Discovering the shared lessons of golf and life⛳🧬
In both golf and life, we often hear about the importance of “trusting the process.” But what does that really mean and why is it such a powerful approach to achieving success? At its core, trusting the process is about focusing on the things you can control—the preparation, effort and intentional steps you take—while letting go of the need to control the final result. It’s about living in the moment, doing the work and having faith that success will follow.
In this edition of From Fairways to Pathways, we’ll explore how embracing the process and releasing attachment to outcomes can lead to deeper fulfillment, better results and ultimately, true success. Whether you’re on the golf course or navigating life’s challenges, this mindset shift can transform the way you approach every situation.
The Golf Course as a classroom: learning to trust the process
Golf is an incredible teacher when it comes to understanding the value of trusting the process. Consider this: every shot in golf requires a blend of focus, preparation and execution. Yet, no matter how perfectly you strike the ball, the outcome is never guaranteed. A gust of wind, an unlucky bounce, or a misjudged read on the green can completely change the result.
What separates great golfers from the rest isn’t their ability to control every outcome—it’s their commitment to their process. They focus on their routine, their swing mechanics, their mental approach, and their decision-making. They don’t obsess over where the ball will land; they trust that by doing the right things consistently, success will come.
The same principle applies in life. When we focus too much on outcomes—getting the promotion, achieving a specific milestone, or receiving external validation—we become distracted, stressed, and less effective. By shifting our attention to the steps we can control, we free ourselves to perform at our best.
Letting go of outcomes: why it’s so hard
Letting go of outcomes isn’t easy. As humans, we’re wired to seek control and certainty. We want guarantees: if I do X, then Y will happen. But the reality is that outcomes are influenced by countless variables beyond our control, both in golf and in life.
For example:
In golf: You might hit a perfect shot, only for it to take an unlucky bounce into a bunker.
In life: You might pour your heart into a project, only for circumstances to change and derail the result.
When we tie our sense of success or self-worth solely to the outcome, we set ourselves up for frustration and disappointment. The truth is, success is rarely about the result itself—it’s about how we approach the journey.
The benefits of trusting the process
When we let go of the need to control outcomes and focus on the process, several powerful things happen:
Reduced anxiety
By focusing on what you can control, you reduce the stress and anxiety that comes from worrying about what might go wrong. On the golf course, this might mean calming your nerves before a critical putt. In life, it could mean staying grounded during a high-pressure situation.
Improved performance
When you trust the process, your mind becomes clear and focused, allowing you to perform at your best. In golf, this means focusing entirely on the current shot, rather than dwelling on the previous hole or worrying about the next one. In life, it means engaging fully in the task at hand, instead of constantly wondering if your efforts will lead to immediate results.
Presence brings clarity, which enhances your ability to perform. When you’re fully immersed in the process, you’ll find that your concentration, creativity and performance improve naturally.
Resilience in the face of setbacks
Life and golf are full of ups and downs. There will always be bad shots, rough patches and obstacles to overcome. When you’re focused only on outcomes, these setbacks can feel catastrophic, causing you to lose confidence or quit altogether. But if you’re process-oriented, you can approach challenges with resilience. Trusting the process helps you bounce back from failures. You recognize that setbacks are part of the journey and don’t define your worth or potential. Instead, you use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
A Sense of freedom, enjoyment and fulfilment
Letting go of outcomes creates a sense of freedom. On the golf course, this might look like swinging without tension or fear of failure. In life, it’s about living authentically, without constantly worrying about how others will judge you or whether your plans will work out perfectly.
Ultimately, what’s the point of working hard if you’re not enjoying the journey? When you’re overly focused on outcomes, it’s easy to miss the joys of the present moment. Trusting the process allows you to find meaning and satisfaction in each step, rather than waiting for some future success to bring you happiness.
Golf, like life, is meant to be enjoyed. The quiet satisfaction of a well-executed shot, the beauty of the course, and the camaraderie with others are all part of the experience. By focusing on the process, you can fully appreciate these moments, making the entire journey more rewarding.
The power of the process is that it brings you back to the present moment. It grounds you in action, rather than stress and anxiety over future outcomes.
