(This is a reprint from last November. Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of my Zen Master cat. Thanks for allowing me to share it, again).
Back in 1993 I would sit in meditation for two hours every morning.
Actually, it was kinda the middle of the night - 3:30 to 5:30 AM.
I did it that way because that's how I learned it during my time at the Zen monastery in Japan.
And it seemed to work damn well. I was in the zone all the time, both on and off the course. I was scoring like never before, even though I had only played twice the year before.
Then I met Malcom...
I was approaching the 17th green when I heard a faint noise coming from the bunker, so I went over to check it out.
Holy crap, I said, as I realized it was a tiny black kitten.
So I take it to the vet, who says "Don't get too attached. I give it a 10% chance of making it."
"Thanks, Nimrod", I said, and spent the next two weeks feeding the little bugger with an eyedropper every three hours.
EVERY three hours - day and night.
Malcom turns the corner and does more than just "make it"...he begins to thrive.
And then he seemed to pick up where my Zen master had left off.
It all started during a Tuesday morning meditation session. Malcom walks into the room and sits down on my lap.
That's cool, I think to myself.
But then after about 15 minutes he starts getting restless. He paces the room and circles me constantly.
And then he starts the loud meowing.
I tried to stay focused and remember my Zen master's words "Pay attention".
It was pretty much all he ever said. After several months I began to think it was the only English he knew. But then I realized it was the only lesson I ever needed to learn.
Cats love ritual and patterns. This "disruption" of my meditation became Malcom's daily mission.
But it actually got worse over time...
Within a month, he would not allow me to have more than 10 minutes before he would start the ritual.
I did my best just to Pay Attention.
But obviously I wasn't "getting it", because Malcom had to pull out all the stops one morning...
About ten minutes into my meditation, he proceeds to walk in, kick over the incense burner and take a dump in my chime bowl!
Little did I ever envision that my first glimpse of enlightenment would be thrust upon me by a big cat crap.
But really, you can't get more Zen than that!
I finally realized two things:
1) Malcom was a Zen Master
2) I was holding onto something I no longer needed
It was only a few weeks later that I learned about Energy Psychology and integrated that with my Zen practice.
For the next 14 years, up until 3 days ago, Malcom would sit quietly in my lap for my 10 MINUTE RMT-style meditation.
Same results as my "overdone" two hour marathons.
Malcom died in my arms 3 days ago.
Some big friggin' tumor in his head.
He seemed fine with the whole situation.
I would have been a complete emotional train wreck, had it not been for my wife, RMT, and the voice of BOTH of my Zen masters in my head saying "Pay Attention".
So, my RANT message is simply this:
EVERYTHING in life, on and off the course, is a teacher. Pay attention...there is much to learn.
http://www.RenegadeMentalGolf.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ANCHOR YOURSELF TO SUCCESS
Energy Psychology is only one of the Renegade tools that I utilize with my golfers to maximize their performance.
I've also been trained by several Master NLP Practitioners, and get great results with techniques like anchoring.
What is an anchor?
An anchor is formed when an internal response becomes associated with an external stimulus. Think Pavlov and his salivating dogs..
Hear A Bell = Salivate
Anchoring yourself is very easy to do. But because anchors can be positive or negative, and programed with or without your conscious awareness, it's to your advantage to set them deliberately.
Here's how to do it:
When ever you smash an awesome drive or stroke the perfect putt, you are momentarily in what we call a "peak state". Immediately, perform some kind of unique action - say a specific phrase, snap your fingers twice, blink your eyes three times quickly, etc. The keys are that you do it right away, and that it be unique enough that it's not something you do all the time.
After completing this process several times, you will have anchored that action and that peak state.
The cool thing is that you can then perform that action (anchor) at any time on the course, and put yourself right back into that peak state. This will greatly enhance your chances of performing well - we all kick more butt when in peak states.
A great time to set anchors is out on the practice range. Simply hit a shot, and see how the result feels.
Obviously, anchor in only the really good shots.
This practice range environment is ideal because you get the repetition necessary for setting those solid, positive anchors.
Then go out and use them on the course to achieve and maintain your peak states. Simply "activate" your new anchor (by performing the unique action) as part of your pre-shot routine, or anytime (on or off the course) when your need to be at your best.
Pavlov would be so proud of all you dogs!
I've also been trained by several Master NLP Practitioners, and get great results with techniques like anchoring.
What is an anchor?
An anchor is formed when an internal response becomes associated with an external stimulus. Think Pavlov and his salivating dogs..
