The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

In this episode, I challenge one of the most common personal development habits—affirmations—and introduce a far more powerful alternative. If confidence feels inconsistent… if discipline fades when motivation disappears… and if you know what to do but still struggle to execute, this conversation is for you. We explore why asking better questions—specifically yes-or-no "Will you?" questions—creates faster, more sustainable behavior change than statements, goals, or affirmations ever could.  Drawing on decades of behavioral research, identity psychology, and real-world golf and life examples, I break down how questions engage your subconscious, eliminate excuses, and leverage cognitive dissonance to pull you into action—especially when you don't feel like it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why affirmations often fail to create lasting behavior change How asking "Will you?" activates confidence and ownership The psychology behind cognitive dissonance—and how to use it Why yes/no questions eliminate excuses and justifications How identity-based questions reinforce discipline under pressure The subtle but critical difference between can I and will I How to use questions to execute when motivation is gone This is a tactical yet deeply transformational episode designed to help you strengthen discipline, upgrade your self-talk, and accelerate becoming the version of yourself required to achieve your biggest goals—on the course and in life. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Confidence is built through your relationship with yourself—especially your self-talk. Questions engage your brain more powerfully than statements or affirmations. "Will you?" implies ownership, commitment, and action—not possibility. Yes/no questions remove the mental loopholes that fuel excuses. Cognitive dissonance pushes behavior to align with identity. Discipline is strengthened when actions answer questions—not feelings. Asking better questions accelerates becoming who you want to be. Key Quotes: "Confidence is intoxicating—and one of its strongest predictors is how you talk to yourself." "Questions engage you; statements let you hide." "When you ask 'Will you?' there's no room for excuses—only action." "Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort that pulls you toward who you want to become." "Discipline is doing what needs to be done when you don't feel like it." "Your actions don't follow motivation—they follow identity." "The answer to who you'll become lies in the question 'Will you?'" Time Stamps: 00:00: The Power of Belief and Self-Talk 02:58: Welcome Back: The Journey of Self-Improvement 04:34: Upgrading Self-Talk: The Importance of Questions 14:17: Cognitive Dissonance: Bridging the Gap to Your Best Self 19:27: Taking Action: The Path to Becoming Your Best Self

Pressure exposes the truth. It reveals who's prepared, who's present, and who's pretending. And whether you're standing over an eight-foot putt to win the Masters or staring down a boardroom full of investors, the mechanisms that make you crumble — or come alive — are the same. In this powerful conversation, Derek Belch—founder & CEO of STRIVR, former Stanford kicker, entrepreneur, and competitive golfer—breaks down the psychology of high-stakes performance.  Derek shares what truly separates people who execute under pressure from those who collapse, why the myth of "balance" is misleading, and the mindset that's helped him build a pioneering tech company while simultaneously pursuing his quest to qualify for a PGA Tour event. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pressure is a privilege—and the hidden gift inside nervousness The difference between preparation that helps vs. preparation that hurts How VR training reveals the brain's decision-making blind spots Why perspective is the golfer's most underdeveloped mental skill How to reframe pressure as opportunity instead of consequence Why so many founders burn out—and how to avoid becoming one of them The real meaning of work-life balance for high achievers Derek's biggest lessons from pursuing scratch golf in his 40s Whether you're a golfer, entrepreneur, or high performer hungry for the next level, this episode will reshape the way you prepare, practice, and perform. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Derek Derek Belch is a former Stanford Cardinal kicker turned entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of STRIVR, a pioneering virtual reality company that builds immersive training for NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. military.  A multi-degree Stanford graduate with an MBA from USC, Derek left coaching at Stanford to launch STRIVR out of the university's Virtual Human Interaction Lab and has since been recognized on Sports Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" list.  Today, he balances leading STRIVR with his own quest to become a scratch golfer and hosts The Golfing CEO Podcast, where he explores the intersection of performance, leadership, and the game of golf. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Pressure exposes preparation — nerves mean you care. Simulation (or mental reps) accelerates decision-making under stress. Perspective is the most underrated skill in golf and entrepreneurship. Tournament golf is a completely different sport than casual golf. You must know who you are to handle long-term stress effectively. Balance isn't real; clear values and non-negotiables are. Founders and golfers fail when expectations and identity collide. Key Quotes: "Pressure is a privilege — nerves simply mean you care." "If I've put in the work, it's in God's hands after that." "Visualization is VR on steroids — but golf still demands feel." "You can play golf once a week and expect scratch results? Expectations matter." "Burnout isn't about hours; it's about losing alignment with who you are." "Tournament golf is a different sport. Completely." "Perspective is everything. Even par is not the definition of scratch." Time Stamps: 00:00: Pressure Situations in Sports 02:52: The Importance of Preparation 05:26: VR and Simulation in Training 08:20: Golf and Visualization Techniques 11:12: Reframing Pressure as Opportunity 14:13: The Concept of Balance in Life 16:53: Identity and Performance Under Pressure 28:00: Navigating Challenges in Business and Golf 31:35: The Importance of Self-Reflection and Commitment 35:36: Understanding Burnout and Stress Management 38:59: Perspective: The Key to Success in Golf and Business 48:17: Final Thoughts: Dignity and Playing Fast

In this episode, I want you to imagine this… You're standing at the base of a mountain on a clear day. You can see the trail. You can see the summit. That summit represents the next level of your life—the golfer you know you're capable of being, the business owner with more freedom, peace, and confidence. You know where you're going. You know what to do. And yet, every step feels heavier than it should. Not because you lack discipline. Not because you lack talent. Not because you don't want it badly enough. It feels hard because you're trying to summit your mountain while carrying a backpack full of invisible weight—unexamined beliefs, unresolved emotions, fear, pressure, and destructive mindset programs that quietly sabotage your progress. In this episode, I break down the mountain metaphor to show you why most high performers get stuck two steps forward, three steps back—and why the problem was never the mountain, the plan, or the strategy. We'll unpack emotional fog, destructive mindset programs, perfectionism, fear of success, and why self-sabotage often disguises itself as logic. Most importantly, I'll show you what it actually means to do the work required to clear the fog, lighten the load, and finally reach the summit you already know you're capable of climbing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why knowing what to do isn't enough to create lasting change How emotional fog robs you of clarity, confidence, and self-trust What destructive mindset programs are and how they keep you stuck Why self-sabotage often feels logical, responsible, or justified Where most high performers stop short on their climb to success How perfectionism and fear of success quietly drain your energy What it actually means to "do the work" to reach your next level Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: You're not failing because of a lack of discipline, talent, or information. Emotional fog makes even a clear path feel confusing and exhausting. The weight you carry matters more than the mountain you're climbing. Destructive mindset programs are patterned, predictable, and unconscious. Self-sabotage often appears as logic, timing issues, or "being realistic." Different results require thinking, feeling, doing, and being different. Clearing emotional baggage is the fastest way to sustainable success. Key Quotes: "You're not stuck because you don't know what to do—you're stuck because of the weight you're carrying." "The problem was never the mountain; it was the backpack." "Self-sabotage disguises itself as logic when your nervous system wants relief." "Emotion is energy in motion, and unprocessed emotion creates fog." "Your subconscious doesn't care if an emotion hurts—it cares if it's familiar." "If you want to achieve different, you must be willing to feel different." "Sustainable success begins when you stop dragging old patterns uphill." Time Stamps: 00:00: Climbing the Mountain of Success 04:39: Understanding Emotional Baggage 16:58: Identifying Destructive Mindset Programs 30:36: Taking Action Towards Change

If you've ever felt your heart race over a three-footer or a make-or-break sales call, imagine doing that with a camera pointed at your face and thousands of people listening… That's the world broadcaster and national champion golfer Emilia Doran lives in every week. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, Emilia pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay composed on live TV, how she manages nerves under pressure, and why the same routines, reps, and reflections that make her great on-air are the same ingredients you need to perform on the golf course and in business. She shares how she redefined success after stepping away from professional golf, the emotional cost of perfectionism, and what it's like to build a powerful personal brand as a woman in a male-dominated sport—all while keeping joy, gratitude, and perspective at the center. In this episode, you'll learn: How Emilia handles nerves and stays authentic during live broadcasts The mindset shift that helped her stop chasing perfection and start playing freer Practical ways to simulate "18th-hole pressure" in your practice and prep How routines, reps, and reflection translate from broadcasting to better golf What Emilia's identity shift from pro-track golfer to broadcaster taught her about fulfillment How she defines a "successful" broadcast (and why saying less is often more) What it really takes to stand out as a woman in golf and claim your space with confidence Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Emilia Emilia Doran is a former high-level competitive golfer turned rising star in golf media. After a decorated junior and amateur playing career—including national-level events and standout performances in women's amateur golf—Emilia transitioned into broadcasting, where she has quickly become one of the most recognizable young voices in the sport.  She covers professional golf, collegiate golf, and elite amateur events, combining storytelling, high-performance insights, and on-course experience to bring a fresh, relatable perspective to viewers. Her unique blend of competitive playing background, media experience, personal brand building, and deep understanding of the modern golf audience has positioned her as one of the game's most influential emerging personalities.  Connect with Emilia on Instagram. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Treat the camera like a person and slightly exaggerate your natural personality so your true self actually comes through under pressure. Nerves don't disappear; they become more manageable when you simplify the goal—like aiming to say just one truly insightful thing each broadcast. Preparation is routine, reps, and rehearsal: organize your info, rehearse key lines, and build a repeatable process you can trust when the heat turns up. Reflection isn't just about what went wrong—intentionally review what you did well so you don't let one flub define the entire performance. Perfectionism feels like a superpower early on, but if you don't manage your expectations, it becomes emotional kryptonite that drains joy and confidence. Watching the best players closely teaches that even world-class golfers hit plenty of mediocre shots—and handle them with neutrality and grace. In both golf and broadcasting, success is often saying less with more impact and knowing when silence, presence, and emotion are more powerful than words. Key Quotes: "If I can just say one insightful thing to the audience, that's a win." "You might spend five hours on notes and only use ten percent of them—and that's okay." "Broadcasting is a job of imperfection; it's how you handle yourself when things go slightly awry that matters." "I had to accept that golf isn't my number one priority anymore—and still let that be okay." "The more I worked in golf, the more I realized I didn't want to feel emotionally exhausted all the time." "Watch a full round of one player and you'll see how many imperfect shots even the best in the world hit." "You might get an opportunity because of a box someone wants to check, but you stay because you do great work." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Art of Broadcasting: Managing Emotions Live 03:20: Nervousness and Performance: Tools for Focus 06:57: Simulating Pressure: Preparing for Live Broadcasts 11:35: Reflection and Growth: Learning from Broadcasts 14:53: Defining Success: What Makes a Great Broadcast? 18:47: Transitioning from Golfer to Broadcaster: Identity Shift 24:18: The Importance of Structure in Golf and Life 27:24: Navigating the Transition from College to Professional Golf 31:12: Emotional Maturity and Expectations in Golf 35:29: Building a Personal Brand in a Male-Dominated Sport 42:43: The Privilege of Playing Golf and Finding Joy

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm sharing a raw, honest reflection on my 2025 golf season—what improved, what I avoided, where fear quietly ran the show, and why the theme of 2026 is simple: do the work. I walk you through the exact 15 reflection questions I challenged my newsletter readers to answer—and I read my own straight-from-the-journal responses. Then I close by defining the identity I'm stepping into in 2026: committed, intentional, and fearless—with a clear focus on becoming a longer hitter, sharper from 125 and in, and mentally tougher when things get uncomfortable. If you've been stuck in inconsistency, rushing your routine, or playing not to mess up, this episode will give you a mirror—and a reset. In this episode, you'll learn: The 15 reflection questions I use to audit a season and upgrade my golf identity Why false urgency destroys routines, decision-making, and scoring How fear shows up as "smart golf" (laying back, avoiding driver) and silently caps your potential The difference between practicing and practicing with intentionality How I'm building more presence and focus using a 3-hole check-in reset What I'm no longer willing to tolerate in my game—and why that line matters The identity shift I'm making in 2026: committed, intentional, fearless—and what that looks like in action Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  15 Reflection Questions: What do I want in 2026? What do I want more of? What do I want less of? What am I no longer willing to tolerate in my golf game? What patterns kept repeating for me this year—and why? Where did I abandon my standards when things got uncomfortable? What did I pretend "didn't matter," even though it clearly did? What am I still blaming on my swing that's actually mental or emotional? Where did fear quietly make my decisions for me this year? What did I avoid working on because it exposed my real edge? When did I play not to mess up instead of playing to perform? What part of my game actually improved—and why did it improve? What drained my energy on the course more than it should have? What would change if I trusted myself one level more? If nothing changes in 2026, what will that cost me—emotionally and competitively? Key Takeaways: You don't need more knowledge to reach scratch—you need consistent, intentional work. False urgency destroys routines, decision-making, and scoring faster than any swing flaw. Fear often disguises itself as "smart golf" and quietly caps your potential. Your routine matters most right after great holes and bad holes, not when things feel easy. Intentional practice creates predictable performance; random reps create random results. Emotional toughness is built by sitting in discomfort instead of numbing or avoiding it. Identity is the real upgrade, and in 2026 that identity is committed, intentional, and fearless. Key Quotes: "The theme of 2026 is do the work—not the easy stuff, not the surface-level stuff, the real work." "I already have the talent and capability to be a scratch golfer; inconsistency was the real issue." "I'm no longer willing to tolerate playing hurried golf with a false sense of urgency." "Fear made decisions everywhere this year, especially when I convinced myself I was being strategic." "Avoiding driver and playing not to mess up kept me playing par fours like par fives." "Vulnerability, ownership, and accountability aren't weaknesses—they're performance accelerators." "If nothing changes in 2026, it will cost me everything." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Importance of Doing the Work 01:40: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset 04:29: Reflecting on 2025: Lessons Learned 08:37: Setting Intentions for 2026 14:25: Identifying Goals and Areas for Improvement 18:12: Overcoming Mental Barriers in Golf 23:18: The Role of Fear in Performance 28:33: Celebrating Progress and Growth 31:40: The Cost of Inaction 33:14: Upgrading Golf Identity for 2026