If it’s so fundamental to success, why do we drift away from the process?
Why is it so easy to start focusing on the scoreboard, on the future, or on the things we can’t control?
One word: fear. In golf, it might be fear of hitting into the water, or fear of missing that crucial putt. In life, it could be fear of failure, fear of judgement, or fear of the unknown. When we’re afraid, our brains tend to go into overdrive, focusing on all the things that could go wrong instead of sticking to the things we’ve practised and know how to do.
Another reason is impatience. We all want quick results. We want that birdie on the next hole, or that career breakthrough tomorrow. But the reality is, success—both in golf and life—comes from staying the course, trusting the process, and knowing that the results will come as a byproduct of consistent effort.
And let’s not forget about comparison. On the course, it’s easy to look at the golfer next to you sinking every putt and start feeling like you need to push harder. In life, social media can make us feel like we’re falling behind if we’re not hitting certain milestones as fast as others. But when we’re focused on comparison, we’re not focused on our own process.
So how do we get back to the Process when we’ve drifted off course? Here are a few practical tips to reset your mind and refocus:
Take a breath
This is step one. When you start feeling overwhelmed or when you catch yourself spiralling into "what ifs," take a deep breath. It’s simple, but it works. On the golf course, this might mean stepping back from your shot and just breathing for a moment to reset. In life, it’s about pausing, breathing, and grounding yourself in the present moment.
Set process-oriented goals
Instead of fixating on the outcome (winning a tournament, or getting a promotion), set small, process-based goals. Embrace the journey - Remember that the process itself is valuable. Each challenge and triumph along the way contributes to your growth and development.
For example, in golf, your goal might be to focus on your pre-shot routine rather than worrying about getting a birdie. In life, it could be focusing on sending out a certain number of job applications a week, rather than stressing about landing a new position right away.
Reflect and adjust
After each round of golf or after a day’s work, take a moment to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? How did you stick to the process? By reflecting regularly, you can make small adjustments to stay on course. And make sure you celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step you take toward improvement is worth recognizing and helps keep you motivated on your journey. And don’t forget that success takes time. Remind yourself that good things often come to those who are willing to put in consistent effort and wait for results.
Focus on what you can control
In golf, you can’t control the wind or how the ball bounces. But you can control your swing, your grip, and your attitude. In life, you can’t control every outcome, but you can control your actions and how you respond to situations. Break things down into manageable steps and focus on what you can do right now.
And alongside this -
Let go of what you can’t control
The most important part: let go. Once you’ve done the work, once you’ve followed your process, let go of the need to control the outcome. Trust that your preparation and effort will pay off, even if it doesn’t happen right away. In golf, this could mean accepting that sometimes the ball won’t land where you want it to. In life, it’s about trusting that if you’re consistent with your efforts, the results will follow—even if it takes time.
Wrapping it all up
Trusting the process is as much about mindset as it is about action. Whether you’re standing on the first tee or facing a major life decision, the principles remain the same: focus on what you can control, stay present, and let go of the need to control the outcome.
In golf, this might mean taking a deep breath, committing to your shot, and trusting that your preparation will pay off. In life, it might mean pursuing your goals with passion and intention, without being consumed by fear of failure or the need for immediate results.
The beauty of this approach is that it leads to success that feels truly meaningful—not because of the result, but because of the journey. By trusting the process and letting go of outcomes, you open yourself up to growth, joy and the freedom to embrace life fully.
So the next time you face a challenge—on the course or in life—ask yourself: Am I focused on the process, or am I trapped in the need for a specific result? Shift your perspective, trust your preparation and let go of the rest. True success comes not from controlling the finish line but from embracing the journey.
Keep swinging, stay present, and trust the process—you might just find that the best outcomes come when you least expect them.
The Mental Game of Golf Summit – Grab your ticket here⛳
If you’d like to learn more about the shared lessons of golf and life, take a listen to the Positive Golf Mindset Podcast 🎙️
You can download a FREE copy of my Goal Setting Workbook📖
Book your FREE mini discovery call👈 Let’s spend some time understanding and breaking down your own barriers, the things that are getting in the way of achieving your goals. I’ll hold you accountable for your own development and support you on your journey.
Comments