I don’t follow golf but I happened to catch the story of the newest title holder of the 2011 HP Byron Nelson Championship. It wasn’t a perfect hole in one that was the winning shot, it was the way rookie player, Keegan Bradley turned around a drive that went soooo wrong.
Instead of landing on the green, his ball somehow ended way off course course in the middle of a group of food carts. In that moment, Bradley had a choice to make. He could panic and let the pressure get to him, clouding his focus and possibly even affecting his swing.
Instead, Bradley took it step by step and worked with his team to get through the challenge. They used their knowledge to determine the carts were “moveable obstacles” and enrolled the food cart operators to wheel them out of the way. He then made a near impossible, slightly wild looking hook shot to get back into the game. The end result, the rookie won his first professional tournament.
Things don’t always go as planned. Here’s what I love about how Bradley handled the shot that went awry:
- He didn’t assume the outcome of the tournament even though by all appearances it would seem in that moment it wasn’t the shot of a champion.
- He gave his team the time and space to examine the circumstances and trouble shoot it.
- He couldn’t change the circumstance of the missed shot, but he was in control of his response.
- He stayed present and let things unfold one step at a time.
- He did not put limitations on himself, even though he was coming into the tournament with “rookie” status.
Assuming an outcome is different than using creative visualization or principles of manifestation. When you’ve aimed in one direction and life lands you in an unexpected situation, what lessons can we take from the rookie?
We can all learn something from the cool headed rookie including cancer survivors and their caregivers.
- We cannot assume the outcome.
- If it is a choice between doubt and faith, choose faith.
- Build a knowledgeable team, populated with experts, family, friends and community connections.
- Choose your responses consciously when you can instead of reacting.
- This done more easily when we stay present and give things a chance to unfold.
- Finally, do not put limitations on what is possible…we cannot know what is just around the corner.
Miracles happen. Even though Gary, my late husband, did not survive his cancer…I still believe miracles happen.
YourTango
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Sometimes just thinking outside the box is the game-changer. Love this reference to golf. I am married to an avid golfer and have had more golf lessons than the average bear! LOL So like the way you took this newbie’s tenacity to show us that it’s all really about the way you choose to live your life! Great post!
I love the story about Keegan Bradley ~ He really knows how to handle unexpected adversity. I spent all day yesterday on a golf course with my husband. He played golf and I was his “official photographer.”
I am so glad you could find these “life lessons” in the game of golf.
I also believe miracles happen.
Assumptions are dangerous and nothing is over until it is over. A well told story with a definite message
Great post Tambre! I love to golf and my husband and I enjoy watching the golf tournaments. It is so great to see the rookies win their first championships!
Yes you can totally relate this experience that rookie Keegan Bradley went through to meet his goals and become successful. All your points are well taken. I might add to never think to far ahead of yourself.
Really enjoy your analogy on this one Tambre – good job!
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn. I love taking an event and seeing it through a prism to find a deeper meaning or life lesson…so glad you enjoyed it. Thinking ahead is an interesting dilemma…I do set goals but then I’ve learned to bring myself back into the present and, as you so aptly said, not get too far ahead of myself…instead letting the path unfold. Vision then release. Sprinkle a little faith on top for good measure.
I so agree, Roberta! Thanks for consistently taking time to read and comment. I appreciate the efforts you make.
Unexpected adversity…I love that phrase, Janette…so well said.
Thanks, Martha…it was fun to write outside the box…I know so little about golf…and then to have people like you who had received significant schooling in the subject (LOL) connect to it is cool. This post was an unexpected surprise on many levels. I love seeing what hits home…and the misses also teach us something, too. Really appreciate you taking time to comment!
Hi Tambre,
I just love your posts and how you ended it by saying you still believe in miracles.
You shared something that I am still learning and that is choose faith. Lately, I have had doubts but still moved on as I know the faith will get me there.
When life lands me something I didn’t expect, I am now calmer and try my best not to react. If I do react, I am aware and take a step back to see how I can effective respond to the situation. Honestly, it’s easier said than done and it’s a matter of practicing to stay present and not be pulled into the whole drama. Anything is possible, if you want to make it possible