If you’ve read my recent posts, you know I’ve been focusing on social media and digital marketing (and if you haven’t read them, what are you waiting for?). This time, I’m going to write about my new favorite pastime – golf. I never would’ve thought I’d own my own clubs or play 18 holes, but after participating in a Ladies Learning League at the local golf course, I have a new-found love for the game and head to the course every chance I get. The more I play, the more I learn lessons that can be applied to other areas of my life, including work.
You may be expecting a string of sports metaphors, and there are many directions I could go, like – practice, apply what you learn, follow through, or use the right club for the job. But instead, I want to explore something that can turn your entire game around, regardless of your skill – attitude.
As a new golfer, I’ve quickly learned my best shot can be followed by one of my worst. But the days when I play the best – and have the most fun – are when I treat each stroke like a new opportunity. How I hit the ball last really has no bearing on how I’ll hit it this time. If I have a bad shot, I laugh at myself, learn from it, and move on. It’s that positive attitude that I’m trying to apply more to other situations.
I’m sure you’ve been in a meeting that didn’t go as expected or have had a co-worker spring something on you at the last minute that throws your day off-track. Each meeting, each project is an opportunity to learn and to do something great. Just because a meeting I had this morning didn’t go as well as planned doesn’t mean my next meeting will go poorly. I do know that going into the next meeting well-prepared and with a positive attitude will set me up for success. And because attitude can be contagious, being positive and supportive is vital when working as a team and meeting with clients.
But don’t just take my word for it. The next time something goes awry, learn from it and start your next project with a clean slate. Don’t let a triple bogey on one project prevent you from getting a birdie on the next. And when you just can’t find the silver lining, hit the course – eighteen holes later, things are bound to look better!