Hear A Bell = Salivate
Anchoring yourself is very easy to do. But because anchors can be positive or negative, and programed with or without your conscious awareness, it's to your advantage to set them deliberately.
Here's how to do it:
When ever you smash an awesome drive or stroke the perfect putt, you are momentarily in what we call a "peak state". Immediately, perform some kind of unique action - say a specific phrase, snap your fingers twice, blink your eyes three times quickly, etc. The keys are that you do it right away, and that it be unique enough that it's not something you do all the time.
After completing this process several times, you will have anchored that action and that peak state.
The cool thing is that you can then perform that action (anchor) at any time on the course, and put yourself right back into that peak state. This will greatly enhance your chances of performing well - we all kick more butt when in peak states.
A great time to set anchors is out on the practice range. Simply hit a shot, and see how the result feels.
Obviously, anchor in only the really good shots.
This practice range environment is ideal because you get the repetition necessary for setting those solid, positive anchors.
Then go out and use them on the course to achieve and maintain your peak states. Simply "activate" your new anchor (by performing the unique action) as part of your pre-shot routine, or anytime (on or off the course) when your need to be at your best.
Pavlov would be so proud of all you dogs!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Need for Speed
Aesop's Fable "The Tortoise and the Hare" is a blatant lie and is contributing to the decline of your golf game, and perhaps even society at large.
OK, that was a bit dramatic, but I do think it is a crock of crap.
I'm not the only person who feels this way, as I came across this quote the other day
"In real life, it is the hare who wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case, it is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market (giving people the fable they wanted to believe in) - after all, hares have no time to read such things. They are busy winning the race."
Anita BrooknerBritish historian and novelist
Amen, Anita!
I've never really understood what is so darn great about toiling away at a tortoise pace towards your golfing goals.
I've got some clients who work at big law firms where they have to put in "face time" at the office on weekends - whether they get any work done or not. This is how they pay their dues, so to speak.
Golf doesn't have to be like that.
Sure, there is a level of skill development that takes some time and repetition, BUT not nearly as much as you might think (or be led to believe).
And once you've attained a certain level of skill, it is simply a matter of getting out of your own way (mentally) and allowing yourself to perform.
This can happen very, very fast.
Anyone up for tortoise soup?
Satisfy your need for speed below:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
OK, that was a bit dramatic, but I do think it is a crock of crap.
I'm not the only person who feels this way, as I came across this quote the other day
"In real life, it is the hare who wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case, it is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market (giving people the fable they wanted to believe in) - after all, hares have no time to read such things. They are busy winning the race."
Anita BrooknerBritish historian and novelist
Amen, Anita!
I've never really understood what is so darn great about toiling away at a tortoise pace towards your golfing goals.
I've got some clients who work at big law firms where they have to put in "face time" at the office on weekends - whether they get any work done or not. This is how they pay their dues, so to speak.
Golf doesn't have to be like that.
Sure, there is a level of skill development that takes some time and repetition, BUT not nearly as much as you might think (or be led to believe).
And once you've attained a certain level of skill, it is simply a matter of getting out of your own way (mentally) and allowing yourself to perform.
This can happen very, very fast.
Anyone up for tortoise soup?
Satisfy your need for speed below:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Self Destruction "Sergio Style"
I really want to like Sergio.
I've been trying for years - really.
I mean, there is so much to like:
1) Incredible talent
2) Hits it a mile and a half off the tee
3) Physically fit
4) Wears cool clothes (most of the time)
5) In commercials with bikini-clad women
What's not to like...?Besides his complete lack of a MENTAL GAME.
Over and over again he does something that not only alienates him from the fans, but also ruins his chance of victory.
This past weekend at The Barclays was yet another example of his mental immaturity.
On the second playoff hole with Vijay Singh, Garcia rolls in a beautiful 27 foot putt, and proceeds to go nuts in celebration.
Now, a lot of golf critics have gotten on him about it and thought it was over-the-top. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon.
As a matter of fact, I think golf could use a bit more energy.
I've even been known to get a little crazy with my celebrations from time to time (hard to believe, eh?).
Back in 2006, I was on a local course, in the rough and behind some trees off the tee. 195 yards out. I knew I struck it clean, it just sounded good, and I hit the exact point above the tree that I had chosen.
I ran out into the fairway, to see my partners jumping up and down next to the green, yelling "You holed it - Eagle!"
I was so damn excited that after four Tiger-like fist pumps, I knew I had to do more. So in my infinite wisdom and delirium, I dropped my pants and mooned the foursome on the nearby tee box.
