Yesterday was an amazing day in sports, particularly for golfers. Specifically you. Why? Is it because Tiger mounted another comeback, birdieing the final two holes
of the Memorial Tournament and changing our lives? No, but because Roger Federer won the French Open, teaching us a vital ingredient to win in life and how to lower our scores. I know what you are thinking.
Please, let me explain. Federer won his 14th Grand Slam tennis title. With this conquest, he ties Pete Sampras’s record for the most victories of all time. He also won the final leg of a career grand slam which only five other men have accomplished. All of these are great feats that none of us (save Tiger who also has 14 major titles) can even comprehend. However, the lesson in this achievement is the fact that since 2004, Roger has reached 20 straight Grand Slam semi-finals and 19 Finals. The success principle lies in consistently giving himself a chance to win.
In golf, lowering your score is all about giving yourself a chance at Par, or Bogey, or Birdie, or whatever level you play to. Consider this, a bogey golfer that gives himself a putt for par on all 18 holes will not be a bogey golfer much longer. If you want to break your career best, don’t focus on the number of strokes, focus on giving yourself the opportunity to make birdie.
This perspective allows us to look at what we need to improve to accomplish this. Do we need to drive it in play more or work on our putting and chipping more (these are the most common culprits)? Work on those things and you will give yourself more chances to break through.
Its funny, living a successful life is much the same recipe. Whether its your career, relationships, or dreams, putting yourself in position to triumph on a consistent basis is where we win. Too many people get wrapped up in the event, The French Open final for example. They are looking to succeed instead of being successful.