Practice is often regarded as either a mundane or grinding kind of activity and is almost always reluctantly done as a “have to.” In reality, if we really want to improve our games, practice should be a “want to.” Practicing for a higher purpose takes the “have to” and turns it into a “want to” by transforming the fear of change into a process that is exciting.

While practicing a new skill, particularly a mechanical skill, combine it with something else of a higher value. This could be a behavior, an attitude, a desire, or some life skill that you would like to improve. The area of higher purpose may correlate to the physical element or not be related at all.

Examples:

Before every swing or shot say to yourself, “ I am practicing ____for the purpose of____.

For example:
1. I am practicing being patient in my transition for the purpose of being patient with myself while pursuing my work goals.
2. I am practicing my grip for the purpose of having more fun on the golf course.
3. I am practicing keeping my head behind the ball at impact for the purpose of living in the present moment.

This manner of practicing is valuable for two reasons. First, you will put greater intent and care into every swing if you are practicing for something that is of higher value to you. Second, you are reminding yourself constantly of the change in your life that you desire. Thus, you are taking action on both things simultaneously.

Practicing for a higher purpose is essentially placing a “spiritual” intention behind a physical motion. This combination is very powerful because it puts greater energy into your actions and fortifies your commitment to change. As a result, not only is the process accelerated, both areas of change become permanent as well.

© Melissa Whitmire 2001 Happiness in Golf