Your self-talk is the only voice you hear 24/7 — and most days, it's not that kind.  For many golfers and entrepreneurs, that inner dialogue quietly runs the show: it talks you out of what you know you should be doing, keeps you glued to comfort, and convinces you you're not ready, not worthy, or not capable of the next level. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Trevor Tellin to unpack how your inner voice shapes your identity, your confidence, and your results — on the golf course and in business.  In this episode, you'll learn: Spot the invisible ways your self-talk sabotages your golf game and business. Use a simple "reward scale" to win more debates between the couch and the range. Personify your inner voices so you can work with them instead of being ruled by them. Create space between you and your thoughts so they feel less personal and more workable. Use Interloop to capture real self-talk data from your rounds and turn it into growth. Understand fear of success, over-identifying with "the grind," and how they keep you stuck. Build mental toughness and confidence through repetition, hard things, and self-compassion. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Trevor Trevor Tellin is a high-performance mindset coach who helps golfers master the mental side of the game so they can perform with confidence, composure, and clarity under pressure. Founder of Mindset Coach Trev, he works with competitive amateurs, college players, and professionals to help them overcome fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt—on and off the course.  With a master's degree in psychology and years of experience coaching athletes, leaders, and business professionals, Trevor combines sport psychology, neuroscience, and practical mindset tools to help clients unlock their full potential and play—and live—with greater freedom and fulfillment. Connect with Trevor. Connect on Instagram (mindsetcoachtrev). Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Awareness is everything — most self-talk patterns run on autopilot until you finally slow down enough to hear them. Every choice is an exchange; comfort feels good now, but it often carries the hidden cost of slowing or blocking your long-term growth. Scoring your choices helps you override resistance by comparing the real value of short-term comfort vs. long-term reward. Personifying your inner voices creates separation, making it easier to recognize which ones help you and which ones hijack you. Tools like Interloop reveal patterns you'd never notice on your own, giving you tangible data to change your on-course self-talk. Fear of success often drives sabotage — when you get close to the next level, the uncertainty of "what comes with it" pulls you back. Mental toughness and confidence come from repetition, doing hard things, and proving to yourself (again and again) that you can handle discomfort. Key Quotes: "We're so familiar with our inner voice that we don't realize how often it runs the show." "We rationalize sabotage because the excuses sound convincing coming from ourselves." "Every decision is an exchange — you can't get what you want without giving up something." "When you personify a limiting voice, it becomes easier to question and redirect it." "Turning a feeling into a character creates distance, and distance creates choice." "Most people envy the result but not the inputs required to reach it." "Mental toughness is being present in discomfort and choosing to lean in anyway." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Power of Inner Dialogue 02:45: Understanding Self-Sabotage 05:33: Personifying Inner Voices 08:14: Balancing Positive and Negative Voices 11:17: Creating Awareness for Change 14:06: Introducing InnerLoop: A New Tool 17:03: Education and Frameworks for Improvement 19:53: Unlearning Achievement-Based Identity 22:36: Invisible Patterns of Self-Sabotage 24:17: The Cost of Success 27:37: Overcoming Identity Limitations 31:13: Transferring Skills from Practice to Performance 33:20: Understanding Mental Toughness 38:31: The Power of Self-Talk and Kindness 41:47: It's Okay: A Perspective Shift

Most golfers aren't short on belief… They're short on behavior. They'll say they're going to qualify for a USGA event, win their club championship, or finally break 80 consistently… then practice "when it's convenient," avoid pressure, and wonder why their confidence keeps collapsing the moment things get uncomfortable. This episode is a gut-check (and a blueprint): being delusional in your thinking isn't the issue—being delusional without matching action is. Because that gap—between what you say you want and what you repeatedly do—is where frustration, self-doubt, guilt, and stalled progress live. You'll hear why high performers aren't just delusional in their goals… they're delusional in their standards, their commitment, and their consistency—and how to bring that same congruency into your off-season so next season finally matches the player you believe you are. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "big belief + small execution" creates anxiety—not confidence How to stop underestimating the action required to reach big goals The real difference between being interested and being committed Why small goals create negotiation, and big goals create clarity How to build identity through consistent, unreasonable reps What your subconscious does when you start standing out—and how to override it A simple weekly lens: "What would a scratch golfer do this week?" Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Delusional thinking is fun—delusional action is what changes your handicap. The real problem isn't lack of belief; it's underestimating the reps required. When your goals and habits aren't aligned, you don't feel confident—you feel anxious. Small goals invite negotiation; big goals demand commitment and simplify decisions. Identity isn't what you claim—it's what your calendar proves. The moment you stand out, your subconscious will try to pull you back into "safe." Your breakthrough happens when thinking, doing, and identity finally match. Key Quotes: "Being delusional isn't the problem. Being delusional without matching action—that is the problem." "Big beliefs, small execution. And this dissonance creates anxiety, not confidence." "The reason you're not achieving your goals isn't lack of capacity to believe—it's lack of action taken to align with the delusional thinking." "As soon as you accept how hard it is, the journey becomes easier." "Small goals require constant negotiation. Big goals demand full commitment." "Most people are delusional in their thinking, conservative in their action, inconsistent in their identity." "Your breakthrough doesn't happen when you feel confident—it happens when your thinking, doing, and identity finally align." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Delusional World of Jake Paul 02:39: Understanding Delusion in Action 07:50: The Gap Between Thinking and Action 10:24: The 10X Rule and Its Implications 13:21: Commitment vs. Interest in Goals 15:46: The Power of Delusional Thinking 18:35: Personal Stories of Delusional Action 21:16: Closing the Gap with Action 23:35: Final Thoughts and Call to Action

What if your ego is quietly costing you the very things you say you want—better numbers, deeper relationships, more freedom, and more fun on the golf course? In this conversation, former all-time leading salesperson turned coach, author, and podcast host Casey Jacox joins me to unpack how humility, curiosity, and relationship-driven leadership can help you win in business, golf, and fatherhood—without burning yourself (or everyone around you) out. We dig into the invisible pressure high performers feel to always do more, how easily we tie our worth to our results, and why so many men confuse anger and intensity with "high performance."  Casey shares powerful stories from his football career, corporate life, and his journey as a dad and scratch-level golfer to show you a more sustainable way to compete and win. In this episode, you'll learn: How to chase big goals without tying your self-worth to your numbers or handicap Why humility and relationships are your real competitive advantage in sales, business, and golf The difference between fear-driven and curiosity-driven behavior—and how to shift into curiosity Simple questions you can ask clients, teams, and yourself to uncover blind spots and ego traps How to "bench your ego" for 30 days and the measurable changes that will show up in your life and game The hidden pressure many dads carry—and how to protect presence with your kids without tanking your career Practical ways to use gratitude, curiosity, and "even though…" reframes to bounce back faster after setbacks on and off the course Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Casey Casey Jacox is an author, keynote speaker, executive coach, sales advisor, former collegiate quarterback, and the host of The Quarterback DadCast. After a 20-year career in corporate leadership—where he became the all-time leading salesperson at his company—Casey shifted his focus to helping leaders communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and lead with humility in business and at home. He is the author of WIN the RELATIONSHIP, Not the DEAL, and is widely known for his work with elite athletes, high-performing executives, and entrepreneurial founders. Whether he's coaching CEOs, interviewing world-class performers, or sharing real stories of fatherhood, Casey blends honesty, vulnerability, resilience, and leadership in a way that challenges people to grow from the inside out. Connect with Casey. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Humility isn't weakness; it's how you stay grounded when success, money, and recognition start stacking up. Relationships are not transactions—treat them like a bank account and make consistent deposits before you ever ask for a withdrawal. Fear-driven behavior protects the ego; curiosity-driven behavior unlocks growth and deeper connection. The right questions at the right time are more powerful than the perfect pitch, speech, or pep talk. Benching your ego leads to better leadership, less stress, stronger teams, and more enjoyment on the golf course. Being a present dad often requires brave decisions about boundaries, time, and saying "no" to good opportunities. Golf is a mirror: how you respond to bad shots, slumps, and frustration reveals how you handle pressure everywhere else. Key Quotes: "When you're great, other people will tell you. If you have to tell everyone how good you are, you're probably not that good." "People who treat relationships like transactions miss the bigger picture—you get back what you consistently deposit." "Fear-driven people are afraid to ask for help. Curiosity-driven people say, 'I don't know' and then do something about it." "It's not what you say that closes the deal or builds trust. It's what you ask." "The mind is the best tool in your golf bag—and only you have access to it." "Do you want to be right, or do you want to get what you want?" "I'm never going to regret choosing time with my kids over another business opportunity." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Journey of Humility in Success 03:27: The Value of Relationships Over Transactions 05:25: Breaking Down Barriers to Vulnerability 09:00: Dismantling Ego and Embracing Help 12:18: The Power of Questions in Personal Growth 15:25: Letting Go of Ego for Measurable Improvements 18:50: Golf as a Mirror for Personal Development 24:40: Curiosity as a Catalyst for Growth 27:37: The Power of Mindset in Golf and Life 31:56: Navigating Fatherhood: The Invisible Pressures 36:31: Prioritizing Family Over Career 40:16: Messages for Life: Wisdom on a Billboard

You've been "the fun guy" in the group for so long that you've started confusing being liked with being safe. You crack jokes. You wave people through. You rush putts. You skip your full routine because you don't want to be "that guy." You downplay your standards with, "We're just out here having fun." And then you walk off 18 quietly frustrated… because you do care. You do want to play well. You do want to shoot lower scores and be taken seriously. This episode is about the identity I call the Likeable Loser: the man who sacrifices his standards, edge, and ambition to remain accepted, easy, and socially safe—on the course, in business, and in relationships. In this episode, you'll learn: What the Likeable Loser is (and why he's not lazy, broken, or incapable) How people-pleasing shows up on the scorecard through rushed process and softened standards Why "winners are assholes" is a hidden belief that keeps you stuck How labeling a "part" of you creates distance, clarity, and choice Why this pattern formed: belonging, approval, and social safety The real cost: self-trust, self-respect, integrity, and inner peace How to pursue excellence without becoming arrogant, intense, or unlikeable Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: If you keep choosing "liked" over "aligned," your game will always feel capped—even if your swing improves. The Likeable Loser isn't unmotivated—he's over-indexed on approval, and it's leaking into every decision. Rushing your routine to protect group comfort is a form of self-betrayal that compounds over 18 holes. "We're just out here having fun" becomes a shield—until the round ends and the truth shows up as frustration. You won't win consistently while you secretly believe winners are jerks—your subconscious will keep you 'safe' at good-enough. Labeling the part ("the Likeable Loser") creates space: you can observe the pattern instead of being owned by it. The upgrade isn't trying harder—it's giving yourself permission to be fully you: standards, routine, voice, ambition. Key Quotes: "Somewhere along the way, being liked became far more important than being great." "You're not lazy. You're not unmotivated. You're not incapable. You are, however, over-indexed on approval." "The likable loser is the man who sacrifices his standards, edge and ambition in order to remain accepted, easy and socially safe." "When you can label the emotion you're feeling… you create distance, and that distance allows you to invite in curiosity." "On one hand you want to win. On the other hand there's a belief that says winners are assholes. There's an incongruency there." "The cost isn't just strokes or revenue. It's self-trust, self-respect, integrity, inner peace." "The upgrade here doesn't require trying harder… it requires being truer, giving yourself permission." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Likable Loser: An Introduction 02:34: Understanding the Patterns of People Pleasing 05:36: The Cost of Being Liked 08:04: The Impact of the Likable Loser on Performance 10:49: Unpacking Beliefs Around Winning 13:23: Transforming the Likable Loser Identity 16:00: Embracing Authenticity and Ambition 18:38: The Journey to Self-Respect 21:17: Taking Aligned Action 23:54: Conclusion and Call to Action

Most golfers and entrepreneurs obsess over mistakes. You replay the double bogey, the blown meeting, the missed opportunity—yet rarely study what went right. Today's guest is one of the world's leading performance coaches, Justin Su'a, and he's here to flip that script. Justin has coached Super Bowl champions, All-Stars, World Series teams, and top CEOs. His gift? Helping high performers create the mental systems that turn pressure into clarity and success into repeatable patterns. In this episode, you'll learn how elite athletes review wins and losses, build emotional resiliency, upgrade their self-talk, and protect their relationships while chasing greatness. If you're serious about leveling up your mental game—on the course or in business—this is your masterclass. In this episode, you'll learn: Why only studying your failures keeps you from unlocking your full potential. Justin's simple three-question reflection framework that works for golfers, athletes, and executives. How to create a repeatable after-round / after-action review that fits your personality. The difference between leading and lagging indicators—and why that matters more than your score or revenue this week. How to think in second- and third-order consequences so your pursuit of greatness doesn't quietly destroy your health or relationships. A practical way to see negative thoughts as "mental rumble strips" instead of proof you lack confidence. How elite performers bounce back faster by reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of their emotional blowups. This episode will challenge how you think about success, failure, self-talk, and the price you're willing to pay in your pursuit of excellence—on the course and in business. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Justin Justin Su'a is a world-renowned mental performance coach and the founder of the Performance Advisory Group, where he works with elite athletes, business leaders, and high performers across industries to help them master the mental side of performance. He has served as the head of mental performance for the Tampa Bay Rays, and has worked with Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Browns, the Boston Red Sox, the U.S. Army, Fortune 500 executives, and Olympians.  Known for his ability to distill complex psychological principles into simple, actionable tools, Su'a focuses on consistency, resilience, and daily disciplines that help people thrive under pressure and sustain peak performance over the long term. He is also the host of the popular Increase Your Impact Podcast, where he shares bite-sized daily mental performance lessons. The Increase Your Impact Newsletter Instagram (@justinsua) Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Study wins too — your best days contain critical clues you're currently leaving on the table. Use a simple reflection loop — ask: What went well? What did I learn? What will I do better next time? Make reflection easy — choose the journaling format with the least friction so you'll actually do it. Think in systems — pursuing greatness without considering second- and third-order effects creates avoidable problems. Focus on leading indicators — control your routines, effort, and communication; results follow later. Upgrade your questions — better questions lead to better self-talk, better focus, and better performance. Resilience = reduced F.I.D. — decrease the frequency, intensity, and duration of your emotional blowups, not eliminate them. Key Quotes: We don't just learn from losing—we also learn from winning. Success leaves clues if you're willing to go back and study it. Create a feedback loop: What did I do well? What did I learn? What's one thing I'll do better next time? Ask it every time, win or lose. The weakest pen is stronger than the strongest memory. You're always writing for your future self. Your pursuit of excellence has second- and third-order effects. If you don't think in systems, you'll chase greatness while unintentionally burning down your health or relationships. If you want better answers, ask better questions. Your brain is like a search engine—it will fill in whatever prompt you give it. Negative thoughts are mental rumble strips. They're not proof you lack confidence—they're signals you're losing focus, so gently guide yourself back into the lane. Progress isn't never hitting the red; it's hitting it less often, less intensely, and for less time—and then learning from every episode. Time Stamps: 00:00: Learning from Success 02:24: Feedback Loops and Reflection 07:25: The Importance of Journaling 08:45: Maximizing Reflection Periods 11:41: Balancing Ambition and Self-Care 18:49: Emotional Resilience and Communication 25:12: The Power of Vulnerability 29:51: Upgrading Inner Dialogue 35:25: Bouncing Back from Setbacks 41:58: Key Messages for Golfers

