There are three main parts to stoic philosophy. Control your perceptions, direct your actions properly and accept what’s outside your control. We will examine a few quotes from Stoic philosophy and how they can be applied to golf.
“Externals I cannot control but the choices I make in regard to them I do control. Where will I find good and bad? In me, in my choices.” – EPICTETUS
The one thing we do have control over on the golf course is our mind. Not where the ball goes, the bounces we get, or the conflicts we are faced with that day, but rather how we respond to the those conflicts. Our mindset and how we respond to the good and bad of the round is just as important as your swing that day. Start by becoming aware of your thoughts and actions during a round and determining if they are beneficial.
“Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is colored by such impressions.” – Marcus Aurelius
We eventually become what we think of ourselves on the golf course. Are your telling yourself you are a bad putter? Well you will be. Telling yourself you aren’t good enough to break 80? Well you won’t be. Start changing your story on the golf course. Write down a few things in your notes after a round that you did well on the course. This can include the feeling of a good drive or a great up and down for par. Note taking can change your golfing story.
“Associate with people who are likely to improve you” – Seneca
Want an easy way to get better on the course and see what you need to do to improve? Start playing with better players. Also, don’t play with people with poor outlooks in golf and life. By simply paying attention you can see how certain shots are played or how bad starts to a round can go the other direction or grinded out over 18 holes. This as an easy way to elevate your game and break you out of your comfort zone.
“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think and to enjoy.” – Marcus Aurelius
Lastly, at the end of the day you are out on a golf course. Feel gratitude towards getting to be out there in the first place. There is no shot bad enough to ruin your round and or day. Conversely, on the other end of the spectrum, playing well doesn’t change who you are. By just becoming aware of these concepts can improve your game this year and hopefully time spent on the course.