Random Thoughts on Golf, Punting and Life

                      “Letting Go in Order to Gain Control”

       

There is a very fine line between success and failure when we finally ‘let go with a purpose. Especially in the game of golf->As in the game of life (punting).

Repetition will instill muscle (brain) memory in order to focus on 1-3 swing thoughts while competing on the golf course and in a stadium filled with 78,000 fans..  I’ve always been in search of the “perfect move” (swing) in punting, golf and ultimately life .  Even though ‘it’ took 45 years to manifest, ‘letting go‘ has given me the gift of ‘control’ on the course…. the practice field………. life.

Being able to “trust the process”, clear your mind and allow your swing unfold naturally is definitely something to strive for.  However, the next step is to “put it all together” and score.  Working on ingraining swing movements into my subconscious mind has put me in a position to “take my relationship” (mind, body, spirit) to the next level.

We all need to free our minds from the limitations that accompany a “results driven mindset”. Thoughts..whispers of  “I’ve never shot 65”, “I hope I don’t pull this putt”, “Wouldn’t it be stupid to snap hook this drive”, all the way to “How will this win change my life?” on the PGA Tour. The same applies to punting the football. Thoughts of "I only have to hit a 42 yd punt to lead the NFL"(true story) or "Just don't shank it"(true story) or " I hope this doesn't get blocked'( true story) can lead to disaster.

I've been blessed to experience ‘it’(the zone) in small  but poignant doses. Though I had much ‘success’(statistically) with my punting, my new goal is to implement this freedom into both my golf game and the game of all punters at the high school, college and pro levels.  Technique and mind set is the secret sauce.

 My never ending quest…my unquiet mind…..the constant grind.  Hilarious, but so frustrating. I knew it(the perfect punt) was ‘in there”, but I squeezed when I should have “Let Go”….physically and mentally. This ‘squeezing of life' served to hold me back in all of my endeavors whether it be on or off the field.

In 2003, I found it! Posture, the drop, rhythm,  leg position at contact. The release of the knee. Accelerating the foot effortlessly THROUGH the hitting zone. Maintaining the arc of the of the swing. Too little too late for my punting career, but I enjoy to share this wisdom and coach my 'Set & Pull' technique (Google ‘Donnie Jones – punter St Louis Rams”) . Letting go in order to gain control is an art.  We have to be prepared for ‘the shift’…..When we finally realize “we are ok” (on the right track), we (the human mind) can do anything…for real!!”  

Quantum thinking prevents us from letting fear (guilt/failure) creep in and plant its evil seed. Know this -  you can compete at ‘levels unknown’.  We have to constantly remind ourselves that‘doubt’  is the number one(1) hurdle that separates the boys from the men.  We must strive to free our minds of negative thoughts, destructive loops of “scenarios”, “what if’s”, and “what will the friends family fans say (think)”. 

We need to let go and allow life to happen; however we can direct it when we relax and respect the process.(Next level, folks).

After proper mental and physical preparation, we must always “trust the process” (i.e. I hit a 65 yd punt in 1998 while in the “chains of a panic attack”).  I didn’t know I had a choice. When all is said and done, we must understand and believe we are in control of all of our actions….catch to kick….address to finish…sunrise to sunset. And that’s it, folks ……… MAGIC.

So the moral to the story is 1) Focus 2) Execute (allow) and 3) Enjoy (let it happen) the ride!