"I grew up in a 'customer comes first' world. It took me 50 years to realize that if I'm not first, everything else eventually falls apart." What happens when "customer first" quietly turns into "you last"?  In today's episode, I sit down with my friend and Missing Links Golf Show co-host, Andy Walker, to unpack the hidden cost of always giving more than you've got. We talk about how that pattern shows up in golf, trading, business, and fatherhood—and what changes when you finally put your health and wellbeing at the top of the list.  In this episode, you'll learn: How childhood programming around "service" and "customer first" quietly turns into self-neglect and burnout. Why your health, energy, and identity must sit above business, golf, and clients in your priority stack. How Andy built a simple, sustainable morning routine that blends resistance training, cardio, breathwork, and visualization. A practical way to define your core life values—and then use them as filters for how you spend your time and energy. How to make golf practice and exercise easy and irresistible by changing your environment (hello, backyard "High Performance Center"). Why vulnerability and asking for help accelerate your growth in golf, business, and life—and why "she'll be right" is killing performance. How to reframe self-care from "selfish" to the foundation of elite golf mindset, business mindset, and long-term health. If you've ever felt guilty taking time for yourself, this conversation will help you rewrite that story and start performing from a full tank instead of fumes. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Andy Andy Walker is the co-host of The Missing Links Golf Show, a fast-growing podcast dedicated to the midlife golfer's pursuit of improvement, balance, and renewed sporting glory. A lifelong athlete who once chased professional golf, Andy brings decades of competitive experience, business ownership, and real-world personal development into every episode. Now in his 50s, he's on a mission—alongside co-host Steve Moulton—to prove that meaningful improvement and peak performance are still possible, even while juggling family, business, health, and the chaos of everyday life. Known for his honesty, vulnerability, and analytical approach, Andy blends mindset, training, golf skill acquisition, and personal growth to help everyday golfers navigate the mental and emotional challenges of the game. His journey includes overcoming health scares, redefining his identity, and building a lifestyle that supports consistent practice and long-term wellbeing. Through The Missing Links Golf Show, Andy inspires golfers to chase growth, embrace the pilgrimage of improvement, and rediscover the joy and challenge of the game at any age. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Self-care isn't optional for high performers; your customers, clients, and family need you at your best, not your most depleted. When you grow up with "give, give, give" programming, you'll over-serve others and under-serve yourself until you consciously rewrite that pattern. The real priority stack for golfer–entrepreneurs is: health and wellbeing → family and relationships → business and clients → everything else. Writing your values and priorities down gives you clarity, emotional relief, and a decision-making filter for your time and energy. A simple, repeatable morning routine that blends training, breathwork, and visualization can anchor your entire day in focus, calm, and confidence. Environment design—like having a home gym or golf sim—removes friction and makes practice and self-care easy instead of a constant battle of willpower. Vulnerability and asking for help are not weaknesses; they are shortcuts to emotional clarity, faster growth, and a more sustainable version of success. Key Quotes: Your clients don't just need you available—they need you at your best. And you cannot be at your best if you're not taking care of yourself. I grew up in a 'customer comes first' world. It took me 50 years to realize that if I'm not first, everything else eventually falls apart. You don't get to leave your emotional baggage in the trunk when you walk onto the first tee. You bring your whole self to the golf course. It's easy to set goals like 'break 80' or 'hit seven figures.' The harder—and more important—question is: Who do I need to become to live that reality? Self-care used to feel selfish and self-indulgent. Now I see it as the bare minimum required to be the husband, father, golfer, and trader I want to be. If it's not blocked on your calendar, it's not truly a priority. Your schedule is the truth-teller of your values. Asking for help accelerates results. Vulnerability doesn't slow you down—it removes the emotional weight that's been holding you back. Time Stamps: 00:00: The Importance of Self-Care 09:31: Balancing Personal and Professional Life 18:32: Defining Life Values and Priorities 21:42: Understanding Life Values and Reflection 23:07: Incorporating Breath Work and Meditation 25:46: Morning Routines for Clarity and Focus 26:44: Integrating Golf into Daily Life 28:31: Making Behavior Change Easy and Irresistible 29:51: The Importance of Vulnerability and Asking for Help 32:09: Navigating Life Changes and Priorities 36:14: The Power of Action After Seeking Help 38:43: Promoting the Missing Links Golf Show

Pressure, perfectionism, and overthinking—three traits that quietly sabotage golfers chasing freedom on the course. In this conversation, Andrew Reynolds, cognitive performance coach and founder of The COG Coach, breaks down what it truly means to play with freedom—and why most golfers never achieve it. He shares how to design practice that mirrors real pressure, add consequence to every rep, and build process-driven routines that hold up when the stakes rise. We explore the hidden cost of mental fatigue, how to protect cognitive energy over 18 holes, and the psychological "skill-development lag" that frustrates so many golfers chasing progress. Andrew also explains the three-step framework to reframe destructive self-talk, find safety in discomfort, and make your best golf automatic under pressure—whether you're grinding for your first club championship or a tour card. In this episode, you'll learn: What "playing with freedom" actually means—and how to create it on demand How to add consequence to practice so it transfers under pressure The accountability hacks that keep you in the hard reps (where skill grows) A simple blueprint for durable pre-shot and pre-round routines How to spot and reframe irrational self-talk in real time Managing cognitive energy and decision fatigue across 18 holes Why process beats results—and how to believe it when scores matter Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Andrew Reynolds Andrew Reynolds is a Cognitive Performance Coach based in the UK. Andrew helps golfers, from weekend amateurs to touring professionals, develop the ability to perform under pressure and play their best golf when it matters. You can reach Andrew via email at andy@thecogcoach.com or at his website www.thecogcoach.com.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Practice like you play: Bring course elements (targets, variability, consequence) to the range so pressure isn't a surprise. Add consequence: Games with "must-complete" tasks (e.g., 3 fairways in a row) simulate tournament feels. Quality beats quantity: Short, intense, focused sessions > marathon ball-beating. Protect cognitive energy: Strong routines reduce decision fatigue and steady your state under stress. Reframe the story: Emotions come from interpretation; catch absolutes ("always/never") and replace them with rational truth. Calibrate emotion: Even "negative" emotions can be adaptive when properly dialed. Detach from score: Commit to the shot in front of you; outcome improves as a byproduct. Key Quotes: "Make practice look like the golf course, not the course look like practice." "Consequence is the fastest way to simulate pressure." "The hard, uncomfortable reps are where skill is actually built." "Pick a target, visualize, commit—that's the billboard I'd put on every tee." "It's not the first tee that makes you anxious; it's the story you tell yourself about it." "Process is part of outcome—not something separate from it." "There's a skill-development lag: keep going through it instead of restarting with a new method." Time Stamps: 00:00 Playing with Freedom: The Key to Golf Success 02:47 Gamification in Practice: Adding Consequences to Training 05:37 Embracing Discomfort: The Path to Skill Development 08:49 Quality Over Quantity: Setting Expectations for Practice 11:38 Cognitive Energy: Managing Mental Fatigue in Golf 14:18 Self-Talk and Emotional Awareness: The Mental Game of Golf 22:10 Understanding Self-Talk in Golf 23:33 The Art of Reframing Thoughts 24:52 Emotional Calibration for Performance 27:45 Managing Confidence and Expectations 29:06 Focusing on the Process Over Results 32:25 Overcoming Resistance to Process 34:46 The Importance of Patience in Skill Development 39:38 Key Takeaway: Pick a Target, Visualize, Commit

If you've ever signed up for a huge race, joined a new mastermind, or taken on a massive work project right when you said you were finally going all-in on your golf game or business… this episode is going to sting a little—in the best way. In this solo conversation, I pull back the curtain on how I caught myself red-handed sabotaging my own journey to scratch by committing to a 75-mile race. On the surface, it looked disciplined, inspiring, and productive. Underneath, it was something else entirely: a socially acceptable way to avoid the emotional discomfort of fully committing to the goal that matters most to me. I call this pattern noble avoidance—and if you're a high-achieving golfer or entrepreneur, there's a very good chance it's running the show in your life too. In this episode, you'll learn: What "noble avoidance" is and how it quietly sabotages your biggest goals Why hard, impressive challenges can actually feel safer than your true dream How fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of being seen trying feed noble avoidance The subtle ways noble avoidance shows up in golf, business, fitness, and relationships 10 real-world examples so you can spot it in your own calendar and commitments Five candid reflection questions to expose where you're hiding behind "good" excuses Why "less is more" and "be boring" are the real superpowers behind scratch-level success Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Noble avoidance is choosing a worthy, productive, or impressive pursuit to avoid the deeper emotional work required for the goal you truly want. A goal like running 75 miles is brutally hard physically, but it can be emotionally safer than going all-in on becoming a scratch golfer. Fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of being seen truly trying are core drivers behind noble avoidance. Your subconscious is addicted to safety, familiarity, and predictability—and will recreate old patterns, even painful ones, to stay "safe." Noble avoidance often looks like rebranding, building systems, learning more, or "helping everyone else" instead of doing the uncomfortable, needle-moving work. Looking at your calendar is one of the most honest ways to see what you're truly committed to versus what you just claim to care about. Long-term success comes from doing fewer things, better—embracing boring, consistent reps instead of chasing exciting side quests. Key Quotes: "Noble avoidance is the subconscious strategy of choosing a worthy pursuit to avoid the deeper emotional discomfort of your true goal." "Underneath noble avoidance is self-protection disguised as self-improvement." "It's ambition used as armor and momentum pointed in the wrong direction." "Running 75 miles isn't easier physically—it's easier emotionally." "If I give everything and still fall short, I'm out of excuses—and that's terrifying." "Noble avoidance is still avoidance. Until you name it, you continue to serve it." "Success is built on the same boring principles executed relentlessly over and over and over." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Journey to Scratch Golf 05:43: The Commitment Dilemma 11:15: Understanding Noble Avoidance 16:18: Confronting Fears and Identity 21:37: Taking Action and Moving Forward

#114 [Inside the Mind] Chris Petefish: Play Unapologetic Golf and Using Data to Free Yourself from Emotional Decision-making What do you do when your biggest opportunity collides with your worst nightmare? For Chris Petefish, that moment came two weeks before Second Stage of Q School—when he woke up unable to get out of bed, let alone swing a golf club. No practice. No prep. Just pain, uncertainty, and a ticking clock on what might be his last real shot at securing status. Most players would withdraw. Chris got on a plane. In this conversation, we break down the mindset, decision-making, and mental toughness that carried him from "I might have to quit" to T8 at Second Stage—and eventually to winning on the Korn Ferry Tour.  Whether you're chasing a club championship, a Korn Ferry card, or a seven-figure business year, the principles are the same: expectations, routines, self-talk, and a willingness to play unapologetically free. In this episode, you'll learn: The mindset that helped Chris qualify at Q School while barely able to swing a club. How to turn panic, fear, and "why me?" moments into problem-solving and clarity. How to identify and dismantle the destructive belief: "I only perform well with my back against the wall." Why routines, awareness, and data are non-negotiable for peak performance. How to cultivate a flow state, lower expectations, and raise execution under pressure. What a bogey-free tournament taught Chris about confidence, acceptance, and fearlessness. Why embracing—not suppressing—pressure is the key to performing when it matters most. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Chris Chris Petefish is a professional golfer and performance coach based in Georgia. A former Georgia Tech standout, he was an All-ACC Academic selection, All-America Scholar, and winner of the 2018 General Hackler Championship.  Since turning professional in 2018, he's competed on the Korn Ferry Tour and qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open. Off the course, he runs Course of Action Golf, where he coaches players of all levels in course strategy, mindset, and performance using strokes gained analytics and mental conditioning frameworks.  His philosophy blends data-driven strategy with mental resilience — helping golfers and high performers think clearly, compete freely, and execute under pressure. Course of Action Golf Instagram (@chrispetefishgolf) Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Pressure is not the enemy- you must acknowledge it to master it. Pretending pressure doesn't exist only amplifies it. Naming it neutralizes it. Your routine is your anchor. Any deviation in your pre-shot routine is a signal your inner world is unraveling. Expectations kill performance. Preparation builds confidence; expectations destroy it. Play unapologetically. Fear-based golf leads to steering, tension, and poor decisions. Confidence and fear can coexist. The goal isn't removing fear; it's performing with it. Data frees you from emotional decision-making. Golf is a math contest with variance baked in. Resiliency compounds. Your worst stretches often create the biggest breakthroughs. Key Quotes: "When my back's against the wall, that's usually when I'm at my best." "I'd rather hit a poor shot with confidence than a poor shot from fear." "The expectations on the course will kill you." "You can't pretend pressure doesn't exist—you have to acknowledge it to handle it." "My routine tells me everything about my inner state." "Golf is a math contest. Trust the numbers, trust your skills." "Sometimes hitting rock bottom is a blessing—it forces change." Time Stamps: 00:00: Overcoming Adversity in Golf 06:04: Mental Resilience and Self-Discovery 10:14: Playing Smarter, Not Harder 13:26: Achieving a Bogey-Free Tournament 19:31: Navigating Expectations and Acceptance 22:58: The Journey of Mental Training 23:49: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf 26:57: The Importance of Routine and Mindset 29:04: Balancing Expectations and Confidence 31:42: Data-Driven Decision Making in Golf 33:57: Resilience and Overcoming Adversity 38:08: The Role of Reflection and Support 41:46: Coaching Insights and Personal Experience

