By Roger Knick, The Golf Performance Center
We talk about what makes success and the journey to success. However, there is a downside to success if you are not pursuing your success with the right purpose. I know I have written many articles about what it takes, how each of us may measure success differently, however, we all are susceptible to the dark side of reaching for the impossible.
The impossible for each may be different but the journey is predictably the same. It is filled with passion, hard work, people who believe in you and those who do not, highs and lows. The trials and tribulations may be overwhelming at times, without purpose greater than a good outcome, a win in a tournament, adulation for a job well done, you may find yourself in a tough spot emotionally. As a positive person, I do not like to think about the downside of success or failure, but if you do not consider the possibility of not reaching a certain goal, the pressures of succeeding can be overwhelming when your purpose does not align with your goals.
When setting your big audacious goal, it is important to understand, your goal will come with consequences, good and bad, are you prepared? What do I mean by this? If your goals are not aligned with your purpose, the pressures of failing can bring dark consequences. We have seen many young student-athletes crumble under unnecessary pressure because their goals do not align with their parents or teachers and coaches. Our society is littered with stories of young people consumed by this pursuit of perfection in everything from school grades, the best peer group, sports, to the best college bumper sticker so their parents can brag to their friends. Tragically, when a young person feels that they are not able to hold up their “obligations” to keep up with these demands, it can lead to them giving up on their audacious goal leading to more troubling scenarios. The high achievement mentality is a double edge sword. When the pursuit is not driven by the right purpose, it can become dangerous for those caught in the rushing river of high achievement.
If you find yourself in this scenario, take some time to reflect on why you are pursuing your audacious goal. Are your actions aligned with your goal? Do you have the necessary support from those around you? If not, find a new group of friends that will support you. Do you have a good plan to reach your goal? Achievement is not done alone. Desire to improve + Good Plan + Hard work = Achievement
Enjoy Your Journey!
