Yesterday I did something I have not done in 10 years . . .
and have only done it 4 times in my entire life . . .
I went GOLFING.
Yep!
One of my friends Buck called last week and asked if I would go. He knew I wasn't a "golfer" but said that would be OK because he and the other 2 players were "rusty novices" . . . and no-one would judge me.
I did better than I expected.
I actually connected with the ball every time (but once) I took a swing. That was a miracle in and of itself from my perspective. I find it unfathomable that a human can actually strike such a little ball on the ground with such a little mallet on the end of a long stick and cause the ball to travel long distances with ANY semblance of accuracy.
The secret to my success?
Concentration - FOCUS!
My aim was not good at the beginning - nor was the "quality"of my hits, but the good news was that my ball traveled (generally) the "right" direction from the tee to the pin.
The only real difference between me and the pros was that it took me more shots . . . and my path was quite a bit less direct - zig-zag to the pin instead of straight down the middle.
Guess what?
I never lost a ball . . . At the end, I Had the same 3 I started with . . . Cleared ALL of the water obstacles . . . and only hit the beach (Sand traps) twice.
My game improved with each hole . . . My shots were getting stronger and more accurate . . .
I can honestly say that my performance on the putting green was nothing short of ridiculously abysmal.
Thank God, we weren't really keeping score :-)
At the end of the day, I was proud and thought back on the day.
I had never played this game so well before.
In fact, I had never ENJOYED playing this game before. The other times I had played, I remembered being frustrated and anxious.
What was the difference this time?
Fewer Distractions . . .
The 3 guys I was playing with were supportive and pressure-free.
and I LISTENED to those who knew more than I.
My friend offered snippets of coaching . . . how to improve my grip . . . which club to use . . . Placement of my feet . . . Head down . . . Positioning of the head of the club . . . and FOCUS.
All 4 of us were out there being very serious about playing our BEST personal game of golf given our variety of talent and experience . . . all the while having FUN.
There's a wonderful etiquette on the golf course that many of us could learn from in our business worlds. Each player concentrates VERY intently on his own personal game . . . and ALWAYS keeps an eye open for other players on the course.
I think the worst foul on a golf course would be to become a distraction for another player. If you're not supportive and gracious and generous . . . you're missing the point.
Any distraction whatsoever can foil the performance of even the BEST players . . . and can doom the efforts of the rookie.
How's your business environment relative to the golf course?
Are we not all in an "individual effort" "Equal Opportunity, Unequal Reward" environment?
When we go to the office, are we SERIOUS about business and cognizant of the presence of others?
Do we respect and honor the FOCUS of others?
In golf, we all stand quietly while someone takes a shot . . . the farthest ball from the tee takes the first shot.
In the office if the door is closed or a phone is on the ear, we respectfully stand aside and wait our turn instead of barging in or blurting out words.
Often when people come to visit our office, one of the comments they make is: "This place FEELS great! Everyone is busy and professional and respectful."
Aw heck!
We're simply playing golf . . . working on our individual "games" all the while respecting the games of our associates.
Are you a golfer?
If not . . . why not step out of your box for a day and find 3 friends who are and ask them if they will take you out for 18 holes. Be sure to reserve a full day (4-5 hours) for the adventure. You'll learn a LOT about the Power of Distraction . . . get to know your friends at a whole new level (even though there may not be a lot of talking during the game) . . . and might even discover that it's a fun game to play.
Next time my friend Buck comes back to town, I'm gonna ask him for another round of golf . . . I'll buy that round :-)
I'm just sayin'
Best,
b
The Owen Group – http://www.theowengroup.net
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Barry Owen
Principal Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty
30 Burton Hills Blvd
Nashville, TN – Green Hills
615-568-2123
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