If you've been grinding on the range, stacking lessons, upgrading systems, hiring coaches, and still feel painfully stuck below your potential, this episode is your wake-up call. You cannot out-practice, out-hustle, or out-strategize the destructive patterns running your life beneath the surface. As long as you keep outsourcing your growth to new swing tips, training aids, business tactics, or mindset hacks, you'll keep slamming into the same ceilings in golf, business, and at home. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your "I'm doing all the right things" approach still isn't moving the needle The real meaning of "doing the work" (and how it's different from staying busy) How destructive mindset programs quietly sabotage your golf, income, and relationships Why your deepest fear isn't failure, but how powerful you actually are How avoidance, numbing, and distraction keep you stuck on the hamster wheel Simple but confronting reflection questions to expose your destructive patterns Why deep subconscious work and hypnosis are the fastest path to lasting change Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Read the article I referenced here (Your Triggers Are Your Teachers). P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: You can't out-practice or out-hustle destructive subconscious patterns. "Doing the work" means radical honesty, ownership, and looking inward—not more tips and tools. Your deepest fear isn't inadequacy; it's realizing you're powerful beyond measure. Surface-level fixes feel productive, but they do nothing to change your identity. Avoidance, numbing, and overthinking are predictable patterns that keep you on the hamster wheel. Real transformation happens when you uncover and upgrade the beliefs driving your behaviors. Deep subconscious work—especially hypnosis—is the lever that rewires identity and unlocks your potential. Key Quotes: "You can't out-practice, out-hustle, or out-strategize the destructive patterns running your life beneath the surface." "No external shortcut or band-aid will ever fix an internal problem you're unwilling to own." "Your deepest fear is not that you are inadequate. Your deepest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure." "Surface-level work produces dopamine, but it does nothing to change your identity." "Your results are not a mystery—they're a mirror of the patterns you're running inside." "You don't need more discipline; you need belief-level upgrades and better emotional regulation." "Logic doesn't heal wounds. Willpower doesn't undo bad behaviors. Subconscious work does." Time Stamps: 00:00: Why your hard work still isn't translating into results 03:59: What "doing the work" actually requires 10:11: The real fear: realizing how powerful you are 17:43: How avoidance and numbing keep you stuck 26:32: Why surface fixes fail and beliefs must change

High achievers are rarely "in balance"—and that's not a problem when your intensity is calibrated.  In this conversation, Dr. Alison Curdt—PGA Master Professional, LPGA Master Professional, and Doctor of Psychology—opens up about the sacrifices behind elite performance, how to reframe "pressure," and why curiosity is the antidote to perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-criticism.  We dig into process vs. performance vs. outcome goals, separating identity from results, and the importance of strategic rest so your practice actually sticks. Dr. Curdt also shares the pivotal moment that reshaped her life and work, how to coach an athlete at "rock bottom," and practical scripts you can use on the course this weekend. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "pressure" is a perception problem—and how to reframe it fast The difference between outcome, performance, and process goals (and which one drives wins) How to detach self-worth from scorecards, sales, and rankings The simple language shifts ("have to" → "get to") that unlock better golf How to use curiosity to replace judgment and perfectionism What "calibrated intensity" looks like (and why rest multiplies growth) Practical ways to coach yourself out of a slump—on the range or at work Whether you're chasing a lower handicap or scaling a business, this is a masterclass in durable confidence, emotional regulation, and performance psychology—the exact mindset training that turns effort into results. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Dr. Alison Curdt Dr. Alison Curdt is a dual PGA Master & LPGA Master Professional. She has over 35 years of background in golf competition and competed in 8 LPGA Tour majors. Owner of "Alison Curdt Golf" and Director of Instruction at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Los Angeles, CA, she has earned countless teaching & professional awards such as the 2025 Tom Addiss II Professional Development Award, 2019 SoCal PGA Golf Professional of the Year, 2018 SCPGA Clubfitter of the Year, 4-time LPGA Western Section Teacher of the Year, 2016 SCPGA Teacher of the Year, and 2015 LPGA T&CP National Teacher of the Year. She was selected as an LPGA Top 50 Teacher 4 times and was inducted into the SoCal PGA Teaching Hall of Fame. Dr. Curdt has been featured in over a dozen separate segments on the Golf Channel and Golf Digest selected her three times as one of America's Best Young Teachers. She is currently on the Golf Digest Best in State list (CA) and has been honored as Top 50 Teacher in America.  Dr. Curdt is also a clinical sport psychotherapist utilizing EMDR & Brainspotting to help athletes achieve peak performance and overcome athletic traumas. She served as the LPGA T&CP National Vice-President and is currently the first female president of the Southern California PGA.  Her book, The Golf Performance Code: Unlocking secrets to mind, body, and nutrition was published in 2025. Connect with Alison Instagram YouTube Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Pressure is self-created. It's a byproduct of expectations and outcome fixation; reframe it as a challenge and return to controllables. Process > performance > outcome. Track performance stats, but win the day by executing process goals (breath, target, routine, commitment). Curiosity beats judgment. Asking "What's really happening?" dissolves shame, perfectionism, and fear—opening access to better decisions and motor memory. Calibrated intensity. Grind isn't mindless hours; it's intentional focus paired with recovery, so skills encode and become automatic. Detach identity from results. You are not your score or sales number; evaluate inputs and execution quality, not just outcomes. Reframe your language. "I have to" → "I get to," "I'm busy" → "I'm in demand"—word choice shifts physiology and performance. Coach with empathy first. Before offering fixes, make athletes feel seen; then co-create reframes and experiments they can own. Key Quotes: "Pressure doesn't exist—outside of physics. We create it with expectations." "Achievement can feel like a drug—use it to fuel you, not break you." "You're not what you produce. You are enough—regardless of the number." "Win with process goals; they ladder up to performance—and then outcomes." "Curiosity is the antidote to so many psychological 'diseases.'" "If you keep grinding the stone, it turns to nothing. Rest builds growth." "Tell yourself: You have everything you need to succeed. Then access it." Time Stamps: 00:00 The Journey of Achievement and Sacrifice 04:42 Rebirth from Trauma: A Turning Point 06:46 Navigating Rock Bottom: Questions for Growth 09:01 Building Resilience: Coaching Through Adversity 12:05 Understanding Pressure: A Psychological Perspective 20:06 The Grind: Positive vs. Negative Connotations 22:58 The Importance of Rest and Recovery 25:34 Detaching Identity from Performance 29:01 Understanding Enoughness and Self-Worth 32:20 Effective Communication and Expectation Management 35:52 Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Variability 38:58 Empowering Beliefs for Success

What if the people who trigger you the most—the mother-in-law who feels controlling, the "lazy" kids, the blow-up guy in your Saturday foursome—aren't actually the problem? You are (gulp). What if they're mirrors? In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive into the uncomfortable truth that the traits you judge, resent, or react to in others very often reflect the parts of you that you deny, repress, or flat-out hate.  You'll hear raw stories from my own life and from clients who realized that the selfishness, complacency, or lack of drive they saw in others… was alive and well inside themselves. And when they finally owned those parts instead of fighting them, everything changed: more peace, more energy, more honesty, and better golf. In this episode, you'll learn: How "triggers" on the golf course, at home, and at work are actually mirrors reflecting disowned parts of you. Why owning traits like "selfish," "controlling," or "lazy" can free you instead of condemn you. The basics of Parts Theory and how seeing emotions as "parts" reduces their intensity and control over you. How repressing parts of yourself quietly drains your energy and keeps you stuck in the same patterns on and off the course. A powerful reframe of selfishness into being selflessly selfish—and how that makes you a better golfer, parent, and leader. How core beliefs like "I'll never get better" sabotage your performance, no matter how hard you work. A journaling question you can use today to turn your biggest emotional triggers into your most powerful teachers. If you're willing to be radically honest with yourself, this episode can help you reclaim the energy you've been spending running from your own reflection—and redirect it into becoming the golfer, parent, partner, and leader you know you're capable of being. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Everyone in your life is a mirror. The behaviors you judge or react to most strongly in others—anger, laziness, selfishness, manipulation—are often traits that exist in you, especially the parts you don't want to see. You are made of many "parts," not one fixed identity. There's a part of you that's confident, a part that's fearful, a part that's lazy, a part that's driven. Seeing these as "parts" creates healthy distance so you're not completely fused with any one state. What you resist, persists. The harder you fight against a trait—"I'm not selfish, I'm not controlling, I'm not lazy"—the more power it quietly holds over your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Triggers are invitations, not inconveniences. The next time someone pisses you off, embarrasses you, or makes your blood boil, you have a choice: react and blame… or pause and ask, "What part of me is this showing me?" That's where the real growth begins. Key Quotes: "What triggers you has the opportunity to teach you—if you're willing to look in the mirror instead of out the window." "You're not just one thing all the time; you're a collection of parts—and your work is to become whole, not perfect." "The traits you hate in others are often the traits you refuse to admit exist in you." "What you resist persists. The more you fight 'I'm not selfish,' the more that part quietly runs the show." "Being selflessly selfish means you put yourself first so you can show up better for everyone else in your life." "Golf is a mirror of your personal development—and the people in your life are mirrors of the parts of you that you've tried to bury." "When you accept every part of you, you stop wasting energy hiding and start using that energy to become the best version of you." Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Triggers and Self-Reflection 02:51: The Holographic Universe and Parts Theory 05:45: Mirrors in Relationships: Recognizing Ourselves in Others 10:36: The Concept of Selfishness: A New Perspective 15:51: Triggers as Teachers: Learning from Emotional Responses 22:30: Embracing Wholeness: The Path to Authenticity

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Texas Golf Hall of Famer and author, Mike Booker, to unpack the mental blueprint that separates a tournament golfer from a golfer who plays tournaments.  With decades of competitive success and entrepreneurial achievement, Mike shares timeless lessons on emotional steadiness, self-talk, reflection, and gratitude that have fueled his longevity both on and off the course. You'll learn how to master your self-talk, set powerful process-based goals, and build the emotional resilience needed to perform under pressure. Mike and I dive deep into how perspective, preparation, and honesty form the foundation of lasting success—and why gratitude might be the most underrated competitive advantage in golf and life. In this episode, you'll learn: How to become your own best friend and master self-talk. The difference between a tournament golfer and a golfer who plays tournaments. How to manage results-oriented thinking under pressure. The role of process, pre-shot routines, and breathing in performance. Why honesty and reflection are key to consistent improvement. How gratitude and perspective build mental resilience. The mindset needed to win in golf, business, and life. If you're serious about raising your level of play in this upcoming season of tournaments, this is the conversation you want to listen to multiple times… Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Mike Booker Mike Booker is a Texas Golf Hall of Fame inductee, former University of Houston NCAA National Champion, and author of The Tournament Golfer's Playbook. A lifelong competitor who has won championships across multiple decades, Mike combines lessons learned from elite tournament golf and a 40-year career as a successful entrepreneur and financial advisor.  His work teaches golfers how to think, prepare, and perform like true tournament golfers—focusing on self-talk, process, perspective, and gratitude both on and off the course. Purchase The Tournament Golfer's Playbook here. Inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame (2019), University of Houston Hall of Honor (2023) WCJC Athletic Hall of Fame (2023) A record four-time Texas Golf Association Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015, and 2022, Senior) Winner of a record 14 Texas Golf Association events, including Senior, Mid Am and Mid Am Match Play Playing Member, U. of Houston NCAA National Championship team (1977) Selected Associated Press NCAA All-American Team, U. of Houston (1977) Two-time U.S. National Club Champion (2007 and 2008, Senior) Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Longevity in golf—and life—comes from perspective, self-compassion, and gratitude. Be your own best friend. The relationship you have with yourself defines performance. Talk to yourself like someone you care about: first person, not third person. Focus on intermediate goals to avoid burnout and stay emotionally steady. Failure is a teacher, not a threat—learn, adapt, and build resilience. Honesty is the foundation of growth; surround yourself with people who tell you the truth. Process beats pressure: control what you can, trust what you've practiced. Breathing and a consistent pre-shot routine are your anchors under stress. Tournament golfers don't make excuses—they take ownership and stay adaptable. Gratitude keeps you grounded. "If you don't have gratitude, you're not paying attention." Key Quotes: "It's not what you say to everyone else—it's what you whisper to yourself. "The longest relationship you'll ever have is with yourself. Be your own best friend." "Most success stories are built on overwhelming amounts of failure." "Winning is affirmation—but it's short-lived. The real victory is showing up again tomorrow." "Don't worry about it. Nobody really cares that much."  "Tournament golfers don't believe in bad breaks—they just play the next shot." Time Stamps: 00:00 The Longevity of Success in Golf 01:55 The Power of Self-Talk 05:40 Setting Intermediate Goals 10:07 Reflection and Evaluation 12:52 The Meaning of Winning 15:10 Sacrifice and Commitment 17:17 The Secret to Lasting Success 20:54 Performing Under Pressure 29:09 The Mindset of a Tournament Golfer 30:58 The Journey to Writing a Golf Book 32:20 Learning from Failure and Responsibility 34:19 The Identity of a Tournament Golfer 36:08 Common Mental Leaks in Golf 39:18 Translating Golf Lessons to Business 43:34 Embracing Failure and Learning 49:27 Perspective and the Spotlight Effect

