When facing a complex problem, break it down into smaller/bitesize versions of the larger problem, then exclusively focus on the initial issue and solve it. Use the answers to expand your understanding of the larger Problem. Move to the next issue & repeat.
You can see this pattern taking place everywhere. Consider Disney: the Company started by selling animated stories. Once they mastered animation they diversified into theme parks, live action films, sports and merchandising. Today, they sell just about everything associated with Entertainment.
Disney could have started by trying to solve the big problem: how do we master Entertainment? Instead, they started with a narrow focus and expanded from there. It’s been proven many times that this small-to-large approach works well for businesses, and it can be extremely useful for your Golfing Goals as well.
In Practice
Here’s a few examples of how to put this into practice:
1. How do I become a Single Figure Handicapper?
If you want to become a good Golfer, start small. Establish what you’re good at (e.g. chipping inside 20 yards, holing out inside 5ft etc) as well as what could be better (e.g. driving, pitching etc) through a process of planning, doing and reviewing. This can be done using technology like Shot Scope statistics and/or journalling. Be sure to compliment any statistical analysis (Greens in Regulation, Fairways hit etc) with the story behind it i.e. What was going on emotionally/mentally e.g. Commitment levels, Self Talk, Adrenaline levels etc. Through this process you’ll be able to pinpoint where your good and not so good shots/scores come from.
2. How do I start Practicing consistently?
If you struggle to train consistently, then forget about surfing the latest YouTube Tips, learn how to turn up for 1 x 30 Minute full shot Practice Session a week. Stick with that one Session for a few weeks then add in another, or make it more elaborate e.g. adding in Chipping/Putting. Once you prove to yourself that you can turn up for that one session, you can learn to become more consistent at Practicing in general.
3. How do I improve my “Swing”?
This is a loaded one. Firstly, you need to define what improvement looks like. Is it the aesthetics of the functionally of your movement? My advice would be to identify a “go-to” Shot (e.g. Medium Trajectory Fade) and build from there. Once you understand that Shot pattern (the required club delivery/movement) you can stick with that pattern (e.g. Jon Rahm and his Fade) or add other Shots to your repertoire. There’s no right answer here, however, the best course of action is to match your Shot choice (aka Swing Technique) with your physical characteristics, complimented by appropriate equipment; maximising the potential for positive outcomes. My GEARS 3D Baselining Sessions are great place to start: https://theleadingedgegolfcompany.as.me/?appointmentType=21379131
Conclusion
Narrowing your focus is a skill you can apply whenever you want to start a new behaviour or take on a new project that seems too big/overwhelming/complex to handle. It’s a process you can run larger problems through to approach issues from a more useful place.
How do you solve big problems? Start with a smaller one.
Thanks for reading,
Oliver C. Morton
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