On The Tee with Hank Johnson

On Being Mentally Tough
Definition: Having a physiological edge that enables you to be consistent, confident, focused and determined during high pressure situations in order to perform at maximum potential.
Players who are tough minded:
- Excel during high stress and pressure situations
- Have a mental advantage over competitors
- Are able to bounce back quickly after a setback
- Can produce results even when the likelihood of success is low
- Seem unshakeable through almost any circumstance
Here are the six major characteristics of mental toughness:
Confidence
Having a strong belief in yourself increases your mental toughness. If you believe in your ability to succeed, then you are preparing yourself for success and bracing yourself in case of obstacles.
Focus
When a person cannot stay focused it is easy for them to mentally collapse in high pressure situations. The ability to concentrate on the task at hand and stay focused on the task is an unbelievably important skill that many players cannot seem to master.
Motivation
Finding motivation is easy, keeping motivation is a challenge. Lost motivation usually stems from the lack of or a shift in focus. In situations when the climb is uphill, motivation, focus and resiliency should be your best friends.
Courage
Remember that being courageous is not being fearless; rather it is having fear but acting as if you don’t. Acts of courage are usually accompanied by a mountain of fear but a courageous person will do whatever they have to do in order to get done that which has to be done.
Composure
Player who demonstrate a high level of composure appear to be “cool and in control” even in the most difficult circumstances. Since how you act directly affects how you feel this is a great quality to emulate even if you don’t feel composed.
Resiliency
It doesn’t matter how confident, focused, motivated, courageous or composed you are, if you don’t see your goal to the end then it may turn out to be pointless. Being resilient is pushing through until you reach you goal, no matter how difficult things get. Just keep your eye on the prize!