Helplessness

The person focuses on the negative view rather than the positive view of things, which increases feelings of helplessness.

Impulsive behaviors

The person may make rash decisions without thinking through choices and consequences.

Isolation

The person makes up excuses and avoids socializing and utilizing other resources.

Physical symptoms

These include appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, fatigue, headaches, etc.

No routine

The person does not maintain their daily schedule. They may find it difficult to get everything done as they previously had been able to.

Comeback

American speed skater J.R. Celski had a horrible accident 6 months prior to the Olympics. His blade cut into his thigh and he had to get 50 stitches. In the beginning doctors were not even sure whether he could walk or not. Through rigorous rehabilitation, he not only was able to walk, but once again returned to speed skating in the Olympics and won bronze in both the 1500m and 5000m relay.

Creativity

Shaun White, renown snowboarder once again gets gold in the half-pipe. He is creative with what he can do snowboarding, even debuting his new move, “back-to-back double cork.”

Have a problem-solving attitude.

Be honest about your agenda and work to find solutions/compromise.

Avoid hurt and criticism.

There is no recanting harmful words. They can be permanent wounds.

Learn to vent feelings appropriately.

Storing up feelings is like a volcano waiting to erupt. Understanding how to cope can help you deal with issues that come up.

No assumptions.

Even though you may know the person, you should not assume things. It is each partner’s responsibility to express your wants and needs directly, clearly, and respectfully.

One team.

Know that the end of result of an argument is not for one partner to win, but for both. Each must work together to be an effective team and a successful couple.

Time.

Establish a good time to talk over issues.

Topic.

Remain on one topic until it has been resolved.

Respect.

Avoid criticizing, belittling, judging your partner.

Compromise.

Work hard in making decisions acceptable to both parties.

Outlook.

State what your goals are not what you don’t want.

Focus.

Stay focused, respectful and concentrate on problem-solving.

Now.

Stay away from the past. Remain focused on the present.

Ask.

If there is something you need or want, ask for it. Avoid demanding for it or not voicing it.

Negotiate.

Be prepared to offer you partner something in return for them to give you what you want. It must be a balance. Both must feel they are benefiting from the relationship.

Educate.

Don’t wait for your partner to help you. Instead, show them how they can help you.

Self-monitor.

Monitor what you are doing that is working or inhibiting the relationship.

Reinforce.

Always reinforce efforts and accomplishments of your partner.

Adaptability

One day the golf course may have no wind, while another day there may be 10 mph winds. Although it is the same course, players must be flexible and adapt to new conditions.

Process is longer and more exciting rather than the end result

It is important to value the process, rather than the result. Dr. Joe Parent, author of Zen golf, said that if you focus on each shot and the process, the result will come.

Detailed research

During practice rounds, players and there caddys go out and take extensive measurements. They will note the distance between trees to the undulation of the greens. Both the players and caddys consult these notes during the tournament rounds. Research is the key to success in work in life as it allows for you to make the right decisions.

Ability to recover

Golf is a challenging sport. One small mistake can make your ball go into the worst places. Successful professional golfers are not perfect players. However, they are able to recover quickly. Life is all about making mistakes, learning from them, and recovering.

Practice

I saw many professional golfers practice the morning of the tournament. After four hours of playing competitive golf, they head right back to the practice grounds. Practicing does make perfect.

Proper nutrition

As with any athletes, proper nutrition is a must. I constantly saw the golfers hydrating themselves and taking in healthy nutrients (banana, protein bars). This allows them to sustain a high performance level.

Silence

Golf is a mental game. It is also an unusual sport in that it values silence rather than constant cheering. Players need to quiet their mind before initiating a successful golf swing.

Constant decision making

Golf is not all about trying to hit the ball farthest as possible. It is about making the right decisions.