You can talk about strategy, but what really matters in golf is resilience. —Jack Nicklaus
I couldn’t be more excited to announce that my fifth book, The Resilient Golfer: 25 Life Lessons From the Links, will be available for sale on Amazon in June! Like most worthwhile pursuits, it has been a long and winding road, full of potholes, challenges, and unforeseen obstacles. But as it turns out, there was a secret to the struggle that was right in front of me the whole time. This allowed me to persevere, stay positive, and ultimately cross the finish line. Can you guess what it was? Of course you can! Resilience!
As a teaser, I have included the introduction to The Resilient Golfer below. Over the next month, I will sprinkle in additional teasers as well. As always, I want to thank you for your incredible dedication to The Resilient Worker Blog and the pursuit of resilience over the last ten years. We have come a long way and the journey continues:
I want to start this book by asking you for a favor. I know we haven’t gotten to know one another yet. I know I haven’t earned it. But please do me this one courtesy. If you are thinking about buying this book to improve your golf score, please put it down immediately and seek out your nearest golf professional!
I picked up golf later in life and have struggled with the game ever since. I am in no position to offer swing advice or mental tips on how to lower your handicap. My game is fragile at best, dreadful at worst. But a funny thing happened as I battled through round after ugly round: I fell in love. Not the sappy, romantic love we see in the movies. The kind of love that is hard-earned and gritty. The kind of love that is often unrequited. The kind of love that keeps me coming back again and again with unrealistic optimism. And the kind of love that has allowed me to see something far deeper than pars and birdies (or, in my case, bogeys and double bogeys!). It has allowed me to see golf as a metaphor for life. And the ultimate conduit for resilience!
In essence, “The Resilient Golfer,” is a golf book that is not about golf. Over the course of this journey, we will explore how the lessons learned on the links can translate into greater optimism, perseverance, and success in our personal and professional lives. At its core, this book is about resilience – the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward in the face of adversity. Just as a golfer must shake off a bad shot and refocus on the next one, we all need strategies to recover from life’s inevitable stumbles and disappointments. So, whether it’s overcoming impostor syndrome, the danger of limiting beliefs, the importance of visualization, or knowing when to persevere versus when to pivot, the lessons shared here aim to help develop greater mental toughness, self-belief, and adaptability in all areas of life.
The experiences on the course provide a backdrop, but the insights and advice apply universally. Whether you’re an avid golfer, an occasional player, or have never picked up a club, you’ll find relatable stories and actionable wisdom to help build resilience in your own life. And, like life, it’s not all sunshine and puppy dogs. This book doesn’t shy away from addressing the hard parts of building resilience. It acknowledges that change is difficult, setbacks are painful, and that sometimes our efforts won’t yield the results we hope for. But it serves as a testament that with the right mindset and strategies, we all have the capacity to become more resilient!
As you read, you may find yourself reflecting on your own “golf stories” – those pivotal moments and hard-earned lessons that have shaped your quest for resilience. The hope is that by the end, you’ll not only have new tools for navigating life’s hazards, but also a renewed appreciation for the growth opportunities hidden within your challenges.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a complete novice, a seasoned executive or just starting your career, there’s wisdom here to help you navigate the course ahead with greater skill, joy, and resilience. Welcome to “The Resilient Golfer” – I’m so excited for the journey ahead.
Relax. Swing away. Enjoy the round.