Thursday and Friday last week were unseasonably warm in Buffalo, NY.

Temperatures this time of year are typically in the high 50′s (Fahrenheit).

These two days the temperatures were about 75 degrees, with brilliant sunshine.

The kind of Indian Summer days that you dream about.

Absolutely perfect.

I love this time of year, and especially love this type of weather.

But there is something I simply cannot understand.

How is is that whenever I mentioned to someone how beautiful the weather was, or heard someone refer to the weather, they said this.

“It’s a beautiful day, but it’s supposed to get really cold this weekend.”

OR

“Yeah, it’s nice, but there is a storm on the way.”

OR

“Just wait a few days, it is going to get reaaaaalllllyyyy cold.”

All I could think of was ….

Really, that’s what you decide to focus on?

Something that is completely out of your control.

Why?

Why do people do that?

Nearly a dozen people, direct or indirect, that I heard reference the weather focused on the negative.

This really caught my attention.

While I was not surprised, I was saddened.

So many people are going through life doing this:

#1 – Focusing on things out of their control

#2 – Anticipating Negative Outcomes

#3 – Stealing Time From Themselves

Yes, stealing time from themselves.

Waiting, Worrying, Destroying.

Destroying the essence of what life is all about.

THE MOMENT.

That is all YOU HAVE.

RIGHT NOW.

As You are reading this information, there is nothing else than RIGHT NOW.

Why wouldn’t you make the most of it?

ENJOY IT TO THE FULLEST.

That is what Life Is.

Moments in Time.

Fleeting moments that come and then go.

Especially on the golf course.

I remember about ten years ago hitting a shot from 150 yards to about five feet from the cup.

I remember walking down the fairway with my friend Lou saying to him …

“Lou, I just had an epiphany.

Life is made up of moments.”

That’s it.

Brief moments in time.

Millions, or billions, trillions of them in total.

But one moment at a time.

So why not make the most of them and ENJOY EVERY MOMENT.

On the course, or off, ENJOY EVERY MOMENT.

It is estimated that a person has anywhere from 25,000 to 50,000 thoughts per day.

Since nearly 90% of your thoughts are negative, that’s a lot of thinking working against you.

Here is my question to you?

Are you focusing on “75 & Sunny” or the potential bad weather ahead?

Whatever your response is, BE HONEST with Yourself.

If you are somewhere in between, do your best to improve by focusing on this moment, RIGHT NOW

This is a story about a king and “his friend” that goes like this….

The friend and the king loved to spend time together.

One of the things they enjoyed doing together the most was hunting.

The one thing you must know about the friend is this.

He was the most positive, optimistic person you could ever meet.

No matter how difficult, or adverse of a situation he found himself in, he would always think, or say, the following:

“This Is Good.”

EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Now whenever the king and the friend went out for a hunt, the friend was always responsible for taking care of the provisions (food, guns, ammunition, maps, etc).

However, this one particular day when they went out, something went awry.

As the king pulled his gun out of the bag, it accidentally triggered and …

BAM !!!

The king blew off his finger.

As you can imagine, the king was in a tremendous amount of pain, and as the friend was frantically bandaging the king, he said …

“This Is Good.”

Angrily, the king looked at the friend and said …

“No this is NOT GOOD, and you’re going to jail.”

Bewildered, the friend looked at the king and thought ….

“Ok, you are the king and I guess I don’t have a choice here.”

As they made their way back home, the king ordered the guards to throw his friend in jail.

About a month later, the king decided he was going to go out for a hunt.

With his friend still imprisoned, the king ventured out on his own.

However, this time it was with even worse implications as “the hunter” became “the hunted.”

The king was captured by a group of opposing tribesmen.

Later that Evening, the tribe had the king bound and gagged at the stake.

As they were getting ready to make the king the “local fare” for the Evening, one of the tribesman noticed something in particular.

The king was missing a finger.

Fortunately for the king, this tribe had a superstition.

The superstition was this.

If they took in anyone that was missing an appendage, they would bring them a lifetime of bad luck.

Immediately, they untied the king and set him free.

In complete disbelief and excitement, the king raced back to his homeland.

