Ask an expert: How do I find a positive thought after disastrous shots?

GOLF’s new performance columnist Dr. Greg Cartin is the founder of GC3 Performance Consulting based in Belmont, Mass. He works with PGA Tour players and athletes of all levels and ages. Send your questions to performance@golf.com

Q: I hit a snap hook off the first tee and a wild slice on the second. How can I refocus and find a positive thought going forward?
—R. Williams, Fullerton, Calif.

A: Bad shots create powerful memories, but memories are just thoughts. More important, you never need to find a positive thought to hit a good shot. The idea that you have to think “positive” to play well, in my opinion, may be the greatest misconception when it comes to the mental game. Positive thoughts get a good reputation because when you have them, you do absolutely nothing with them. You engage with the task instead of the thought.

On the other hand, when a negative thought pops into your head, you tend to wrestle with it, try and change it or block it out—and judge yourself for having it! In the end, the content of your thinking doesn’t matter. Thoughts don’t hit shots. Instead of trying to find the perfect thought, arm yourself with the message that thinking simply doesn’t matter. The freedom you’re looking for comes from observing your thoughts and watching them pass, not interacting with them—even those of snap hooks and slices!

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