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"THOSE WHOM THE GODS WISH TO DESTROY, THEY FIRST MAKE MAD" Anger, a natural response of hostility to a situation that has not turned out the way you wanted or expected. This frustration or disappointment is often vented in physical reactions. As a small child, a show of anger could be in the form of a temper tantrum. As we grow older, it could take the form of throwing something or hitting something, yelling obscenities or insults, or withdrawing or sulking. All of these forms of anger would be called childish and in an adult would be perceived as an unfavorable trait. As a person gets older, he becomes wiser and better able to handle the pitfalls and setbacks that are inevitable in life. Anger in an athletic sense usually destroys the player's concentration and performance. Anger is a negative stimulation to arouse the performance level. In this context, a sport like football, where there is a great deal of physical contact, anger is often used by coaches to provide the necessary motivation and physical output for their team to play better. Anger motivation works in some cases, but usually does not sustain itself over the full course of the game. Generally, an anger or negative emotionally motivated team will run out of gas as the game wears on. Anger will over-ride the concentration on the game plan and specific tasks that each player must perform. One mistake in these vital areas could mean the difference between winning and losing. Anger in a game like golf, almost always spells disaster. As we mature, we accept that there will be setbacks and obstacles along our way in life. Our reactions to these roadblocks will determine our successes. What are we really saying when we get angry? Did we really think that everything would be perfect? Are we trying to make a statement to ourselves or our opponent about our performance? One reason why we outwardly display negative emotions is to let everyone around us, including our opponent, know that we're really much better than we are playing. We want them to know that we are "off" and are capable of much more. "If I don't show I'm upset, they'll think that's how I play all the time." Rarely does your display of anger convince anyone, including yourself, and you continue to feel and act miserable, upset, and negative. Your display of anger can also have a positive affect on your opponent, because he sees your anger and frustration and now sees a weakness in your confidence and he now feels more confident in his ability to defeat you. There is a fine line between letting anger work for you or against you. It is a proven fact that we perform our best in a tension free situation. Players, when describing their personal best have almost always cited that tension levels were very low and that they were neither worried or scared. Anger occurs when our emotions are too keenly tied to the outcome of a particular event. First, we must identify the ideal situation in which anger will not interrupt our concentration. Then find a way to limit its power if it does occur. "What I want to do is walk off the first tee with the same walking pace and heartbeat as I do as I approach the 18th green. Then I know I have given myself the best chance for a successful round." Sam Snead What we should be working toward is an ideal state, where we can consistently perform our best. Because we are not machines or robots, we are mentally and physically different from day to day. We cannot always attain our desired peak performance or mental level. Knowing this, we must perform as best we can. Anger may creep in on a given day. How will you react? In this case, try to use it to intensify your concentration. "OK, that happened. It's a bad break, but I'll overcome it. I like challengers." Or, "OK, I'm angry, but this is a test of my will power and concentration. I will not show the hurt. I will act "as if" I am not mad." Focus back on a positive. In summary, it is important to realize your ideal performance state and how it relates to anger. Everyone performs their best when they are not worried and tensions are minimal. It is not terrible to become mad, it is human nature, but we must have a plan to rid ourselves of the feeling before it affects our concentration and play. Anger is a negative stimulation. It works up your blood pressure, muscles become tight and rigid, breathing rate increases, concentration becomes more difficult, fatigue happens quicker, and emotional control decreases. Accepting this as a negative and realizing the importance of minimizing your anger will strengthen your self-concept and allow you to grow as a person and as a golfer. "WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IS NOWHERE NEAR AS IMPORTANT AS HOW YOU REACT TO WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU." written by | |
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