Although apparently all four found it quite funny, the real joke was on me, as my "friends" revealed the truth - my ball was actually plugged in a green side bunker.
No eagle for me, just a request from the course super to never bring my white ass back to his respectable links.
But I digress...
So it wasn't the celebration that screwed Sergio, but rather how he couldn't bring himself back down after Vijay matched him with a 26 footer.
My wife looked at me and said "This is going to be a good playoff"."No, I said. Garcia just blew his wad and he has no idea how to get it back."
And sure enough, on the next playoff hole Garcia hooks it left and short, almost out of bounds.
Calm and cool Vijay goes on to victory.
Getting pumped up is not a problem. But letting EXTERNAL factors (like your opponent sinking a putt) affect you INTERNAL state, will always put you at a huge disadvantage.
The Renegade Mental Golf System is designed to allow you to control your internal state, no matter what is happening externally.
Don't blow your wad.Find out how below:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
I've been trying for years - really.
I mean, there is so much to like:
1) Incredible talent
2) Hits it a mile and a half off the tee
3) Physically fit
4) Wears cool clothes (most of the time)
5) In commercials with bikini-clad women
What's not to like...?Besides his complete lack of a MENTAL GAME.
Over and over again he does something that not only alienates him from the fans, but also ruins his chance of victory.
This past weekend at The Barclays was yet another example of his mental immaturity.
On the second playoff hole with Vijay Singh, Garcia rolls in a beautiful 27 foot putt, and proceeds to go nuts in celebration.
Now, a lot of golf critics have gotten on him about it and thought it was over-the-top. I'm not jumping on that bandwagon.
As a matter of fact, I think golf could use a bit more energy.
I've even been known to get a little crazy with my celebrations from time to time (hard to believe, eh?).
Back in 2006, I was on a local course, in the rough and behind some trees off the tee. 195 yards out. I knew I struck it clean, it just sounded good, and I hit the exact point above the tree that I had chosen.
I ran out into the fairway, to see my partners jumping up and down next to the green, yelling "You holed it - Eagle!"
I was so damn excited that after four Tiger-like fist pumps, I knew I had to do more. So in my infinite wisdom and delirium, I dropped my pants and mooned the foursome on the nearby tee box.
Although apparently all four found it quite funny, the real joke was on me, as my "friends" revealed the truth - my ball was actually plugged in a green side bunker.
No eagle for me, just a request from the course super to never bring my white ass back to his respectable links.
But I digress...
So it wasn't the celebration that screwed Sergio, but rather how he couldn't bring himself back down after Vijay matched him with a 26 footer.
My wife looked at me and said "This is going to be a good playoff"."No, I said. Garcia just blew his wad and he has no idea how to get it back."
And sure enough, on the next playoff hole Garcia hooks it left and short, almost out of bounds.
Calm and cool Vijay goes on to victory.
Getting pumped up is not a problem. But letting EXTERNAL factors (like your opponent sinking a putt) affect you INTERNAL state, will always put you at a huge disadvantage.
The Renegade Mental Golf System is designed to allow you to control your internal state, no matter what is happening externally.
Don't blow your wad.Find out how below:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Special Announcements
This Special Announcement is going to sound like I'm bragging.
That's because I am.
But anyway, I shot an 84 yesterday at Muirfield, which is the Golden Bear's home course here in Ohio.
Now 84 may not seem that breath-taking for some of you studs out there, but considering that it is only the 4th round of golf I've played in 6 months (recovering from a wrist injury - falling on icy steps - hate the friggin' cold), I was more than a bit thrilled.
I've been to Muirfield dozens of times with clients for RMT playing lesson instruction, but this was the first time that I actually played the spectacular course. I was a bit nervous with my wrist and lack of playing time recently.
Of course I was able to overcome that quickly with RMT.
But no matter how calm you are, consistency seems to abandon you if you have been a stranger to your clubs for too long. At least that's the way it has been for me in the past.
So how was I able to keep my consistency this time?
I honestly feel as though I owe it mostly, if not totally, to my friend Tracy Reed and his new Ultimate Golf Swing DVD set.
Tracy is a dude with chick name, but no one ever says anything because he's a stud ex-military interrogator - just a little FYI...
Even though I had only been to a driving range once in the last month, I had been watching his DVDs at home. Tracy has what I believe to be the most simple system to incorporate into your current swing that delivers outstanding results.
But don't take my word for it, check out the awesome video below:
Tap Here for Video
Simple, straight forward instruction that gets you results.
Hell, that alone makes Tracey a renegade among swing coaches!
Try it out on the range and see if you don't experience an immediate difference in the quality of your shots.