Greatness comes with a price—but what if that price isn't punishment, but preparation?  In this episode, I reframe the "tax" of greatness as an investment in your future self, showing how every setback, rejection, and lonely morning is actually a deposit into the account of discipline, patience, and faith that compounds over time. I discuss how standing out invites resistance—from critics, loved ones, and even yourself—and why that's proof you're on the right path.  In this episode, you'll learn: How to reframe "suffering" as harnessing your inner strength. Why greatness requires isolation—and how to find peace in it. The crabs in the bucket analogy and how to avoid being pulled down. How to manage criticism and stay confident when others doubt you. The difference between emotional fuel and sustainable focus. Why setbacks are simply the market dips of your personal growth. How to make daily "deposits" into the bank of discipline and belief. If you've ever felt misunderstood, lonely, or doubted while chasing your goals—whether in golf, business, or life—this episode will help you reconnect with your purpose, stay the course, and trust that your effort will pay dividends when the time is right. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: The price of greatness isn't a penalty — it's an investment plan for your future self that pays exponential returns. Loneliness and isolation aren't setbacks; they're sacred opportunities to realign with your values and purpose. Judgment from others reflects their stagnation, not your misdirection. Stay focused on your path, not their opinions. Replace the word suffering with harnessing — each moment of adversity strengthens resilience, focus, and faith. While most people panic during life's "market dips," the great ones double down, trusting time, consistency, and themselves. Key Quotes: "Every bit of pain, doubt, persistence, and every morning you don't feel like doing jack shit — that's interest your future self will cash in as peace, freedom, and fulfillment." "The higher you climb, the thinner the air — and fewer people can breathe at that altitude. Most turn back, not because the view isn't worth it, but because they never conditioned themselves to handle the elevation." "The criticism, judgment, and resentment you face aren't punishments — they're proof you're leaving the bucket while everyone else is still clinging to comfort." "Every time you suffer through rejection, failure, or frustration, you're not breaking down — you're harnessing the strength, patience, and faith required to rise." "When the pressure hits, the critics get loud, and your beliefs start to waver — remember, you're not being punished. You're being prepared." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Cost of Greatness 02:41: Reframing Suffering as Harnessing 05:26: The Isolation of Standing Out 08:14: The Crabs in the Bucket Analogy 10:52: Navigating Loneliness and Misunderstanding 14:47: Embracing Fear and Uncertainty 18:25: The Power of Emotional Energy 20:50: Investing in Your Future Self 23:32: The Journey of Self-Discovery

In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with former MMA coach and mindset expert, Patrick Sebastien, to explore the art of mental toughness — both inside and outside the ropes.  Drawing from years in the fight world and his work with elite golfers, Patrick unpacks how adversity, flow states, and physical intensity combine to build unshakable confidence and resilience on the golf course. You'll learn how to intentionally seek and use adversity to your advantage, train like an athlete to improve emotional control under pressure, and create your own blueprint for peak performance. Patrick and I dive deep into visualization, breathwork, and post-round reflection as essential tools to develop composure, focus, and self-belief when the stakes are high. In this episode, you'll learn: How to reframe adversity as opportunity and bounce back fast after a blow-up hole (or business setback). Why flow states require struggle first, and how to use challenge to trigger "the zone." A simple gym-to-course formula: create controlled physical stress, then regulate it with breath so pressure feels familiar on the tee. The breath training + visualization sequence Patrick uses pre-round to build calm, focus, and confidence. How to design on-course pressure reps (mini challenges) so tournaments feel like just another rep. How an identity shift ("I am an athlete") unlocks consistency, intensity, and faster scoring gains. The expect/accept model: expect greatness, accept imperfection, and re-engage on the next shot. Ways to calibrate your arousal level (not too calm, not too hyped) to hit your personal performance sweet spot. Whether you're chasing a club championship or your next business milestone, this episode will help you expect greatness — and perform like it. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Patrick Sebastien Patrick Sebastien is a performance coach who helps golfers elevate their game through a holistic approach that blends physical conditioning, mental training, and strategic mastery. With over 20 years of experience teaching Muay Thai and MMA, 15 years as a personal trainer specializing in functional fitness, and 10 years guiding breath training and meditation, Patrick brings a unique perspective to golf performance optimization. He began coaching in golf in 2022 after working with a Korn Ferry Tour player as a mental coach, and has since trained professionals, college athletes, and elite junior golfers, using his unique approach to physical and mental training for golf. Patrick specializes in preparing players to excel on and off the course by integrating strength, mobility, focus, and strategic awareness.  Connect with Patrick: Website Instagram YouTube Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Perseverance is the foundation of bounce-back ability. Adversity creates flow; no struggle, no growth. Great players train adversity before they face it. Physical stress builds emotional control. Fitness isn't optional—it's a performance multiplier. Breathwork bridges chaos and composure. Journaling post-round accelerates learning and awareness. You can't control results—but you can always control your process. Expect greatness, but accept imperfection. Visualization isn't fantasy—it's mental reps for success. Meditation sharpens calm, control, and clarity under pressure. True athletes embrace discomfort and keep expanding their limits. A champion's mindset is forged in the gym before it's displayed on the course. Key Quotes: Adversity is a wake-up call. It's fuel, not failure. Flow only exists because of struggle. Train hard, fight easy. The harder your training, the easier your performance. Physical stress and mental stress present the same way. Learn to master one, and you master both. If you never fail, you're probably not trying hard enough. Expect greatness while accepting less than greatness. The further I went in martial arts, the more peaceful I became. You can't control what the course throws at you, but you can control how you respond. Golfers don't need to become bodybuilders—they need to become athletes. If you don't expect greatness, how will you ever achieve it? The champion's mindset is earned in the gym before it's displayed on the course. Time Stamps: 00:00 The Power of Perseverance 02:40 Embracing Adversity as Opportunity 05:49 Creating Adversity for Growth 08:43 The Role of Technology in Performance 11:40 Post-Round Reflections and Learning 14:33 The Importance of Identity in Success 17:43 Lessons from Competitive Fighting 20:26 Bouncing Back from Setbacks 23:29 Training with Intensity for Mental Edge 26:21 The Importance of Resistance Training 27:56 Pushing Through Limits and Mental Barriers 32:00 Transforming Golfers into Athletes 35:37 The Role of Meditation and Breath Training 41:02 Peak Performance Blueprint for Athletes 46:24 Expecting Greatness in Golf and Life

Every winter, it happens… Your clubs collect dust, your swing feels distant, and that quiet voice creeps in: "What if I lose everything I worked for this season?" But what most golfers lose in the off-season isn't their mechanics — it's their confidence. You stop swinging.  You stop visualizing.  You stop feeling like a golfer.  And by the time spring rolls around, you're not just rusty — you're hesitant, uncertain, and disconnected from the player you were just a few months ago. Here's the truth: confidence isn't built under sunshine and scorecards — it's built in the dark. It's built in the quiet reps no one sees, the small acts of discipline that nobody celebrates. This winter, you have a choice: You can coast, like every other golfer who slides backward once the weather turns… or you can treat these months like Separation Season — your chance to build confidence, sharpen your edge, and step into spring already playing the best golf of your life. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most golfers lose confidence, not mechanics, in the off-season — and how to protect it. The four mental traps that create regression and how to beat each one. How to set a minimum effective dose for practice, fitness, and mindset work. The identity shift needed to think, train, and prepare like a golfer year-round. And how to design an off-season plan that builds momentum now — so you never have to "find your swing" again. If you're ready to break the typical golf season pattern of two steps forward, three steps back, and breakthrough to play to your potential in 2026, this episode is for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Confidence decays first. Touch a club and your routine multiple times per week to keep the "golfer" identity alive. Beat all-or-nothing with a minimum-effective-dose: short, repeatable sessions > heroic plans you won't sustain. Comfort creep is costly. Indulgence is fine; defaulting to comfort isn't. Keep micro-standards through the holidays. Excuses in a suit are still excuses. "I'll wait for better conditions" trains retreat, not resilience. Accountability accelerates. Coach, community, or check-ins — add a scoreboard and you'll show up. Lift the floor. Off-season is perfect for strength, mobility, and power so your worst days get better. Calendar = commitment. If it isn't blocked, it isn't real. Audit, schedule, and protect your reps. Key Quotes: "Confidence isn't built in season — it's built in the dark." "Most golfers don't lose ground from weather; they lose it from mental drift." "All-or-nothing is perfectionism dressed up as logic." "Comfort is a habit. So is consistency. Choose which one you'll practice." "Excuses preserve the ego but poison momentum." "Raise the floor this winter — strength and identity travel." "If it's not on your calendar, it's not a priority. It's a wish." Time Stamps: 00:00: The real off-season loss: confidence, not mechanics 04:10: "Separation Season" reframe and episode roadmap 10:37: The Thermostat Effect: identity sets your handicap 21:11: All-or-nothing thinking + Minimum-Effective-Dose fix 29:36: Five clarity questions & building your winter plan

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with my mentor, world-renowned mindset and performance coach, Elliot Roe. Together, we engage in a power discussion to unpack what truly separates high performers from the rest—how to release subconscious resistance, redefine balance, and access peak states on demand. Elliot reveals why detachment from results is a prerequisite for sustained success, how subconscious childhood patterns quietly sabotage progress, and the science behind hypnosis as a tool for lasting transformation. He also dives into the relationship between identity, fear, and indecision—and how understanding these elements can elevate your performance on the course, in business, and in life. In this episode, you'll learn: How to balance ambition and detachment to perform your best under pressure. Why "invisible resistance" keeps you stuck—and how to finally remove it. The neuroscience of hypnosis and how it reprograms limiting beliefs. How identity and subconscious stories shape performance and self-worth. A simple exercise to reveal the habits separating you from elite performers. Why fear of success and fear of failure are two sides of the same coin. How presence—not anger or intensity—fuels true peak performance. Whether you're chasing your next big win, breaking 80, or scaling your company, this conversation offers tactical frameworks and mindset shifts to help you remove the invisible brakes and unlock your true potential. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Elliot Roe Elliot Roe is a leading expert in Mindset Optimization for High Performers and is the world's #1 Mindset Coach for poker players. His poker clients have won over $250,000,000 and nearly every major tournament title, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. Elliot's clientele also includes Olympic medalists, UFC Champions, Hollywood Actors, Business executives, and Wall Street traders.  His unique mindset coaching system leverages the power of hypnotherapy to eliminate fears and breakthrough mental roadblocks, allowing you to operate in a state of peak performance every day. Connect with Elliot: Mindset and Perofrmance Coaching On Twitter @elliotroe1 Download the Primed Mind App Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Detachment drives performance: Balance isn't "soft"—it reduces emotional over-attachment to outcomes so you can execute under pressure. Build a non-variance win: Add a weekly pursuit (gym, BJJ, etc.) with incremental progress so your self-worth isn't hostage to poker/golf/markets. Calendar = truth: Audit your week. If sleep, family, training, and mindset work aren't scheduled, your goals are fantasy. Clear the landmines first: Use hypnosis/subconscious work to neutralize old emotional triggers so you're not "driving with the brakes on." Identity follows behavior: List what the best in your field do, mark what you're avoiding, and face those reps—belief grows after action. Indecision is ego-protection: Not deciding preserves the story "I'd win if I tried." Decide, act, and let data reshape the story. Presence beats anger: Elite performance (golf, trading, UFC, business) comes from calm focus and recovery skills—not rage or intensity. Key Quotes: "If you know what to do and can't bring yourself to do it, you don't need a strategy coach—you need a mindset coach." "Balance isn't a weakness. It's a performance enhancer." "You can't separate who you are off the course from who shows up on the course." "Indecision is ego protection—it lets you believe you'd succeed if you tried." "Fear of failure and fear of success both whisper the same lie: I'm not enough." "Our work as coaches is to file down the edges of the cube until it rolls smoothly—until you're in flow." "You are not your issues. They're learned patterns—and they can be unlearned." Time Stamps: 00:00 The Importance of Balance for High Performers 07:01 Finding Clarity in Life Balance 16:08 Overcoming Invisible Barriers to Success 20:15 Understanding Hypnosis and Its Impact on Performance 23:43 Overcoming Invisible Resistance 26:29 Identifying Decision Points for Success 29:48 The Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Success 34:57 Smoothing the Edges: High Performance Coaching 38:05 The Continuous Pursuit of Evolution 41:49 Being vs. Doing: The Essence of Performance 45:10 The Role of Anger in High Performance

I showed up to my first member-guest at Tampa Palms sick, under-prepared, and running on caffeine, ibuprofen, and grit—and still found a way to win our flight and taste the shootout. In this raw recap, I walk you through the chaos (slow play, no warm-up, rules hiccups), the lows (bunker disasters), and the highs (clutch sand save on the final hole). You'll hear exactly how I managed energy, self-talk, and strategy when my plan went to zero—and how those same mindset levers translate to your next round and your business. In this episode, you'll learn: How to manage expectations and energy when your prep falls apart The mindset shift that helped me play calm golf while feeling physically awful How to simplify focus and stay composed through delays, chaos, and pressure What poor communication (and one painful scoring mistake) taught me about teamwork The mental difference between avoiding a weakness and training through it Why gratitude is the fastest way to reset mid-round and regain confidence How emotional awareness off the course—like parenting guilt or stress—affects your game and composure on it Buckle up for an exciting, relatable ride navigating plenty of highs and lows during an epic Member-Guest weekend. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Control the controllables, shrink the focus. Limited energy forced me to narrow attention to a few keys—hydration, tempo, target. Gratitude regulates performance. A 60-second gratitude reset shifted me from frustration to neutral and sparked a strong finish. Communication is strategy. Score-checking and slowing down on tap-ins would've saved a hole; over-communicate under stress. Bunker avoidance isn't a plan. Weakness avoidance became a liability; targeted reps + one committed technique are mandatory. Course management beats ego. Long irons and conservative lines kept us in play and in matches—even without driver. Blissful boredom wins. Treat each shot as routine; remove drama to keep execution steady through delays and chaos. Team > hero shot. Celebrate partners' contributions as much as your clutch moments; it strengthens trust when it matters. Key Quotes: "I had zero energy—so I spent it on the only three things that moved the needle." "Gratitude was my reset button; it pulled me from anger back to neutral." "Avoiding a weakness is not a strategy—it's a ticking time bomb." "When the day goes sideways, shrink the goal to one shot and one breath." "Over-communicate scores under pressure; assumptions are expensive." "Blissful boredom is a superpower—routine drains the drama out of big moments." "Winning our flight wasn't one swing; it was two teammates honoring their roles." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Build-Up to the Member Guest Event 02:36: Experiencing the Member Guest Event 05:27: Navigating Challenges and Expectations 08:35: Reflections on Performance and Resilience 11:16: The Final Matches and Lessons Learned 13:57: The Shootout Experience and Takeaways

