Okay, so I’ve been hearing a lot about this “Dr. Bob Rotella” guy, especially in the golfing world. I’m not a huge golfer, but I’m always looking for ways to improve my mental game, no matter what I’m doing. So, I decided to dive in and see what this Rotella is all about.
Digging into Rotella
First thing I did was, of course, hit up the internet. Found a bunch of his books, articles, and interviews. Seemed like the guy really knows his stuff about sports psychology, especially with golfers, but also with other athletes and even business people.
Reading and Listening
I grabbed one of his books, “Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect,” which seemed like a good starting point. I also found some podcasts where he was interviewed. I started reading and listening whenever I had some downtime – on my commute, while doing chores, stuff like that.
- The book was pretty easy to read, not too technical or anything.
- He tells a lot of stories about famous golfers he’s worked with, which is kind of interesting.
- The podcasts were good too, I could listen to him talk directly.
Taking Notes and Highlighting
As I went through the material, I started highlighting key phrases and ideas that resonated with me. I also jotted down some notes in a notebook, trying to summarize the main points in my own words. That always helps me remember things better.
Trying Out the Techniques
This is where the rubber meets the road, right? I started trying to apply some of Rotella’s advice in my own life. For example, I was playing some pickup basketball, nothing too serious, and i practice:
- I focused on staying in the present moment, not worrying about past mistakes or future shots.
- I visualized making shots before I took them.
- I worked on my self-talk, trying to be more positive and encouraging.
Reflecting and Adjusting
After each game, I’d spend a few minutes reflecting on how I did, mentally. Did I stay focused? Did I get down on myself? I tried to identify areas where I could improve and adjust my approach for the next time.
Seeing Some Results(Maybe?)
Honestly, it’s hard to say for sure if it’s made a huge difference. It’s not like I suddenly became an all-star. But, I do feel like I’m a little more focused and a little less likely to get rattled when things aren’t going my way. And that’s something, right?
Keeping it Up
I’m going to keep at it. I think this mental game stuff takes time and practice, just like anything else. I’ll probably check out some of Rotella’s other books too. It’s kind of a fun experiment, and it definitely can’t hurt to have a stronger mental game, no matter what you’re doing.
