“ The path followed by any two points will always be the path requiring the least amount of energy.” It’s a law of physics known as the “principle of least action.” We are motivated to do what is easy and are hard-wired to do what is convenient.
The Power of Atomic Habits.
“Tiger Woods proves that never giving up is key”
Roller Coaster Ride.
As we exit the roller coaster ride that was this year’s Masters tournament, we can but sit back and marvel at one of the most exciting Majors ever held. With so many storylines running in tandem, it was hard to believe there could be only a single winner, and even harder to believe it would be Tiger Woods. They handed out one green jacket, but such was the skill level on display around such a treacherous course that it made me wonder how they all arrived there. I am often asked if this group of so-called pampered millionaires were just plain lucky in the lottery of life or had they skewed the odds to succeed while others dream their way to their final maker.
The Uncomfortable Truth.
As usual, the answer lies in the “uncomfortable truth” that they earned their way to that drive up Magnolia Lane. Much like we see other successful people in life make their way to the top. No lucky lottery winners were playing at this year’s Master’s tournament, but they all possess the following three attributes (1) Genetic skill. (2) Environmental circumstances and (3) Atomic Habits.
So you’re reading, I’m writing, and they’re playing, what gives?
Genetic skill.
There is no doubt that the DNA lottery of life plays a significant part in whether you will become world-class at most any sport. If you are five feet tall, your chances of playing in the NBA are limited. If you are 70 KG’s, your chances of playing linebacker for the New York Jets are incredibly doubtful (and reckless!), and finally, if you are a lady golfer your chances of playing in the Masters is zero. These are facts; you take the hand that has been dealt with, but remember that many poker pots have been won with the worst hand; it’s how you play the hand that counts. In saying that genetics are important, physical size won’t hinder you in golf, but a modicum of genetic skill is essential to success.
Environmental circumstances
This is one of the most significant contributing factors I have seen for success as I have progressed through my life in golf. I am utterly convinced that if you are exposed to the right stimuli and circumstances that it is a game-changer. Things that I took for granted growing up I now see as crucial for young players wishing to succeed at golf. Watch at your local club as kids are dropped off in the morning and routinely play and practice for hours until it gets dark. Having older brothers or peers that are better than you as you develop helps to reinforce the so-called “Goldilocks Rule,” it states that humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities.
Aspire to be better.
They see a better way to do something and aspire to better that again. They are always on the edge of their skill level and are young enough (and dumb enough!) to push through to the next level. It’s a game to them; errors don’t phase them; it’s all part of the process. It’s the start of the life cycle of the joyful innocence of just doing before the world gets to judge you! Finally, Justin Thomas was born into generations of noted golf teachers; how could he possibly fail? Thankfully, he didn’t, and this brings us to the crux of the problem, which is atomic habits.
Atomic Habits
There was a fascinating book written on the same subject by a favorite author of mine, James Clear. Basically, atomic habits are the small things we do daily that determine whether we succeed or not. It is that simple. You can be world-class genetically (and you could write a book the size of war and peace about gifted people who failed.) You can be born into golfing royalty with access to every conceivable tool to help you succeed, but the one thing that will sink the good ship “Hope & Glory” every time is Atomic Habits.
We can but marvel at the dedication of Tiger Woods.
The reason that I mentioned “uncomfortable truth” in my introduction is that most reasonably educated people know this to be the truth but still, don’t practice atomic habits every day. This goes back to a law of physics also mentioned earlier that states, “we are motivated to do what is easy.” Humans are not evolved for a delay, we want instant gratification and are hard-wired to do what is convenient. A famous athletics coach was asked one day what he thought was the difference between those that made it and those that failed. He rattled off the usual insipid drivel, “it all comes down to passion, you have to really want it, motivation is key.” but then added succinctly, “It’s down to who can handle the boredom of training every day doing the same routines over and over.”
Mastery.
Mastery requires practice, but the more you practice, the more boring and routine it becomes. Once the initial learning is accomplished, you now enter the world of repetition. The greatest threat to success is not failure but boredom. Habits stop delighting us, and the outcome becomes expected. Successful people feel the same lack of motivation as others do, but they find a way to show up despite these feelings of boredom. Why do they turn up?
Sorites Paradox.
It’s down to Sorites paradox; small changes over time create big consequences. They know and trust this and are prepared to tough it out. When others cry “enough,” they smile inwardly and press on to the summit. Consider an ice cube. It melts at 32f, but let’s place it in an environment of 26f, nothing will happen between 26f and 31f but at 32f it starts to melt, the elusive tipping point that the truly successful golfers know exists. Is it the final one degree that made the ice cube melt or the process of the previous five degrees? It’s the process, not the outcome that counts. It’s remarkable what you can build if you just don’t stop!
Motor Skill.
The physical act of swinging a golf club is a motor skill that can be learned if practiced correctly. How well you learn that motor skill (assuming you are physically capable) is down to how competently you practice it using two critical parameters, time and repetition. Join me on my next blog for some Masters memories and my thoughts on rapid skill acquisition practice routines that will help you improve. Congratulations to Tiger Woods, what a display of courage under extreme duress with the dogs of war hunting him down. Truly inspirational, but the final word goes to one of the greatest of them all…
Muhammad Ali.
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
Thank you for taking the time to read! It is appreciated. Follow our Ryder Cup Captain at our dedicated Ryder Cup page and over at his website. Finally, don’t forget to sign up for my FREE monthly digital magazine plus a Charity Kindle book for Xmas which this year is being produced for Goal. Finally, you also have a chance to win a dozen Titleist Pro V1’s each & every month. Tadhg.
Tadhg Harrington is a full time, professional golf instructor, and owner of the Harrington Golf Academy, based in Dublin, Ireland. He is a graduate of the Titleist Performance Institute and Setanta College. He is the eldest brother of three-time time Major Champion, Padraig Harrington.
He succeeds, employing empathy, passion and exceptional customer service, teaching above the noise, the quick tips, and the latest fads and is truly unique in the Irish golf industry.
The Harrington Golf Academy provides long term coaching programs designed to bring sensory processing to motor learning skills. Tadhg teaches the long game at Drynam Park Golf Centre and short game at Roganstown GC. His business partner, Ex European Tour Player, Rebecca Codd, also teaches full time at Drynam Park Golf Centre.