What if your next low round isn't hiding in a swing tip—but in boring, repeatable fundamentals? In this conversation, I'm joined by my golf coach, Director of Golf at Tampa Bay Country Club, Kevin Kenny. Kevin has won a PGA chapter or section event in five different decades. And, after shoulder surgery and seven months off, Kevin returned and shot 73—powered by meticulous pre-shot routines, alignment, posture, and belief. We dig into mental clutter vs. clarity, how to "watch the ball" instead of the monitor, why short game is the ultimate pressure valve, and how to compete with conviction decade after decade. You'll leave with a simple, durable framework to practice all winter, manage match play smarter, and build unconditional confidence on command. In this episode, you'll learn: The five fundamentals Kevin hammers (aim, grip, posture, turn back, turn through). A simple "find the root cause" process after any miss. The target-first focus shift that cleans up mental clutter fast. Why short-game mastery lowers scores and frees up your iron play. How to practice in the off-season without hitting a ball. Smarter match-play tactics (pars win, don't beat yourself). The mindset behind sustained winning across your 20s–60s. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Kevin Kenny Affectionately known as "KK," Kevin is the longtime Head Golf Professional at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. A staple in the Tampa golf community for more than two decades, KK has built a reputation for his deep technical knowledge, approachable coaching style, and commitment to helping players of all levels fall in love with the game. Under his leadership, Tampa Palms has become one of the premier golf experiences in the region—known not just for the course itself, but for the culture of respect, camaraderie, and continuous improvement he's cultivated among members and staff alike. Whether he's mentoring his team, helping juniors develop sound fundamentals, or guiding seasoned players through course management and mindset work, KK's influence extends far beyond swing mechanics. His passion for the game, attention to detail, and focus on growth make him one of the most respected and beloved figures in Florida golf. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Fundamentals are the real secret: grip, aim, posture, and rotation. Believe in what you're doing before you do it—confidence creates competence. Every golfer has their own swing; find yours and own it. Watch your shots. Reflect, don't react. Learn from every miss. Golf is a math contest—it's not about how, it's about how many. The best short games win tournaments, not perfect swings. Focus on targets, not trouble—your body follows your mind. Get your life in order off the course if you expect to play well on it. Match play rewards boring, consistent golf—avoid beating yourself. Mental clutter kills performance. Create your own reset routine to refocus. Key Quotes: "Golf is a math contest. It's not how—it's how many." "Everybody thinks there's a secret. The secret is fundamentals." "Believe before you perform. You don't get confident first—you choose confidence." "Watch it until it lands. Find the root cause—often it's alignment." "Short game takes the heat off your approach shots." "On the course, focus on the target, not the trouble." "In match play, don't beat yourself. A bunch of boring pars wins." Time Stamps: 00:00 The Comeback Story: Overcoming Adversity in Golf 02:59 Mastering the Fundamentals: The Key to Consistent Play 05:48 Mental Preparation: The Power of Visualization and Intentionality 08:38 Managing Expectations: The Importance of Short Game and Course Management 11:22 Mental Clutter: Clearing the Mind for Better Performance 14:15 Focus and Intent: Strategies for Staying Present on the Course 25:16 The Journey of a Golfer: Decades of Success 27:33 The Power of Belief and Fundamentals in Golf 33:21 The Importance of Short Game Mastery 38:17 Golf as a Math Contest: The Strategy Behind Scoring 43:24 Words of Wisdom for Match Play Competitors

High performers don't need "balance"—they need alignment. In this solo episode, I'll challenge the cultural myth of work-life balance and reframe success around energetic alignment: being ruthless with honesty about what you truly want, communicating clearly with yourself and others, and rhythms that fuel—rather than drain—your focus. I break down the neuroscience of burnout (why your prefrontal cortex goes offline, limbic system spikes, and motivation flatlines), show how misalignment creates chaos on the course and in business, and offer a practical path: define your wants, design your week around them, and protect one non-work outlet to speed subconscious integration. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "balance" often sabotages high performers—and what to pursue instead How chronic stress rewires the brain and quietly kills decision-making A simple question that unlocks clarity and alignment ("What do I want?") How honest communication becomes the foundation for sustainable ambition A practical dashboard model for dialing priorities up or down by season Why a non-industry hobby accelerates learning and prevents burnout How to translate alignment into lower scores, stronger leadership, and more joy The goal isn't equal time everywhere; it's intentional energy where it matters most—so you can compete hard, recover well, and feel fulfilled. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. P.P.S. Read "The Myth of Balance" newsletter. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Balance ≠ equal hours—set your week by intentional energy, not symmetry. Burnout is a brain problem: stress dulls focus and creativity; you play and lead worse. Ask it daily: "What do I want?"—then build practice, work, and family rhythms around it. Honest communication first with yourself, then with partner, kids, and team. Seasonal dials: different goals need different settings; adjust without guilt. Have one non-golf outlet (or non-work for entrepreneurs) to recharge and integrate skills. Alignment feels clean: fewer reactive decisions, more presence over the ball—and at home. Key Quotes: "High performers don't need balance—they need alignment." "Chasing society's balance felt inauthentic; alignment felt honest." "Chronic stress turns your prefrontal cortex down and your limbic system up." "Ask yourself all day long: What do I want? Then design around that answer." "Every breakthrough begins with honest communication—starting with you." "You can have it all—just not all at 100 at the same time." "The goal isn't dividing time; it's defining your truth and protecting your energy."

What if your inconsistency on the golf course wasn't about mechanics—but about how your brain is wired to learn, handle stress, and perform under pressure? In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with John Weir, creator of Mental Golf Type, to explore how personality wiring, hypnosis, and mental fitness shape your golf performance and your life.  John breaks down why self-image is the foundation of confidence, how stress changes your swing before mechanics ever do, and why “being you” is the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode, you'll learn: What hypnosis really is (and why it's a natural state of mind). The role of brainwaves in learning, confidence, and performance. How self-image is formed—and how to reshape it for success. Why celebrating positive shots accelerates growth. The difference between mental game strategies and mindset training. How your personality type influences stress, learning, and consistency. Why “being you” is the fastest path to your zone state. Whether you're trying to break 90, win your club championship, or gain an edge in business, John's insights will help you understand yourself at a deeper level—and show you how to align with your strengths for lasting success. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About John John Weir is the creator of the Mental Golf Type® program, author of Golfer's Guide to Mental Fitness, and co-founder of Mental Golf Type LLC, where he helps golfers around the world unlock peak performance through the power of the mind. With over 23 years of experience, John holds a psychology degree from Point Park University, is an NLP Master Practitioner, and a board certified hypnotist/instructor via the National Guild of Hypnotists. John has trained coaches and practitioners in 60 countries through his golf hypnosis certification course, and his mental performance coaching has contributed to multiple national championship wins—including with Seminole State College's women's golf team. He is a recognized authority in his field, has received top honors from the National Guild of Hypnotists, and has been featured by media outlets like ESPN Radio, FOX Sports, and Golf Magazine. Learn your Mental Golf Type and get certified here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Hypnosis is a natural brainwave state that improves learning and receptivity. Self-image, formed in childhood, drives confidence, habits, and athletic identity. Celebrating positive shots (with emotion) hardwires them into memory. Stress and cortisol—not swing flaws—often cause inconsistency. Personality type influences how you process information and respond under pressure. Mental fitness is like physical fitness—it requires daily training. True performance comes from being yourself, not mimicking the pros. Key Quotes: “Hypnosis is simply a natural state of mind—it's how we learn best.” “Your subconscious doesn't care if it's positive or negative—it just supports your self-image.” “Every good shot deserves a fist pump. Celebrate the positive to wire it in.” “Most inconsistency in golf isn't mechanical—it's stress shutting down the motor cortex.” “Your personality type is your wiring. Once you know it, performance becomes simpler.” “Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness—you need both daily.” “The zone isn't about being Tiger or Phil—it's about being yourself.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Hypnosis and Brain Waves 02:44: The Importance of Receptive States 05:42: Building Self-Image and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 08:29: Emotional Anchoring and Positive Reinforcement 11:30: Mental Fitness: A New Approach to Hypnosis 14:30: The Role of Personality in Performance 17:21: Stress Management and Performance Consistency 20:17: Understanding Learning Styles and Personality Types 23:13: The Impact of Personality on Relationships 26:14: Simplifying the Path to Improvement 29:08: The Power of Self-Acceptance 32:13: The Importance of Slowing Down 35:00: Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

What if the stress, chaos, and self-sabotage you keep bumping into are exactly what a hidden part of you wants?  In this solo episode, I explore the powerful concept from the book, “Existential Kink,” that “having is a form of wanting” and reveal how your mind can secretly crave the very patterns that hold you back.  Through a raw personal story and a three-step framework, you'll learn how to uncover hidden programs that create stress and sabotage in your golf game, business, and life, so you can finally break free and play with calm, confidence, and clarity. In this episode, you'll learn: What “having is a form of wanting” means for your golf game and life How early programming creates today's patterns of chaos, fear, and urgency A three-step method (Acknowledge, Accept, Act) to shift stubborn habits How curiosity + breath turn discomfort into data you can use Why identity fear keeps you “almost there” (breaking 80, scaling revenue) A 15-minute journal exercise to map stressors and rewrite beliefs If you've been “almost” breaking 80, “almost” scaling the business, or “almost” following up with hot leads, this will help you see why—and how to finally play free.  Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Shadow patterns persist because they once met a need; honor that before you edit it. Identity fear (“Who will I be if I break 80?”) often blocks the final 5%. Presence + breath are the fastest way to access and soften hidden programs. Acceptance is not approval—it's the on-ramp to real change. Curiosity beats judgment; treat tension in the body as useful feedback. Write the new rule: swap “almost” stories for precise, process-driven scripts. Fitness and daily reps (breath, journaling, hypnosis) cement the new identity. Key Quotes: “Having is a form of wanting—your patterns persist because some part of you benefits.” “You can't change code you refuse to read: acknowledge, accept, then act.” “Curiosity turns discomfort into data.” “Identity fear keeps golfers married to the ‘almost broke 80' story.” “Acceptance isn't surrender; it's traction.” “Breathe where it hurts—presence is the scalpel that removes old programs.” “If you want different results, you must believe different—and then do different.” Time Stamps: 00:00: The Desire Behind Self-Sabotage 02:45: Reflections on Personal Challenges 05:29: The Boxing Match Experience 11:11: Understanding Patterns of Chaos 16:44: The Subconscious Code of Our Lives 22:11: Acknowledgment and Acceptance for Change

What separates winners on Sunday isn't perfection—it's resilience, disciplined routines, and the will to find a way.  In this conversation, CBS analyst, coach, and author Mark Immelman shares what he's learned from a front-row seat on Tour: why Scottie Scheffler's process never wavers, how Rory's Masters breakthrough rewrote a narrative, and why clutch putting—and perspective—decide tournaments.  We also dig into fitness as the gateway to mental toughness, “the chaser's freedom vs. the leader's burden,” and how to keep swinging freely when everything tightens up. In this episode, you'll learn: How elite players use routines to stay present under maximum pressure Why resilience = get up, then don't panic or overhaul your process The difference between playing to win vs. playing not to lose Why clutch putting is the common denominator coming home How fitness amplifies stamina, confidence, and decision quality The power of perspective: results don't define identity Practical ways to manage expectations and let your putter be the star Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Catch up on my first conversation in episode 58 here. P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Mark Mark's knowledge, insight and experience have made him a sought-after mind on the PGA and European tours. Through his career, he has taught and/or consulted to various Major Champions, PGA Tour winners and global Tour professionals.  Some of his accomplishments and titles include: CBS Sports and ESPN - PGA TOUR Announcer Host of the ON THE MARK Podcast Author - Lessons from the Best @mark_immelman on all social media platforms For more information, connect with Mark here: www.markimmelman.com  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Resilience has two parts: get up after setbacks and resist the urge to “fix everything” when you do. Routine is armor: Scheffler's unwavering pre-shot/process is a blueprint for stability when the heat rises. Win with the putter: Final-nine scorelines (33–35) come from one-putting key moments—par saves matter as much as birdies. Chaser's freedom vs. leader's burden: If you're chasing, be boldly smart; if you're leading, avoid prevent-defense golf. Fitness fuels mindset: Strength before endless stretching—capacity under heat/pressure comes from being strong and conditioned. Perspective frees you: Care about doing the right thing, not about outcomes—play “with house money” more often. Self-awareness wins: Know your real-time yardages, conditions, and “today's shot”—choose the smart side of flags. Key Quotes: “You never fall to world number one—you outlast everyone else.” “Winners find a way. It isn't pretty; it's often a war of attrition.” “Let your putter be the superstar.” “Resilience isn't changing everything after a bad shot—it's sticking to what works.” “The chaser has freedom; the leader carries the burden.” “Get strong, then get mobile—most golfers aren't tight; they're not strong enough.” “Care about doing the right thing, not the result—play free and the scores follow.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Overview of the Golf Season 02:43: Key Players and Their Impressive Performances 05:27: The Importance of Fitness in Golf 08:03: Resilience in Golf: The Key to Success 10:57: JJ Spaun's Career Transformation 14:03: Tommy Fleetwood's Journey and Challenges 15:27: The Nature of Winning and Losing in Golf 17:22: The Role of Self-Belief in Achieving Success 19:34: The Dynamics of Competition in Golf 21:55: The Mental Game: Awareness and Strategy 24:36: The Importance of Team and Communication 25:48: The Future of Golf: Emerging Talents and Rivalries

