and the guarantees of instant success, is the one who's the most insecure. The teacher who wants you to focus on less, concentrating on a patient, long term process is the person you should trust. 


In order to achieve anything, action must be taken. Simple, detailed action is the key! If you're feeling confused, look for another way. It doesn't have to be complicated.


Take a peek at your watch. Forget how it works. What time is it?

Letting Go...

When we try, we don't. When we let go, we do!

Growing up playing sports, this was a common theme. The harder we tried to win, the less likely it would happen. The tighter we squeezed the bat or tennis racquet, the less relaxed our muscles became, not allowing for a relaxed swing. This same concept plays an important role in every part of our lives, as it relates to achieving something out of our comfort zones.

When we're passionate, our instincts tell us to "try harder" to grab ahold of that goal. Instead, we need to create a new instinct that instructs us to "let go." Let go of the outcome, and hang on to the details needed to achieve the outcome. Let go of the stress associated with the end result, and paint a mental picture of how it will manifest. Let go of the expectations of such lofty goals, and step consistently towards that next level.

When we squeeze that driver, wanting to hit it 310 yards, our muscles tighten, our breathe becomes shallow and constricted, and relaxation becomes an afterthought. "I'm going to crush this ball" is the last thought our mind hears, ultimately producing a drive that my 2 1/2 year old daughter would laugh at. Instead, let go of desired results, see and feel the shot, and accept all possible outcomes. This type of thinking will create and instant relaxation of the muscles, allowing the body to produce the shot visualized.

"I'm going to try and lose 25 lbs" is another common theme among my students. This also creates a focus that doesn't allow long term relaxation. It may produce short term results, but it rarely lasts, and the process can be mentally painful, to say the least. Instead, concentrate on enjoying the long term, daily actions that will create a healthier and freeing lifestyle. Rather than "trying to lose weight," love the opportunity to become a new person, inside and out, and create new habits that will change lives forever. When we think like this, the negative pressure disappears, and shifts the focus from possible failure to probable success. Let go of losing weight. Relish the steps that will create a new future. Let go of knowing you have to eat better and exercise more. Embrace the happiness that will ultimately flow into your life.

Surrender to the process of every challenge, letting go of the pressures attached with results. When we try, we don't. When we let go, we do!