Getting The “Swing” Of Things
First off, I’d like to say, I made myself chuckle with my title, but what can I say, Dad jokes always get me.
For many years I’ve said that I’d like to learn how to play golf. I’ve gone to the driving range a couple of times, but I’ve ultimately just been swinging the club with no technique in hopes of making some form of contact with the ball.
So, golf lessons were on my bucket list for 2020. They, of course, got delayed by COVID-19, but yesterday, I had my first session! My husband decided to join me so that we both have some foundational skills if we choose to pick this up on a more regular basis. I felt incredibly nervous and awkward as I got set up at the driving range and waited for the instructor. As we got started with the basic stance and hand positioning, I slowly got more comfortable. I liked having someone there to explain why I had missed the ball or why it flew off to the right or left rather than straight. The immediate feedback was indispensable.
The instructor was great at reminding us that golf is not an easy sport to learn, it will take time, and we will undoubtedly miss more shots than we make. I needed this messaging as I tend toward being hard on myself for not learning a skill quickly enough or feel embarrassed when I am not catching on.
I left the lesson feeling as though I had enough skill to start practicing and have an inkling more confidence at the driving range while I do. Challenging myself to new experiences is a part of the direction I am trying to put my life on. It ranges from something as simple as cooking a new recipe, to writing this blog or learning golf. It also brings me a lot of joy knowing that it is something my husband and I are doing together, we get to learn the new skills and potentially have a new way to have quality time together.
Has there been anything that you’ve had on your bucket list to learn or try? What’s getting in your way? Identify your obstacles so that you can create an action plan to overcome them. Then, remind yourself why you want to this in the first place, helping you to stay in the mindset of the satisfaction you’ll get to experience if you follow through.
July 11, 2020