Then if you want more, consider investing in the whole package. Tell Tracy I sent you, and keep me posted on the results.
Unless you break 84 - just keep that to yourself.
That's because I am.
But anyway, I shot an 84 yesterday at Muirfield, which is the Golden Bear's home course here in Ohio.
Now 84 may not seem that breath-taking for some of you studs out there, but considering that it is only the 4th round of golf I've played in 6 months (recovering from a wrist injury - falling on icy steps - hate the friggin' cold), I was more than a bit thrilled.
I've been to Muirfield dozens of times with clients for RMT playing lesson instruction, but this was the first time that I actually played the spectacular course. I was a bit nervous with my wrist and lack of playing time recently.
Of course I was able to overcome that quickly with RMT.
But no matter how calm you are, consistency seems to abandon you if you have been a stranger to your clubs for too long. At least that's the way it has been for me in the past.
So how was I able to keep my consistency this time?
I honestly feel as though I owe it mostly, if not totally, to my friend Tracy Reed and his new Ultimate Golf Swing DVD set.
Tracy is a dude with chick name, but no one ever says anything because he's a stud ex-military interrogator - just a little FYI...
Even though I had only been to a driving range once in the last month, I had been watching his DVDs at home. Tracy has what I believe to be the most simple system to incorporate into your current swing that delivers outstanding results.
But don't take my word for it, check out the awesome video below:
Tap Here for Video
Simple, straight forward instruction that gets you results.
Hell, that alone makes Tracey a renegade among swing coaches!
Try it out on the range and see if you don't experience an immediate difference in the quality of your shots.
Then if you want more, consider investing in the whole package. Tell Tracy I sent you, and keep me posted on the results.
Unless you break 84 - just keep that to yourself.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
HIDDEN DRIVING POWER RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE
I'm going to tell you right now, this tip is going to seem even more odd than usual to you newbie Renegades.
But just suspend your disbelief for a brief time and test it out for yourself.
As you already know, there are meridians (clearing points) all over the body and face.
Some of these points have specific effects for particular parts of your mind/body energy system.
The basic RMT protocol covers several of the main points and therefore gets great results.
But today I'm going to tell you about two particular points that can seriously wake up your entire system, AND make you a smarter golfer.
These two points are located on your upper lip (just below your nose), and between you bottom lip and your chin.
We are not going to use these points for clearing negative emotions, so there is no need to focus on anything. And I'm going to suggest that instead of tapping these points, that you actually RUB them back and forth vigorously at the same time. This is easy to do with your index and middle fingers. Simply place your index finger on your upper lip and your middle finger just under your bottom lip. Rub back and forth 4-6 times.
These are very powerful points that 1) wake up your entire system. But not in a way that will cause any tension in your physical body. This will usually result in 10-15 yards extra on your drives. 2) Balance the right and left hemispheres of your brain. This is crucial because it will enable you to think more clearly and make better decisions on the course.
I've got several college coaches in different sports who use this during games to keep a level head and call better plays.
I know it seems a bit goofy.
Several of my junior golfers (who forget that I'm the funny one) call this the "smell my finger" move.
However, they use it all the time, because it works.
So go ahead and smell your finger. Better yours than mine, seeing that I know where mine have been!
To learn about ALL the ways that RMT will have you kicking butt on the course visit:
Renegade Mental Golf
But just suspend your disbelief for a brief time and test it out for yourself.
As you already know, there are meridians (clearing points) all over the body and face.
Some of these points have specific effects for particular parts of your mind/body energy system.
The basic RMT protocol covers several of the main points and therefore gets great results.
But today I'm going to tell you about two particular points that can seriously wake up your entire system, AND make you a smarter golfer.
These two points are located on your upper lip (just below your nose), and between you bottom lip and your chin.
We are not going to use these points for clearing negative emotions, so there is no need to focus on anything. And I'm going to suggest that instead of tapping these points, that you actually RUB them back and forth vigorously at the same time. This is easy to do with your index and middle fingers. Simply place your index finger on your upper lip and your middle finger just under your bottom lip. Rub back and forth 4-6 times.
These are very powerful points that 1) wake up your entire system. But not in a way that will cause any tension in your physical body. This will usually result in 10-15 yards extra on your drives. 2) Balance the right and left hemispheres of your brain. This is crucial because it will enable you to think more clearly and make better decisions on the course.
I've got several college coaches in different sports who use this during games to keep a level head and call better plays.
I know it seems a bit goofy.
Several of my junior golfers (who forget that I'm the funny one) call this the "smell my finger" move.
