On the Green
Playing in a points style game last week, one of my partners walked up to her ball and putted it into the hole, without any preparation or read. She barely slowed her steps as she hit the ball. She just walked up, knocked it in, and walked on. It was not a “gimme” putt, either, and I was impressed.
The funny thing is she hadn’t really intended to make the putt. She thought she was out of that hole, with no putts left. But instead of picking up her ball, she just nonchalantly hit it toward the hole….very accurately.
Now, that may not be your best putting routine in the long term, but it does illustrate the benefits of avoiding paralysis by analysis.
Paralysis by analysis is evident when we stand over a putt too long, take too many practice swings, or align, and re-align, our stance in minute increments too many times.
Dr. Bob Rotella, noted sports psychologist, teaches we should never spend too much time over a shot. He says, “Look at the target and react. It is more important to be decisive than to be correct, when preparing to play any golf shot, especially a putt.”
Professional golfer Billy Casper once remarked, when a golfer over-analyzes a shot, he is going to find a way to miss the shot rather than make it.
The lesson is to be decisive. Look at your target, look at the ball and take action. For a better score, avoid paralysis by analysis.
Off the Green
Is there an area in your life where you are metaphorically standing over the putt too long? Are you taking too many mental practice swings to avoid taking action?
If so, my suggestion is to pick one viable option and go for it. Apply the mental energy you are currently using on delaying a decision, to decisively choosing a course of action. Then go all in on what you have decided. Don’t look back. Continue taking action until you get the results you want. Make your decisions work for you, until you reach your goal.
Paralysis by analysis won’t get you where you want to be, and will most likely hold you in a place you are ready to leave.
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