Welcome

Welcome to issue number 30 of The 3 Minute Golfer. This FREE, weekly publication is here to help every golfer improve their mental game and their personal wellbeing.

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In this issue:

• The Motivation Battle

• Wellness Tip – Ditch Your Devices Before Bed

• Mental Demons Q+A

• In Person Events - Book The 3 Minute Golfer

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The Motivation Battle

Do you play golf for the love of the game, the trophies…or the lunch with friends? 

If you’re like most golfers, it will be a combination of all three because your motivations to play will vary depending on the occasion. But what type of motivation delivers you the best performance outcomes? Knowing why you play and what drives you…might just shave a few strokes off your score and reduce your need for therapy.

There are three forms of motivation that jostle and compete, sometimes blending harmoniously, other times sparking friction that shapes your behaviours and performance in unpredictable ways. The innate, intrinsic joy of the game may call you to the course at dawn, but a looming club trophy event can extrinsically shift your focus to results, while the social approval of your peers can subtly nudge you to either step up your game or play it safe. This internal battle between pure enjoyment, tangible rewards, and the desire for belonging is what gives rise to the complexity of human performance…each motive waxing and waning depending on circumstances, mood, or the company you keep, ultimately driving how well you play.

Defining The Three Drivers

Intrinsic Motivation…is defined as engaging in an activity for its inherent satisfaction because it's enjoyable or challenging…not for external rewards. Some of the reported benefits of intrinsic motivation are deep engagement, persistence, psychological well-being. It’s what gets you out of bed at 6am to hit the range…just because you love the game. It’s the pure satisfaction of hitting a crisp 8-iron or the meditative pleasure of lining up and sinking a long putt. 

Extrinsic Motivation…defines being driven by either positive external rewards or the avoidance of punishments. This kind of external motivation is driven by outcomes…trophies, money, status, or that sweet, sweet praise from your overly competitive golf partners. Extrinsic motivation is frequently in play when a task is inherently unappealing, and you do it because you have to…not because you want to.  

Social Motivation…includes desires for belonging, approval, identity affirmation, and social recognition. You might say you’re playing “just for fun,” but we’ve all felt that rush of approval when someone says, “Nice shot!” after you actually hit the fairway for once. Peer influence is powerful, with research showing people are more likely to perform better, or at least try harder, when they’re being watched, judged, or competing with friends (Carron, A. V., et al 2005). Golf, being one-part sport and two-parts group therapy, is fertile ground for social group influence. 

Not All Motivations are Equal

Here’s the scoop…not all motivation is created equal when it comes to consistent performance.

Studies show that intrinsic motivation is more sustainable over time (Pelletier, L. G. et al. 1995). Golfers who play because they genuinely enjoy the challenge tend to cope better with setbacks, like that quadruple bogey you now refer to as “a learning experience”.

Extrinsic motivation, while useful in the short-term…think of club championships, weekly trophies and bar bets…often leads to pressure, perfectionism, and frustration…not exactly the mindset of champions.

Social motivation can be a strong reason to play but not necessarily to perform.

Also worth noting is research that shows that providing external rewards for a task that someone already enjoys can reduce their intrinsic motivation (Vallerand, R. J., et al 1999).

In short, your intrinsic motivation flourishes when tasks are meaningful and aligned with your skill level. Extrinsic motivators can be useful but risk overshadowing internal drive. While social motivation harnesses the powerful human need for connection…making tasks more engaging and persistent (Deci, E. L., et al. 1985)

Pro Tips…For Staying Motivated

Here are few tips to keep your head in the game and stay motivated.

Mix it up…Use extrinsic motivators to add fun stakes…loser buys drinks, but stay anchored in the joy of the game itself.

Self-talk Like a Guru…Remind yourself mid-round why you love golf, especially when your ball seems to be misbehaving.

Always Stay with the Shot...Whether you’re in it for glory or growth, the shot in front of you is the only one that matters.

At the End of the Day...Whether you’re playing for fun, fame, or the fleeting approval of Barry from the office, try to let your love of the game be the loudest voice in your head. The others…bragging rights, scorecards, free drinks are just icing on the clubhouse cake. And remember…even if you’re not the best golfer out there, you can always be the most motivated.

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