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The Start and Stop to a New Lifestyle
In soccer, how does a game start? With the blow of a whistle. It kicks off the break at halftime and finishes the game with a clear signal from the whistle. Many other sports have clearly defined starts and stops, but golf? Not so much. Now, as you know, you should play golf one shot at a time, but there’s not a clearly-defined start to that. You know that you do so when it’s your turn to hit. Golf is an individual pursuit, and there’s nobody to help you on the fairways if and when things start to go south. The great amateur Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course… the space between your ears.”

We have all heard countless times that golf is a mental game. Of course, it is! We’ve heard from all angles which psychological golf strategies we need to implement in our game, but the truth is that those strategies may only work for that individual. Now, why would you implement strategies to your golf game if you aren’t already taking action in your daily life?


Golf and Mental Game


Every golfer has heard it, experienced it, witnessed it… if you’re in your head counting against yourself and your ability, you’ll have a bad time. Take action from the start! Hit your easiest golf club even if the hole is long. We all have it; that club we hit well with. The comfort of your club cements a positive start. You will feel relaxed when you take this club from your golf bag. Start the round on a positive mental note because nothing is worse than hitting out-of-bounds or into a problem with your first tee shot. Breath deeply, forcing your body to relax, and remember that nobody is evaluating or critiquing how you play golf. Only your thoughts are creating this pressure. That is not the way to play your favorite game or live your daily life! Like thousands of other golfers around the globe, you’ve already made great strides in your game by implementing the techniques and strategies taught at The Forest. That’s just it too! Join a club you love!!


Start Living Now


Stop waiting for the sound of that whistle, signaling for your life to happen. Start living it now! Often we wait for the stars to align or for things to ease up in life to get better at the sound of the whistle miraculously. Instead of dwelling in the current state, look into options that make you happy. Instead of waiting for a change, create the change. Create a vision for yourself and your life and use the opportunities that come when life throws a curveball to review your goals and dreams. 


Let’s start asking ourselves some questions, then. What does this have to do with the mental game of golf? Where do you see yourself in six months? How is your life incredible? What is something that you enjoy then that isn’t in your life today? What excitement, adventures, and amazing experiences do you have?


There is a great comparison between the mental game of golf and the mental game of life. Let’s say you are out on the green, getting ready to sink this put on The Bobcat, hole #3; you’ve gotten a bogey every single time. This time around, you take a moment to stop, take a breath, and know you’ve practiced this specific put countless times. You clear your thoughts and are determined you will make it. You set up, take a deep breath and sink it. Finally, PAR! Why should this “Start and Stop” mentality be different from how you treat your daily life?


When you’re in the state of mind of Murphy’s Law, how long will it take for you to hear that whistle blow signaling the next half? Plan your time because time flies, but the good news is you’re the pilot of your life. You have led your life to amazing places already, and there is no stopping where you can go from here. Start living the life you’ve always wanted! 


Stop Delaying 


That’s right, the six inches between your ears controls a majority of how your golf game will go for that day. If it has that much impact on the green, imagine its impact on your daily life. The game of golf is a lifelong endeavor. It’s the game that young and old alike can enjoy, and it’s a game that many of us will play for as long as we are physically able to swing a golf club. What other sport can claim that? 


One of the beautiful things about not only stepping foot on the green but joining a club is that you can enjoy the life you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re an avid golfer or a social butterfly, a nice golf club might become the center of your social life. While posting a good score to show off to your buddies or gals is always fun, those we play with - our friends- make golf and country club living such a great time. 


Oh, and don’t forget the 19th hole, where the true grandness of our game comes to fruition and where finding the bottom of the cup is often easier than it’s been all day! There’s no better way to jump-start a new social life, the one you’ve always had or the one you’ve always wanted, than getting involved in the social life of your golf club. By joining The Forest, no matter what your interests are, you are bound to “start living!” 


If you enjoy golf, tennis, social hour, bocce ball, or pickle ball, and you want to start living the life you’ve dreamt of, becoming a member at The Forest is just what you’ll get! Many clubs do an excellent job of building a strong community and participating in games and activities; you are likely to meet many great people with similar interests. Not only can you meet people through the club but your whole family can meet new friends too!  There is no better way to transform you and your family’s life overnight by joining The Forest. Stop delaying from living your best life, and start your journey now by scheduling your private tour with our membership director, Brenda Lanza, at 239-482-1310.