Today’s post is inspired by Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why.” My hope is to support those actively working to discover their WHY in golf – that intrinsic motivation that shapes your game and approach. Understanding and aligning with your purpose can lead to a profound enrichment of your playing experience and personal growth.
Why Finding Your WHY Matters
Understanding the premise of your WHY is about recognizing the underlying purpose that motivates and inspires your actions. In the context of golf, your WHY might be the reason you play the game, whether it’s for the love of sport, the pursuit of excellence, personal enjoyment, or the camaraderie it brings to your life. Simon Sinek’s work highlights the importance of this concept, suggesting that knowing this premise provides clarity, shapes your goals, and fuels your passion, leading to a more fulfilling and effective approach to both your game and your life.
Steps to Uncovering Your WHY in Golf
Drawing from Simon’s insights, here are ways you can find your golf WHY and fall in love with the game even further:
▶︎▶︎ Reflect on Your Interests in Golf
What aspects of golf truly excite and engage you? Is it the thrill of competition, the serenity of being on the course, the strategic aspect of the game, or the camaraderie among players?
▶︎▶︎ Identify Your Core Values in Golf
Consider the values that resonate with you in the context of golf. Is it integrity, respect for the game’s traditions, personal improvement, or the spirit of competition? How do these values present themselves regularly in your approach to golf?
▶︎▶︎ Look for Patterns in Your Golf Experiences
Reflect on your past experiences in golf. Are there recurring moments that stand out as particularly rewarding or fulfilling? These could provide clues to what drives your passion for the game.
▶︎▶︎ Consider What Makes You Unique in Golf
What differentiates you from other golfers? Is it your approach to strategy, your mental toughness, your particular style of play, or the way you connect with other players?
▶︎▶︎ Ask for External Perspectives
Sometimes, insights from your golf besties, golf pros, or mentors can shed light on strengths or aspects of your game you might not have recognized.
▶︎▶︎ Envision the Impact You Want to Make in Golf
Think about the kind of impact you want to have through your golfing journey. Do you aspire to inspire other players, contribute to your local golf community, or advocate for certain changes within the sport?
▶︎▶︎ Articulate Your WHY
Try to express your WHY in a simple, clear statement. This process might require introspection and time but having a clear statement can be a guiding beacon in your golf journey.
▶︎▶︎ Align Your Actions with Your WHY
Once you’ve identified your WHY, integrate it into your decisions and experiences in golf. Let it guide your goals, the way you train, the events you participate in, and how you engage with the golf community.
▶︎▶︎ Reevaluate and Evolve Your WHY
Your purpose may change as you grow in the sport. Be open to reassessing and refining it as your experiences and understanding of the game evolve.
▶︎▶︎ Live Your WHY
Embrace and live your why each day you’re on the course. Let it be a source of motivation and inspiration, enriching your golf experience and guiding you to meaningful achievements.
Finding your WHY in golf opens the door to a deeper, more rewarding relationship with the sport. This helps me because playing with intention, growing my skills and understanding, and connecting more profoundly with the game has brought so much joy into my life. Let your WHY be the guiding force that drives your passion and elevates your game to new heights.
Ref: Sinek, Simon. “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.” Portfolio, 2009.