How to Achieve the Mindset of Tiger Woods
What motivates Tiger Woods? The answer may surprise you…
It’s pretty simple… For Tiger, playing golf is a lot about winning. But it’s also about engaging in the battle to beat others players.
“I think I just enter events to win, and that’s it… It’s still about winning the event. That’s why I played as a junior, all the way through to now–is just to try to kick everyone’s butt. That to me is the rush. That’s the fun. That’s the thrill,” said Woods said this week prior to the 2013 US Open.
He’s always played with this type of competitiveness, even as a junior. He enjoys the rush of a good duel and the mental battles inherent in trying to win.
“And it’s been nice to be a part of the mix for 17 years now out here and be a part of a lot of great duels and a lot of great battles. And that to me is why I prepare, why I lift all those weights and put myself through all that is to be in those positions. It’s fun,” said Woods.
It you look at the definition of competitiveness, Woods description is perfect. What’s interesting to me–about his statement this week prior to the US Open–is how he enjoys the thrill of the battle or what it feels like when he’s in contention to win, which I think is the real motivator.
Other top players on the PGA Tour, such as Bob Tway, have told me the same about what it feels like to be in the heat of the battle…
These players feel the adrenaline and excitement of trying to win and enjoy this part the most. We know Tiger is chasing records. However, the adrenaline rush is what Tiger lives for, which may be more of a motivator today than actually holding the winner’s trophy.
I find players adopt two different mindsets when trying to win. One is the golfer that loves the heat of competition and thrives in it. I think it helps Woods focus his best.
The other mindset is about fear of failure and worrying about blowing the lead or making mistakes. I think this hurts most golfers chances of winning.
What do you do when you have a chance to win? Do you embrace the adrenaline rush of the battle or do you tighten up in fear of not closing the deal?
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