I read Derek Sivers’ blog and emails when they come. You should too. He’s a fascinating guy. https://sive.rs/ . I came across his latest book which has the following chapters. I read through them and mused that these could be applied to golf. More specifically – learning and coaching golf. So let’s go through them.
- Definitions of “true” and “useful” – what’s useful to YOU and what is true may not be the same
- To reframe, first remove the existing frame – change isn’t going to happen unless we strip it down to its core
Almost nothing people say is true
- What time is it? Is it the right time for changes?
- No picture is the whole picture. A coach is never going to work through everything you have to work on in the first lesson
- Evidence is not proof. Just because data says so, doesn’t make it right for you.
- Explanations are invented. Well, duh.
- The past is not true. Golf is a sport about going forward. The next shot is most important.
- Memories are not accurate. We see the golf world through rose or dark tinted lenses
- The future is what we call imagination. Visualise the shot
- People share perspectives, not facts. Coaches have preferences and so do players
- Needy, stubborn, inappropriate flirt. All golfers – except the flirt bit is more reserved for the shiny new clubs
- Obligations are not true. You are never obliged to hit a certian shot
- Rules mean it’s a game that can change. The rules will change – always
- Explanations help empathy. Golfers in a bad spot need good explanations
- Cultural meanings. Golf isn’t prejudiced – it fucks with everyone equally.
- Alien surveillance. Great coaches aren’t magic. They’re just obsessed.
Your thoughts aren’t true
- That was about you, not them. Not everyone is watching you.
- River, Accent, You are the strange one. Everyone is going through similar shit.
- Hearts can be hacked. Yes they can – especially in golf
- You can’t trust your mind. Probably should replace mind with ego.
- Make believe. Be realistic
- Beliefs are not facts. I don’t want to get into that from a theological point of view but it is true of golf coaching. All golf coaches have varying beliefs on how things should be done.
- The more emotional the belief, the less likely it’s true. See above
- Override your instincts with wisdom. Use the ADE technique. Assess, Decide, Execute.
Ideas are useful, not true
- What is “the truth” really for? Who is it helping? The golfer or the coach or some other dude?
- A daily run and imagination. Being alone with your thoughts
- Beliefs → emotions → actions. Think back to the ADE technique
- What’s the point of belief? In golf? probably less thought.
- Religion is action not belief. In golf there are evangelists that spout THE WAY to do it. We know there are many ways.
- Carpenters’ toolbox. This is usually worn but carefully maintained – treat you game and clubs the same.
- Judge the contents, not the box. Score wins, not style.
- Your ten million dollars. What’s the goal?
- The doctor and the healing cat statue. Your superstitions
- Which side of the story works for you? Which belief system works for you? A coach isn’t right for everyone.
- It shows what you need to believe. Not working? Perhaps the beliefs need upgrading
- Life is _______. Golf
- AI characters learning to walk. AI isn’t going to hit your shot – you have to.
- Even science isn’t true. Scientific method is about desperately trying to disprove something. Just because is isn’t disproved doesn’t mean it won’t be.
- Philosophies are instruments. See 29
Find better perspectives
- Reframe. How could I do it better given my goal?
- A great detective goes beyond the obvious. Perhaps the opposite of what you think is true
- Questions to start. Ask 5 whys.
- Keep a big toolbox of perspectives. I have read 400 ish books on golf instruction. It keeps my perspective.
- Curve into the target. Umm, self-explanatory
- Re-edit your mind’s movies. Visualise
- What got me here won’t get me there. The more you know, the more you’re going to need to know.
- Get away from humanity to remember what’s real. You, your clubs and 9 holes on your own.
Adopt what works for you
- You can’t help the way you feel? Use it.
- Adopt the thought for you for now. Make it work
- Private journal to internalize it. Take notes
- Talk with friends to solidify it. Discuss with coach
- Take the first step immediately. Don’t hesitate. What’s the worst that can happen?
- You are what you pretend to be. Be great
- Keep tuning and adjusting. Yes.
Derek’s book is available from his website https://sive.rs/ . Credit to him for providing the inspiration and headings for this wee post.
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