When he arrived back home, the first person he went to see was his friend, who was still in prison.

Out of breath and barely able to speak, the king said to his friend, panting …

“I am SO SORRY, I cannot believe I over reacted and …”

The friend smiling, looked at the king and said …

“STOP.

Think about what would have happened if I was with you…..

and think about what would have happened if we had all our toes and all our fingers.”

The king looked at his friend with a BIG OLD SMILE and simply said ….

“THIS IS GOOD.”

The moral of the story is this.

No matter how difficult, or adverse of a situation you may be in, find the discipline to say …

“THIS IS GOOD.”

I first heard this story about five years ago.

I have told it hundreds of times and had the pleasure of sharing it with thousands of people.

I especially love telling it LIVE because it REALLY CAPTURES PEOPLE’S ATTENTION.

But before I ask YOU TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW, I want you to think about one thing.

When was the last time you found yourself in a “not so good” situation?

Maybe you lost a big account

OR

Failed a big exam

OR

Had a disagreement with a loved one

OR

Lost your job

OR

Lost a big golf match.

Whatever, it was, would it have been helpful to say …

“THIS IS GOOD?”

I am going to say ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, YES.

How do I know?

Because I have said it hundreds of times in very difficult moments, for the past five years.

Saying “THIS IS GOOD” takes your emotions out of the situation and allows you to think objectively.

And while it may be VERY DIFFICULT to see, or understand what the “GOOD IS” at that time, give it time.

It may take a day, or a week, or a month, but eventually you will see why.

To help someone you know get through some difficult moments, PLEASE SHARE THIS incredibly powerful story TODAY.

 This is a small sample of the knowledge I can share with you. If you want more, email greg@indaregolf.com TODAY to set up a FREE 30 minute call. We can create lots of good together

Congratulations to Bryce Edmister  from SUNY Binghamton for his second place finish on Monday at the Binghamton Invitational.

The reason this result is so impressive, is because Bryce just went through some significant swing challenges, and changes in the past few weeks.

When I spoke to Bryce last week I knew he was frustrated.

I also knew he was staying DISCIPLINED in his approach to the game.

I started working with Bryce this past Summer and knew that HE HAD WHAT IT TAKES.

While I could sense the frustration in his game recently, he hung in there and continued to implement what we had discussed in his “thinking game” approach.

The most important aspect of this was his strategy.

Bryce continued to text me his strategy for each round.

I knew that as he continued to do this while working on his swing with coach Bernie Hercig, improvement was around the corner.

Bryce’s strategy going into yesterday’s round was simple.

“STAY POSITIVE AND BE 100% READY.”

If you have been reading this blog, you have heard me talk about STRATEGY, STRATEGY, STRATEGY.

You need a strategy not just for your game, but for your entire life.

Your business, your week, your next meeting, your relationship, your school day, etc.

A Strategy keeps you focused on the big picture while allowing you to pay attention to the details.

Why?

Because it gives you what Big Money Speaker James Malinchak refers to as T.O.M.A. (Top of Mind Awareness).

Having T.O.M.A. keeps you motivated during desperate times, as well as the best of times.

It motivates you to do what is required to stay on track, create a new idea or have a strong finish to your round.

Here is an example of a simple strategy you may have for the week.

EAT HEALTHY.

If you tell yourself this is going to be your strategy throughout the week (starting Sunday Evening and then reminding yourself on Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon and Thursday Evening and Saturday night), the likelihood of eating healthier is much greater.

Why?

Because you will make smarter decisions about what you purchase and ultimately, what goes in your mouth.

Pretty simple, right?

Conceptually, Yes.

Realistically, No.

Having a Strategy requires Daily Discipline.

You need to remind yourself of it EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Not just Monday morning, and then forget about it for the remainder of the week.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Just like EVERY TIME YOU GO TO THE COURSE.

Not just when you play competitively, or ONLY when you practice.

EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Here is the best part about what Bryce told me when going through the “Tour Pro Mind Coaching Program” with me.

“I always thought I could be one of the best players in the country, NOW I BELIEVE IT.“

Because Bryce has the DISCIPLINE to create a strategy when he practices and when he plays, he has the …

BELIEF he can BECOME THE BEST.

