By: Stanley Popovich
Sometimes, fear and anxiety can get the best of us in 
the game of golf. The key is to know how to manage that fear and anxiety. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a golfer can use to help manage their fears and every day anxieties.
Occasionally, you may become stressed when you have to play in an important round. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have to play in the championship golf game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that you are playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could read the newspaper, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This is a great technique to use right before your next golf game.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that you can carry around with you. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you during your golf round. Whenever you feel stressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.
Be smart in how you deal with your fears and anxieties. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.
In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a small walk before your game to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.
Anyone who plays golf needs to remember that patience, persistence, and education will go a long way in preventing fear from becoming a factor in your game.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
Ladies on the Tee Golf blog at www.sherrytabb.com thanks Stan Popovich for his article and thanks you for visiting. Please post your comments below.
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Tags: anxiety, fear, game of golf, golf, golf game, Self-Visualization, Stanley Popovich, stress, www.managingfear.com
Enjoyed your article on fear and anxiety taking over our thinking when we are in a tuff match or not. What I found years ago, was to place a rubber band on my wrist, and when I felt the fear or panic attack, I snapped the rubber band. The mind focuses on the pain in your wrist instead of panic and fear. Just thought I’d add this to seeing the game in your mind before you play it.
Rose Lamatt author of “Don’t Look Forward” God is leading, “Just a Word” friends encounter Alzheimer’s, and “Connected” The stroke of a computer key changed a life.
Great tip..thanks, Rose!