However, they use it all the time, because it works.
So go ahead and smell your finger. Better yours than mine, seeing that I know where mine have been!
To learn about ALL the ways that RMT will have you kicking butt on the course visit:
Renegade Mental Golf
Friday, July 11, 2008
Crying Over Spilled Creamer
OK, I admit it.
I've got a stupid crush on Paula Creamer.
I know it's not a cool crush for a Renegade, not like Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman or Cameron Diaz.But she really is so damn cute that I just can't help it.
Plus it's nice that my wife OK's these kinds of of odd ball crushes of mine, like Lisa Bonet, Parker Posey and Valerie Bertinelli (pre and post her fat period).
Although I do think that my latest one, Kat Von D (from LA Ink) might have her a bit perplexed.
But I digress...Back to Paula - I'm always pulling for her to break through and win a major.
I know, I know, the pink ball thing is borderline nauseating.But then again, I have black Renegade balls (so to speak), so who am I to talk.
Anyway, the point is that I was totally bummed to see her lose it in the final round of the U.S. Open two weeks ago.
Long (and painful) story short: She doubled an easy par 4 ninth and had what appeared to be a mental collapse. By most accounts she was close to tears and escaped to a trailer restroom for almost 10 minutes, finally emerging wearing dark sunglasses.
Although she regained her composure enough to finish the round and sign autographs (she is very cool that way), she was never back in the tournament after that episode.
This certainly isn't just a female thing, as we all can remember Phil Mickelson sobbing at Winged Foot. He had the "blessing" of falling apart on the last hole.
So how can this happen to players at the highest level of our sport?
The answer is quite simple - because they don't have a mental/emotional management system in place to allow them to quickly clear negative emotions and then return to the task at hand.
The one obvious exception to this common trap is Tiger Woods. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I've personally seen Tiger get very upset on many occasions. But he is then able to regain complete composure and execute to his full potential on his next shot.
That skill is a vital one for Paula to learn.
It might even be useful for any of you, whether you would just like to take some money and skins from your Saturday foursome, or if making a cut on Friday determines if you eat at McDonald's or Mortons (more on nutrition in a moment).
Of course there are many paths to mental game mastery.
Some are like one lane dirt roads. You'll eventually get there, but it will take a long time.
The Renegade approach is like an 8 lane super highway with no speed limit.And it works for almost everyone, regardless if your balls are pink, black or even blue.Hang on and enjoy the ride:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
I've got a stupid crush on Paula Creamer.
I know it's not a cool crush for a Renegade, not like Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman or Cameron Diaz.But she really is so damn cute that I just can't help it.
Plus it's nice that my wife OK's these kinds of of odd ball crushes of mine, like Lisa Bonet, Parker Posey and Valerie Bertinelli (pre and post her fat period).
Although I do think that my latest one, Kat Von D (from LA Ink) might have her a bit perplexed.
But I digress...Back to Paula - I'm always pulling for her to break through and win a major.
I know, I know, the pink ball thing is borderline nauseating.But then again, I have black Renegade balls (so to speak), so who am I to talk.
Anyway, the point is that I was totally bummed to see her lose it in the final round of the U.S. Open two weeks ago.
Long (and painful) story short: She doubled an easy par 4 ninth and had what appeared to be a mental collapse. By most accounts she was close to tears and escaped to a trailer restroom for almost 10 minutes, finally emerging wearing dark sunglasses.
Although she regained her composure enough to finish the round and sign autographs (she is very cool that way), she was never back in the tournament after that episode.
This certainly isn't just a female thing, as we all can remember Phil Mickelson sobbing at Winged Foot. He had the "blessing" of falling apart on the last hole.
So how can this happen to players at the highest level of our sport?
The answer is quite simple - because they don't have a mental/emotional management system in place to allow them to quickly clear negative emotions and then return to the task at hand.
The one obvious exception to this common trap is Tiger Woods. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I've personally seen Tiger get very upset on many occasions. But he is then able to regain complete composure and execute to his full potential on his next shot.
That skill is a vital one for Paula to learn.
It might even be useful for any of you, whether you would just like to take some money and skins from your Saturday foursome, or if making a cut on Friday determines if you eat at McDonald's or Mortons (more on nutrition in a moment).
Of course there are many paths to mental game mastery.
Some are like one lane dirt roads. You'll eventually get there, but it will take a long time.
The Renegade approach is like an 8 lane super highway with no speed limit.And it works for almost everyone, regardless if your balls are pink, black or even blue.Hang on and enjoy the ride:
Renegade Mental Golf Website
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