 CONGRATULATIONS BRYCE, we look forward to seeing you BECOME YOUR BEST.

 If YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME YOUR BEST, email me for a FREE 30 minute call at greg@indaregolf.com

I loved watching the Ryder Cup this past weekend.

Weren’t Friday and Saturday absolutely incredible?

For me, I have not enjoyed watching a golf tournament as much as I did on Friday and Saturday, EVER.

The colors, the energy, the competitiveness, the excitement, the crowds, the course.

Everything was just amazing.

The Ryder Cup is a very special event.

It has history, it has uniqueness, it has sorrow, it has euphoria, it has stars and it has magic.

But what the Ryder Cup does not have is, anything to be ashamed of.

What a world class event.

Year after year after year.

Tens of thousands of people gathered for an international competition.

And seemingly, no problems with crowds in the tens of thousands each day.

I have never seen so many people, so deep in a crowd, trying to watch a golf shot.

I’m not sure if some of those people could even see anything.

I am sure that experiencing the ENERGY of just being there was enough.

It was truly an electric “live theater” setting.

Speaking of ENERGY, wow did the Americans have it.

I have a new found appreciation for Keegan Bradley.

I loved his ENERGY and enthusiasm.

He took a typically unemotional American team, to another place.

And then, Bubba Watson stole the show while teeing off with crowd noise on the first tee.

Talk about ENERGY, WOW !!!!

Unprecedented, to say the least.

Not only did he do it on Friday, but then Ian Poulter joined the crowd and did it on Saturday.

As did Bubba again.

When he walked off the first tee on Saturday alongside the sea of fans on the first fairway, I thought …

How COOL is that?

It was incredible.

And, Bubba played really well that day.

While he lost his first match by one hole, he and Webb Simpson tore it up on the second match.

He had ENERGY all day.

But then on Sunday, it was back to business as usual.

Bubba teed off on the first tee Sunday morning in complete QUIET (shhhhhhhh).

Why, I wondered?

Why would he not do it again?

When he did not do it, I must say I was disappointed.

It also gave the start of the match a different feel.

The crowd was not as boisterous, and never really had a chance to get boisterous about much else that day.

While I am not saying Bubba was the reason for their demise, I do know it disrupted the ENERGY level.

He did not have that on Sunday, nor did his teammates.

While the Americans did win some, it was a lifeless day for the team.

Not for the Europeans though.

Their ENERGY seemed to build slowly all weekend.

And it peaked on the second to last match late Sunday afternoon.

Maybe the Europeans won because they were “Playing with a Purpose.”

They were playing for the great Seve Ballesteros.

They wore a visual reminder of what they were playing for on their sleeve.

When you create a vision of the man you are playing for on your shirt sleeve, that is honor.

I wonder if the the Americans were “Playing with a Purpose?”

Or were they simply playing to win.

The difference between “Playing with a Purpose” and “Playing to Win” is this.

When you “Play with a Purpose” you stay committed to that purpose for EVERY HOLE.

When you play to win, thoughts of defeat, or self doubt can creep slow and wide and there is nothing to STOP them.

I am not saying this is the reason the Americans lost and/or the Europeans won.

I am saying this.

#1 – Be highly AWARE of ENERGY in EVERYTHING YOU DO.

#2 – When things in your life have PURPOSE, the likelihood for SUCCESS IS MUCH GREATER.

Congratulations to Team Europe on winning the 2012 Ryder Cup.

I can show YOU how to add ENERGY and PURPOSE to YOUR GAME and YOUR LIFE, email me for YOUR FREE 20 minute coaching call, TODAY.

greg@indaregolf.com

If you are a fan of Rocky, you probably remember this scene from Rocky III.

Rocky’s legendary trainer Mickey, had recently died after being pushed by his newest opponent, Clubber Lang.

As a result of Mickey’s death, Rocky is now being trained by his former opponent, Apollo Creed.

While training for his next championship fight, Rocky found himself in a bad place emotionally, and was having a difficult time getting his “mind” back in the ring.

As he was taking punch after punch from Apollo in the training ring, Apollo lashed out at him.