What if the secret to confidence, peak performance, and even happiness wasn't about being perfect all the time—but learning how to access a powerful brainwave state on demand? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Izzy Justice—neuroscientist, performance coach, and author of Your Brain Swings Every Club—to explore the science of brainwaves, trauma, and what he calls “Chasing 10 Hertz.” You'll hear how endurance events, emotional relativity, and even micro-traumas shape confidence, how to intentionally “spike down” into presence, and why your brain's electricity is the language of the human experience. Dr. Justice breaks down how confidence and pessimism are simply access issues, why sensory input is the key to flow, and how to simplify your pursuit of peak performance in golf, business, and life. In this episode, you'll learn: Why doing hard things expands your benchmark for confidence and resilience How trauma—both big and micro—acts as the ultimate backdrop for your decisions The neuroscience behind brainwave states and their impact on performance What makes the 10 Hertz state so powerful and how to access it How to “spike down” when stress or distraction takes over Why happiness is really about amplifying sensory input A practical way to simplify performance by only being “perfect” twice a day Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Dr. Izzy Justice Dr. Izzy Justice is the Chief Neuroscience officer at Neuro580, a ground-breaking company focused on addressing mental wellness in the workplace. He brings three decades of experience in Human Capital, Healthcare and Business Consulting. Izzy has worked at Deloitte, Cerner and Premier.  As an Executive Coach, he has coached over 30 CEOs, dozens of Chief People Officers to orchestrate unlocking of human potential leveraging Neuroscience as the key competency. He also works with dozens of professional athletes/coaches winning Major Championships and Olympic Gold in 2024. He has authored 9 books. His 10th book, Chasing 10Hz - Life Explained is due out Fall 2026. He is a 5-Time Ironman Finisher. Learn more about Dr. Izzy Justice here Connect on Instagram Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Confidence is access, not a trait—you either access empowering memories or traumatic ones. Trauma is the ultimate benchmark—it shapes risk perception more than success does. Electricity is the brain's language—high spikes drown sensory input and sabotage performance. 10 Hertz is the sweet spot—it amplifies sensory input and unlocks stored knowledge. Presence = sensory amplification—seeing, feeling, hearing more deeply in the moment. Flow isn't magic—it's measurable through brainwaves, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Be “perfect” twice a day—reserve your energy for the two most important moments instead of chasing constant perfection. Key Quotes: “Confidence and pessimism aren't traits—they're both access issues.” “We don't have to be perfect all the time—just perfect in the moments that matter.” “Electricity is the language of the brain—and therefore the human experience.” “Your trauma is your hostage, but you can use it as fuel instead of shackles.” “At 10 Hertz, sensory input is amplified and your best self shows up.” “Happiness isn't about possessions—it's about amplifying what you feel, see, and hear.” “The best experiences of our lives always happen in the same state—why keep it a secret?” Time Stamps: 00:00: The Allure of Ultra-Endurance Events 02:34: Emotional Relativity and Personal Growth 05:45: The Role of Trauma in Personal Development 08:32: Happiness and the Pursuit of Meaning 11:25: Amplifying Sensory Input for Fulfillment 14:15: Understanding Brainwave States and Performance 27:12: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Performance 28:49: The Power of 10 Hertz in Enhancing Sensory Input 31:39: Cognitive Functionality and Accessing Memory 37:41: Flow State: The Intersection of Performance and Presence 40:38: Perception of Time: How We Experience Moments 47:26: The Role of Substances in Achieving 10 Hertz 51:47: Actionable Takeaways for Achieving Peak Performance

Life got challenging off the course—and then those challenges spilled onto it.  In this raw Q3 recap of my golf journey and goal to achieve a five-handicap by the end of the year, I share how radical honesty, asking for help, and doubling down on core habits protected my energy, clarified my priorities, and still led to meaningful golf progress.  In this episode, you'll learn: How radical acceptance lowers emotional resistance and restores focus Why asking for help collapses the timeline for healing and improvement The core routine (fitness, meditation, journaling, rest) that safeguards performance How to recalibrate priorities without quitting your goals Using mental reps to keep swing feels sharp when course time is limited A practical reframe: “Let go to level up” How small technical changes (smoother takeaway) unlocked long-iron consistency If you're juggling parenting, business, and a game you love, this one's for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. P.P.S On the art and science of acceptance. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Radical Acceptance > Resistance: Naming reality reduces friction and frees up energy for purposeful action. Vulnerability Is a Performance Tool: Sharing the hard stuff with trusted people lightens the load and clarifies next actions. Coaching Collapses Time: A coach provides perspective, helps release emotion, and speeds learning—on and off the course. Protect Your Energy Rituals: Cold plunge, meditation, journaling, strategic rest, and 3+ weekly workouts stabilize your mind. Recalibrate Without Quitting: Seasons change; adjust goals and inputs without abandoning the mission. Mental Reps Matter: Visualization and structured recall kept ball-striking sharp despite fewer rounds. Simple Tech Wins: A slower, smoother takeaway reduced hip stress and improved long-iron contact and driver consistency. Key Quotes: “There is so much power in your vulnerability—and strength in asking for help.” “Let go to level up; don't let the past dictate the present.” “Acceptance, grace, and patience: that's the work.” “Coaching collapses the timeline for healing, learning, and progress.” “You're the author—recalibrate priorities with honesty and intention.” “Fitness is the lowest-hanging fruit for a resilient mindset.” “Reflection accelerates pattern recognition—and pattern recognition drives change.” Time Stamps: 00:00: The Journey of Vulnerability in Golf 02:53: Navigating Life's Challenges and Golf Progress 07:24: The Power of Reflection and Seeking Help 12:45: Embracing Acceptance, Grace, and Patience 19:15: The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth 24:22: Fitness and Self-Care as Foundations for Success 28:23: Looking Ahead: Golfing Goals and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Evan Singer, Mental Coach and Host of The Par Train Podcast, for a conversation that blends golf, life, relationships, and fatherhood into one powerful masterclass on resilience, self-awareness, and asking for what you want.  From transforming pain into purpose to managing stress on the course, Evan shares how to find clarity in what you truly want—whether in golf, business, or love—and how to use reflection as a performance supercharger.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why discomfort is often the catalyst for clarity and growth How to ask for what you want without fear or guilt The “full body yes” test for making aligned decisions A simple yet powerful framework for managing on-course stress How to build a reset routine after back-to-back bad holes The role of ruthless reflection in accelerating improvement What fatherhood teaches about perspective, presence, and priorities This is a conversation about slowing down, embracing discomfort, and learning to “enjoy the ride” no matter what life throws your way. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Evan Evan Singer is the co-founder and co-host of The Par Train podcast, a top-ranked golf and mindset show that blends sports psychology, personal growth, and on-course strategy.  Drawing from years of mental performance coaching, personal development work, and his own journey through life's challenges, Evan helps golfers transform their mental approach to the game and life. He works with players of all skill levels to build resilience, improve focus, and enjoy the ride—no matter what obstacles come their way. More about Evan and the Part Train Podcast here. Connect with Evan on Instagram here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Enjoying the ride isn't about everything going to plan—it's about embracing discomfort as part of the journey. Pain and setbacks are often the catalysts for clarity and change. Clarity comes from experimentation, not overthinking. Evan found love by treating dating like a learning process instead of a performance. Most people stay stuck in “what they don't want” instead of taking action toward what they do want. Asking for what you want—even if it's not on the “menu”—can radically change your experience. Stress thrives in ambiguity. It fades when you have something concrete to focus on, like a finish cue in your swing. Ruthless reflection (in golf and life) accelerates growth and learning. True fulfillment balances selfishness (knowing what you want) with selflessness (being present for others). Nervousness and excitement feel similar but come from different frames—fear is defensive, excitement is offensive. You must slow down to build awareness. Slowing down brings your thinking brain back online. Key Quotes: "Some of my most painful experiences in life have single-handedly led me to the greatest things in my life." "When you start saying no to the wrong fits, you're signaling to the universe that you're ready for the right one." "You can't tell a soldier in Iraq to act like it's North Carolina—you have to accept where you are and work from there." "Stress fades when you strip away the noise and focus on a task you feel competent enough to do." "True happiness lives on the line between selfish and selfless—you need both to be your best." Time Stamps: 00:00: Embracing the Journey: Finding Joy in Discomfort 10:47: The Power of Clarity: Understanding What You Truly Want 21:46: Asking for What You Want: The Art of Self-Advocacy 27:22: Selflessly Selfish: The Importance of Personal Needs 29:53: Understanding Excitement vs. Nervousness 36:34: Stress Management: Strategies for Success 43:06: Lessons from Fatherhood: Empathy and Growth

What if the reason you can't sleep the night before a big round—or why you can't stop obsessing over quarterly numbers—isn't about golf or business at all…  …but about a childhood program that taught you love and belonging only come when you deliver results? In this powerful solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I break down how childhood conditioning wires us to equate grades, trophies, and revenue with self-worth—and why that creates a boom-and-bust cycle of stress, burnout, and inconsistency on the course and in business.  You'll learn how to detach from outcomes, reset expectations, and anchor to a relentless process so confidence rises, performance stabilizes, and results follow (in golf and life). If you're ready to trade scoreboard obsession for sustainable growth, this one's for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why “results = worth” is a destructive mindset program—and how it formed How outcome attachment fuels burnout, anxiety, and relationship strain The difference between expectation and reality (and how that gap breeds doubt) The “law of lagging results” and how to think in 3–6 month horizons How to measure success by execution quality (process > outcome) How process mastery builds durable confidence that travels off the course If you've ever walked off the 18th green or closed your laptop at midnight feeling like your score or your sales defined your worth as a person, this episode is for you.  Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: Outcome attachment is learned early; many of us equate love/approval with winning or straight A's. When worth is tied to scorecards and sales, every dip triggers shame, fear, and urgency masked as “hustle.” Expectation–reality gaps invite doubt; manage expectations to calm your nervous system and execute better. Golf and business have lagging results—today's outcomes reflect the last 3–6 months of execution. Process execution (pre-shot, practice, post-round) is the only victory fully in your control—and it compounds. Scoring your day by execution quality builds a bank account of evidence and genuine confidence. Detachment isn't apathy; it's a disciplined focus on controllables that ultimately produces better results. Key Quotes: “Your results are feedback, not a verdict on your worth.” “Detachment is discipline—it frees you to execute the process with clarity.” “Manage expectations, and your emotions stop hijacking the wheel.” “Today's score is the echo of the last 3–6 months of work.” “If you want better results, measure what you can control: execution quality.” “Confidence grows fastest when you tie it to consistency, not trophies.” “You don't need bigger goals—you need a tighter process and fewer leaks.” Time Stamps: 00:00: The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Self-Worth 07:17: Understanding the Attachment to Results 13:59: The Consequences of Tying Self-Worth to Results 15:21: Strategies for Detaching Self-Worth from Results 23:08: Action Steps for Personal Growth

In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with one of Europe's leading Performance Coaches and the Founder of Mind Caddie app, Karl Morris, to dive deep into why attention is the true currency of performance—both on the golf course and in life.  We explore how to train your focus in a world full of distractions, the power of asking better questions to guide every shot, and how to gamify your mental training so you can measure and improve it. Karl shares practical tools for shifting from threat mode to opportunity mode, building resiliency through acceptance, and closing the gap between your range game and your on-course results.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why attention—not time—is your most valuable resource in golf How to use powerful, well-timed questions to sharpen focus instantly The “tick game” method to measure and improve your mental game How to shift from threat mode to opportunity mode on the course Practical strategies for staying present between shots Ways to bridge the gap between range performance and on-course execution How identity and intentionality shape your results and enjoyment If you've ever struggled to stay present, manage your thoughts, or bring your best game to the course, this conversation is packed with strategies you can start using right away. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Karl Karl Morris is one of Europe's leading performance coaches, with over 30 years of experience helping golfers at every level—from weekend players to multiple Major champions—unlock their potential. Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Karl specializes in mental game strategies that are easy to apply under pressure.  He has worked with six Major winners, dozens of European Tour and PGA Tour professionals, and countless elite amateurs. As the founder of The Mind Factor and creator of the Mind Caddie app, Karl is dedicated to making mental performance training accessible, actionable, and results-driven for golfers worldwide. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Attention is the true currency of performance – In golf and in life, where you place your attention determines your results and your experience. Better questions create better focus – Asking “What does a good shot look like here?” can instantly direct your mind toward a clear, useful target. Gamifying your mental game builds consistency – The “tick game” creates a measurable way to track focus and commitment on every shot. Acceptance fuels resiliency – Being willing to deal with the reality of the game (good shots, okay shots, poor shots) allows you to bounce back faster. Golf is an opportunity, not a threat – Viewing each shot as a chance rather than a danger shifts physiology, mindset, and performance. Key Quotes: “Attention is the currency of performance.” “You don't have to believe what you think; there's a difference between having thoughts and deliberate thinking.” “The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your questions.” “Acceptance isn't being happy about a bad shot—it's being willing to deal with the reality of the game.” “We're making it all up anyway—so make up something that serves you.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Attention as the Currency of Performance 02:57: The Power of Questions in Golf 05:51: Gamifying the Mental Game 08:42: Resiliency and Acceptance in Golf 11:38: The Role of Curiosity and Observation 14:32: Framework for Mental Training 17:31: The Four Quadrants of Mental Game 25:53: Understanding the In-Between Time in Golf 26:31: The Power of Presence: Tuning into the Senses 29:19: Mental Game: Training Attention Away from the Course 31:43: The Impact of Modern Distractions on Focus 36:30: Translating Range Skills to the Course 40:33: The Importance of Identity in Golf Performance 42:55: Gratitude: The Key to Enjoying the Game 44:54: Innovative Tools for Golf Improvement

Why is it so easy to bet on your favorite team, stocks, or fantasy league—yet so hard to bet on yourself?  In this powerful solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I share why most people avoid going all in on themselves and the fears, excuses, and illusions of control that keep them stuck. I open up about my own story of leaving a secure path at IMG Academy, walking away from 90% of my income at Renaissance Periodization, and investing $50,000 into a coach when I had nothing certain lined up—all because I was committed to betting on myself. In this episode, you'll learn: Why people avoid betting on themselves and play small How illusions of control keep you stuck in fear and excuses The hidden cost of betting only on things outside your control Why responsibility, rejection, and uncertainty scare us—and how to face them How betting on yourself creates confidence, peace, and exponential growth The role of short-term sacrifice in creating long-term fulfillment Why modeling self-belief inspires and lifts everyone around you This episode is a wake-up call: stop dimming your light, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and take the risk. Because the greatest bet you'll ever place—the one with the highest return—is the bet you place on yourself. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: People prefer to bet on what they can't control because it gives them an excuse when things don't work out. Betting on yourself means full ownership—no one else to blame. Fear of judgment, rejection, and failure keeps most people from going all in. Responsibility is scary, but it's also the path to peace and fulfillment. My leap from RP coaching and a $50,000 investment was proof of betting on myself—and it paid off. Confidence and belief are built in action, not in waiting for certainty. Betting on yourself elevates everyone around you through your example. Key Quotes: “You can't become better unless you bet on yourself.” “When you bet on things beyond your control, you reinforce self-doubt.” “Fear and confidence can coexist—you can be scared and certain at the same time.” “The biggest risk isn't failing. It's never knowing what could have happened if you bet on yourself.” “Money comes and goes. Focus and attention are the true currencies of high performance.” “Stop dimming your light—you're teaching your kids it's okay to play small.” “Every bet you place on yourself creates a ripple effect of belief, confidence, and growth.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Why We Bet on the Wrong Things 02:00: My Early Career at IMG Academy 04:30: Cold Calls & Finding RP 06:30: Building a Coaching Business 08:40: Walking Away from 90% of My Income 10:55: The $50,000 Bet That Changed Everything 12:30: Why We Avoid Betting on Ourselves 14:40: Two Paths: Conflict vs. Fulfillment 16:15: Rewiring Belief & Confidence 18:10: Fear and Confidence Can Coexist 20:15: The Hard Truth About Sacrifice 22:05: The Ripple Effect of Self-Belief 23:45: Final Challenge: Bet on Yourself

