When I was in elementary and middle school, I had both academic and athletic performance anxiety.
I was worried that I if I made a mistake, everyone would laugh at me.
However, I came to realize that most people felt the same way.
I understand now that nobody is perfect, and I am proud of those who take risks, even if they fail.
I believe that it is the hard work and commitment demonstrated in the effort rather than in the result that people will ultimately remember. We are not defined by our successes or failures, but by how we conduct ourselves in the pursuit of our goals.
In the early part of my school career, I was not willing to be the group leader, or team captain. I thought that there would be too much pressure. I thought that avoiding positions of leadership allowed me to avoid responsibility for failure.
Now however, I know that every member in a group is critical, not just the “leader.” Each person in a group is responsible for its success and failure, regardless of who is “in charge.” Yes, there is additional pressure associated with being identified as a leader, but I realize that it also brings more advantages.
Even if I make a mistake, I can find comfort in knowing that I took a chance and gave my best effort.
I used to play for Lafayette Moraga Youth Association (LMYA) basketball teams. Naturally, I always wanted to win games, but I played too conservatively. I was too caught up in avoiding a loss.
I did not want to be the player that missed the last shot of the game, or made the game-ending turnover. Instead, I would pass the ball to another player, putting them on the hot seat instead of taking a risk myself.
I no longer play basketball, and I regret not taking those opportunities when I had them.
Now I understand that keeping things in perspective matters: It was only LMYA basketball. I was just a kid who want to have fun playing a game. No careers were on the line. No lives were at stake.
Furthermore, I know now that I will always have chances to redeem myself. Failure is always forgotten after subsequent success.
Living in fear, worried about failure, is no way to go through life.
I have applied this attitude to my golf game, and it has helped.
I always think: it is you, the golf club, and the ball.
I pay less attention to my opponents. I worry less about consequences. I restructure my thoughts to make them positive rather than negative. If you are nervous before playing a difficult golf course, just think of it as an opportunity to face challenge.
I don’t worry about playing poorly in a tournament. Instead, I remind myself how fortunate I am to be there and how many other players did not have such an opportunity.
Free yourself from fear. Take a risk. It’s what’s required to truly be alive.