“What the heck’s the matter with YOU man?”

Rocky then mumbles back to him, “Tomorrow, we’ll do it tomorrow.”

Apollo then backs off and screams at Rocky and says …

“THERE IS NO TOMORROW, THERE IS NO TOMORROW!!!!”

It’s a great scene that made me think of how most golfers are thinking about their game right now.

They continue to think something will get better “tomorrow.”

Tomorrow might mean next round, or next year.

Which brings me to my point for today.

Your club championship is probably over.

You may be thinking about putting the clubs away for the year.

It’s football season.

It’s back to school time.

It’s the fall.

Another change of season, and your thoughts are probably starting to shift away from golf (well maybe after the Ryder Cup this weekend at least).

STOP RIGHT THERE.

Remember what Apollo Creed said?

“THERE IS NO TOMORROW, THERE IS NO TOMORROW!!!!”

Are YOU going to allow yourself to accept that pitiful conclusion again, this season?

Are YOU really going to expect next year will be any different?

REALLY?

Why?

What DO YOU think is going to be different?

Your optimism?

Your enthusiasm?

Your clubs?

Your swing?

Your results?

No.

YOU MUST MAKE A CHANGE TODAY, that will carry into next season, STARTING NOW.

Here is how to make it happen.

#1 – Have a Strategy

Last week, I talked about how to overcome first tee jitters by being 100% READY on EVERY SHOT.

This was done in part by having a strategy.

Now let’s take that concept from the course to your life.

Imagine having a strategy for EVERY DAY, or EVERY WEEK, or EVERY MONTH.

An example of a life strategy could be as simple as this …

I WILL END EACH DAY BY THINKING OF ONE POSITIVE THAT OCCURRED.

I WILL EAT ONE HEALTHY MEAL DAILY.

I WILL TELL MYSELF THAT I AM THE GREATEST AT (insert YOUR GREAT TALENT HERE).

The next thing YOU CAN DO is …

#2 – Remove the A.N.T.s (Automatic Negative Thoughts)

If YOU read this blog, YOU have heard me talk about the silent killer, the A.N.T.s frequently (and I do mean silent killer).

Negative thinking is DEADLY !!!! and it comes in all shapes and sizes.

I have shared many examples of the A.N.T.s on the course, now let’s look at some of them off the course.

We all fall into the proverbial A.N.T. Traps.

ANT Traps are those scenarios where YOU KNOW you are going to have negative thoughts immediately.

Examples of  common ANT Traps for YOU may look like this …

A business meeting with a client/vendor/business associate who is not your favorite person in the world.

Taking out the garbage.

A break up.

Rain.

The morning.

I could make this list of ANT Traps go on forever.

Now, what if YOU took each scenario and said …

“WHAT CAN I DO TO THINK DIFFERENTLY” about each situation?

Let’s look at rain for example.

If rain makes YOU feel sad or depressed or lonely, just think about all the positives rain brings.

If YOU enjoy eating fresh foods, rain brings those foods to YOUR table.

If YOU enjoy having a green lawn, strap on your dancing shoes the next time it rains and do a rain dance.

If YOU enjoy looking at colorful abundant flowers, step outside the next time it rains and hold your face to the sky.

There are so many hidden treasures that life has for us, however we are conditioned to focus on the negatives.

Being aware of these common ANT Traps (in life) is the first step in STOPPING THEM.

Just like it is on the course.

I tell my golfing students this all the time.

The only way you can get better on the course, is to get better off the course.

If YOU think THERE IS NO TOMORROW, THINK AGAIN.

TOMORROW STARTS TODAY !!!

Do SOMETHING TODAY, TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME FOREVER.

By incorporating a Strategy into your life and Removing the A.N.T.s, YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY BECOME a more confident and consistent player.

AND ….

When YOU DO THIS, YOU WILL go from mumbling to celebrating, just like Rocky did in Rocky III.

Check out Rocky’s transformation video here >>>> Rocky’s CELEBRATION

IF YOU ARE READY FOR A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE, email me for a FREE 20 minute call.

I WOULD LOVE TO HELP (greg@indaregolf.com)