Last week I was away camping with the family. The days allowed for reflection and contemplation as well as pure relaxation.
Reflecting on where I have come to in my career and where I want to go was high on my list of brain activity.
It’s been a funny career path. I started as a school teacher. It was at university that I took the game of golf up after an injury in rugby. After teaching I moved to working part time in a timber yard while playing golf as an amateur. Then came a job as an Assistant at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. I had to move to complete my PGA training which was disappointing but had to be done. I went from club to club teaching golf but had no real idea what I wanted from a career. I tried the club pro route but that ended unkindly and I turned myself to an office job.
Convinced my golf career was done – I was bitter. But, through self reflection and long, hard thinking I decided that coaching golf is my thing. Short game is a specialty but the acquisition of knowledge is also my deal. Recently I have made contact with a number of highly regarded professionals who have been generous with their time and advice. One hopes I can be as giving with my knowledge when the time comes.
With reflection comes gratitude and there are many people and groups who I am grateful for: Mum and Dad, KT (wife), my three kids, Hawkes Bay Golf Club, the PGA of New Zealand, many many PGA pros throughout the world. Lastly – not the least of which are my students, without whom none of this is possible.
Take time to reflect. It’ll do you the world of good. You may even find happiness 🙂
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