Overachieving is Overrated!

Saw an interview with Zach Johnson, who is the poster boy for “overachievement”, and he was none too happy with the assertion that he is less “talented” than his bigger, stronger and more athletic rivals. Johnson was quite forceful in his defense that in some ways he is more talented than he is given credit for. Johnson stressed that dedication, desire, determination and discipline are the indispensable ingredients to his success, and they must be viewed as talents! Why you may ask? Because the game of golf, and your ultimate success, is based upon your ability to post a score, not upon your ability to hit the ball. This is counter intuitive, I realize, but it’s none the less true.

“There are no born golfers. Some have more natural ability than others, but they’ve all been made.” Ben Hogan

Now, I know that it may take an adjustment in thinking to accept the idea that discipline, for an example, is a natural ability that can be nurtured, practiced and improved just as ball striking can be practiced and improved. So what's self-discipline? It’s “the ability to make yourself do things that should be done.” Zach Johnson says that he makes himself do the things that improve his ability to discipline his practice, training and preparation which improves his ability to score.

So, what are those things? First, he hired a “Statistician” to review his performance, in both play and practice, in order to identify those things that must be improved. Second, all practice is scheduled in advance by his team which, focuses on improvement. Third, everything is recorded in logs, diaries or what I call “Practice Books.” (My book, “Hogan’s Ghost” shows you how you can bring discipline to your preparation should hiring the help you need not be an option.)

In the past, I have sent unsolicited promotional copies of “Hogan’s Ghost” to players who, in my opinion, would benefit from a fresh prospective. With Gene Sauers winning of the US Senior Open and Jimmie Walker winning the PGA, leaves only Sean O’Hair as a book recipient who hasn’t benefited. But, it may be the case that Sean didn’t actually get it, or he hasn’t read it. In any case, if someone would check with Sean to see which option is true, I would appreciate it.

“LUCK is the consistent ability to capitalize on events over which you have no control. VISION is talented people thinking the unthinkable and attempting the impossible. COMMITMENT is the willingness to pay the price necessary to cause luck and vision to happen.” Jack Nicklaus

My book “Hogan’s Ghost” is available thru Amazon.com. https://lnkd.in/b5xh8us. You can see what I do at http://edmyersgolf.com. #hogan'sghost.