Tournament golf will test every ounce of your discipline, patience, and emotional control—and Michael Leonard has lived it.  In this conversation, good friend and founder of Wicked Smart Golf, Michael Leonard, is back on the show to break down the real differences between the mental game and mindset training, the traits that separate consistent performers from the rest, and how to protect your energy when negativity surrounds you.  In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between the mental game of golf and true mindset training How to identify and eliminate self-talk that sabotages your performance Why protecting your energy is a prerequisite for tournament success The growth mindset traits every serious golfer must develop How to use your “dark side” and competitive drive as fuel for improvement Strategies for thriving in high-pressure, tournament conditions The #1 mistake golfers make when transitioning into competitive play Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Michael Michael is the founder of Wicked Smart Golf, a brand and podcast dedicated to helping golfers shoot lower scores without overhauling their swings.  A competitive amateur with hundreds of tournament rounds under his belt, Michael has authored a trilogy of golf improvement books covering breaking 90, breaking 80, and mastering tournament play.  Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he simplifies the mental game, sharpens course management skills, and teaches players how to build the mindset needed to perform under pressure—on and off the course. Connect with him on Instagram. Watch him on YouTube. Purchase “Wicked Smart Golf” on Amazon. Subscribe to the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast.  Work with Michael. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Mindset is how you think off the course. The mental game is how you execute on it. Self-talk, especially speaking in absolutes, directly shapes performance. Growth mindset starts with how you respond to others' success—use it as fuel. Purpose and competition keep men emotionally engaged and focused. Mentally tough golfers have self-discipline, challenge themselves, and “just keep going.” Tournament golf requires planning, emotional regulation, and stimulus management. Stick to your routine. Under pressure, you fall to the level of your habits. The dark side—if understood—can be a powerful motivator. Complacency is the real enemy of progress. Key Quotes: If you're not training mindset daily, it won't be there when you need it most. Self-talk isn't just words—it's wiring your subconscious for what happens next. Tournament golf exposes the gaps between preparation and performance. You fall to the level of your habits, not rise to your expectations. I don't want to retire. I want to die with nothing in the tank. Discipline eventually becomes identity—and that's where the breakthroughs happen. Sometimes you need to create an enemy to bring out your best. Time Stamps: 00:00: Rebuilding Mindset After Loss 03:06: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf vs. Mindset 05:38: The Power of Self-Talk and Its Impact 08:50: Navigating Negative Influences in Golf 11:46: Embracing a Growth Mindset for Success 14:26: The Importance of Perseverance and Patience 17:27: Characteristics of Mentally Tough Individuals 20:18: The Role of Purpose in Motivation 24:58: The Purpose of Work and Life 26:05: Understanding Competitiveness 27:18: Defining Winning in Golf 28:14: Embracing the Dark Side 30:54: Using Enemies as Fuel 32:10: The Importance of Standing Out 33:13: Reflecting on Personal Growth 36:55: Common Misunderstandings in Tournament Golf 40:09: Staying Present in the Moment 41:26: Resources for Improvement

What do an NFL spitting incident and a sideline scuffle have to do with your scorecard?  Everything—because they expose how quickly a Destructive Mindset Program (DMP) can hijack your brain and your behavior.  In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset, I break down the trigger → emotion → belief → behavior chain, discuss how it plays out on the course (and at work, and at home), and share how to dismantle these patterns so you stop self-sabotaging and finally play to your potential. In this episode, you'll learn: Why triggers flip your brain “offline” and create tunnel vision The simple flowchart of every DMP: Trigger → Emotion → Belief → Behavior How anger, fear, or pressure quietly rewrite your self-talk mid-round Why “survive, not thrive” is your default—and how to reverse it Rapid reset tools (breathwork, presence, gratitude) you can use between shots The deeper identity-level work (mindset coaching + hypnosis) that rewires patterns Listen now if you're done with two-steps-forward, three-steps-back rounds and ready to build beliefs and behaviors that hold under pressure. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: It's not “if,” it's “when.” Triggers will happen—build a plan for them. DMPs are learned. You fall back to what kept you “safe” before, even if it costs you now. Tunnel vision = trouble. Big emotions narrow attention and drive rash decisions. Scorecard sabotage is identity-level. Close to a breakthrough? Fear of success often fires a DMP. Awareness beats willpower. Map your trigger → emotion → belief → behavior sequence in writing. Key Quotes: “When a trigger hits, an emotion hijacks the steering wheel of your decision-making.” “Every DMP follows the same chain: trigger, emotion, belief, behavior—fast and unconscious.” “Your brain is built to survive, not thrive; safety is familiar, not optimal.” “On the course, you don't rise to your goals—you fall to your programs.” “Awareness without action is trivia; awareness with a plan is transformation.” “If you keep stopping what works right before the breakthrough, that's a DMP, not a discipline problem.” “Success is a choice—once you retire the programs that keep choosing safety.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Irrational Behavior 02:53: Understanding Destructive Mindset Programs 05:36: Triggers and Emotional Responses 08:18: The Role of Learned Behavior 11:18: Relating Mindset to Golf and Poker 14:13: The Impact of Pressure and Expectations 16:55: Dismantling Destructive Mindset Programs 19:41: The Importance of Coaching 22:34: Conclusion and Future Directions

What if the very “stay positive” mindset you've been praised for is actually keeping you stuck?  In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I call out toxic positivity for what it is: emotional avoidance dressed up as optimism.  We dig into why the golf world has gone too soft, how repressing anger and discomfort quietly drains your energy and focus, and why elite performers train themselves to operate when conditions are far from perfect. You'll learn how to replace false cheer with authentic optimism—the relentless belief in yourself to handle hard things—using a simple three-step framework: Acknowledge, Accept, Act. We'll talk negativity bias, energy management, and why sitting with uncomfortable emotions turns them into teachers and fuel.  In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between toxic positivity and authentic optimism Why “be happy all the time” backfires on the course and at work How negativity bias hardwires you to scan for threats—and what to do about it The Acknowledge → Accept → Act playbook to perform under pressure How to use anger and discomfort as focused fuel, not dead weight If you're ready to stop plastering a smile over struggle and finally play (and live) to your potential, this one's for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Toxic positivity = emotional avoidance. It looks noble but blocks growth, honesty, and results. Authentic optimism is belief + behavior. “This is hard—and I can handle it. Now act.” Acknowledge, Accept, Act is the reset loop that turns emotions into execution. Negativity bias is real. Your brain defaults to threat-scanning; train optimism, presence, and focus deliberately. Operate when it's not perfect. Elite golfers perform amid discomfort, not after it disappears. Key Quotes: “At its core, toxic positivity is emotional avoidance disguised as optimism.” “Life isn't sunshine and rainbows—and neither is golf. Train for the valleys, not just the peaks.” “Authentic optimism says: this hurts—and I can handle it. Then it moves.” “Emotion is energy. Repress it and it leaks; face it and it fuels.” “Write it down: Acknowledge. Accept. Act. That's how you play to your potential.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Toxic Positivity 04:15: The Dangers of Emotional Avoidance 09:16: The Reality of Negative Emotions 13:44: Why We Engage in Toxic Positivity 17:34: The Cost of Seeking Approval 21:01: The Importance of Acknowledgment and Acceptance 24:51: Authentic Optimism as a Solution

#90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus—longtime mental coach to Collin Morikawa and one of the leading experts in golf psychology and flow state training.  We explore the often-overlooked layers of resilience, how to avoid complacency after success, and the tools to shift from fear to flow under pressure. Rick shares actionable strategies, cutting-edge technology insights, and practical routines you can apply both on and off the course to perform your best when it matters most. In this episode, you'll learn: Why resilience is just as important after success as it is after setbacks. The subtle difference between mental toughness and resilience—and why it matters. How to shift from a fear state to a flow state under pressure. The role of curiosity in replacing judgment and accelerating learning. How sensory triggers and breath work can prime you for peak performance. The measurable impact of technology on training focus and emotional regulation. Why outcome goals and process goals can—and should—work together. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Rick Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is the Founder & CEO of Sessinghaus Performance Systems and Director of the FlowCode® Golf Academy. Holding a PhD in Applied Sports Psychology, Rick has been Collin Morikawa's mindset coach since Collin was eight—and continues to guide the two‑time major champion's mental game .  Working at top golf and corporate academies, Rick specializes in training flow states, resilience, and performance routines to help golfers and high performers thrive under pressure. Connect and work with Rick here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Resilience is staying composed regardless of outcome—success can make you complacent, which requires just as much discipline to manage. Mental toughness is overrated. Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and curiosity are more sustainable mental skills. Flow happens when your perceived skill matches the challenge. Fear arises when you perceive the challenge as greater than your ability—even when it's not. You can train flow state through breathwork, anchoring routines, and sensory cues like music, temperature, or feel. Reflection—done without judgment—is essential. Curiosity > criticism. Technology like FocusCalm and Mendi can now measure brainwave activity and train real-time focus. Cold plunges and challenges off the course build resilience you can bring onto the course. It's okay to care about outcome—but learn to measure success through your process. You're good enough. That self-belief is the filter that colors every golf shot. Key Quotes: Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about staying focused when things go well too. Curiosity over critical—that's our mantra for post-shot routines. Flow follows focus. You must train your attention to stay present. You're already good enough. Most golfers don't need more skill—they need more belief. Cold plunges aren't about golf—but they teach you how to do hard things. That transfers. Don't just do a routine because your coach told you to—make sure it gets you calm, confident, and committed. Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Resilience 02:58: The Importance of Goal Setting 05:59: Curiosity Over Judgment 07:09: Resilience vs. Mental Toughness 08:56: The Mental Game vs. Mindset 10:53: Interferences in Performance 11:52: Flow State vs. Fear State 20:46: Engaging the Senses for Flow 23:15: Embracing the Present Moment 24:41: Building Resiliency Through Challenges 26:51: The Power of Sensory Anchors 29:07: Integrating Technology in Mental Training 34:42: Balancing Process and Outcome 39:16: The Dark Side of Performance 41:26: Affirming Self-Belief

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the theme of “good enough” and how it quietly sabotages your golf game, your business, and your life.  While there are moments where good enough truly is enough, most of us fall into the trap of settling—choosing comfort over growth, validation over progress, and cruise control over chasing our true potential.  Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons from both golf and life, I share how to break free from the “good enough” plateau and move toward being outstanding and even elite. In this podcast, you'll learn: Why settling for “good enough” creates hidden frustration and incongruency How to recognize when you're coasting and mistaking a plateau for a peak The critical difference between being outstanding and staying outstanding Why fear of success, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are tied to “good enough” How to strategically choose where to accept “good enough” and where to go all in If you're tired of settling, ready to raise your standards, and committed to stepping into the version of yourself you know you're capable of becoming—on the course and in life—then this is the episode you need to hear. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Good enough is comfortable—but comfort kills growth. Settling in golf, work, or relationships keeps you stuck in mediocrity. Raising your standards is the only way forward. What once worked won't take you to the next level. Outstanding requires imbalance. You can't be elite in every area—decide what matters most and accept good enough elsewhere. Fear of success fuels settling. Many golfers and professionals subconsciously hold back to avoid standing out, judgment, or failure. Honesty creates congruency. Be brutally honest with yourself and with others about where you want to be outstanding and where good enough is truly enough. Key Quotes: “Good enough is comfortable, but it's also where dreams go to die.” “If you want what the 5% have, you must be willing to do what the 95% are not.” “Outstanding requires imbalance—you can't be elite in everything, and that's okay.” “Scared is normal. Stuck is optional. Action is the antidote.” “You can't talk the talk of outstanding while walking the walk of average.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset 01:41: The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Golf and Life 09:36: Raising Standards for Success 14:00: The Comfort of Good Enough vs. Potential 20:13: Honesty and Incongruency in Personal Growth 25:58: The Balance of Being Outstanding vs. Good Enough 34:15: Conclusion and Call to Action

#88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, DECADE creator Scott Fawcett pulls back the curtain on the mental, emotional, and strategic demands of Q-School.  He shares what it really takes to perform when your season—and possibly your career—hangs in the balance, from avoiding over-grinding in the weeks before to keeping composure on the final hole.  Scott draws on decades of playing, caddying, and coaching experience to reveal the routines, mindset shifts, and course management tactics that separate those who earn their status from those who fall short. In this episode, you'll learn… Why over-preparing before Q-School can drain your best performance How to maintain discipline and stick to your strategy under intense pressure Simple course management rules that keep big numbers off your card How to handle the financial and emotional pressures of chasing your card The role meditation and mental training play in sustaining focus over multiple rounds Why caddying can sharpen your decision-making and mental game How to replicate your best habits from great rounds when it matters most Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Scott Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game.  With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores.  His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge. Scott's journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy.  Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here. Connect with Scott on Instagram here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Meditation isn't about no thoughts—it's about catching thought loops before they spiral. Mindset training is learning why you don't do what you know you should; mental game is learning what and how to think. Grinding before a tournament depletes your mental energy—less is more leading up to Q School. Tiger's real edge wasn't just skill—it was discipline, presence, and treating every shot the same. Routine > Novelty: Eat the same lunch, wear the same shirt—save mental energy for where it matters. Every shot must be attacked like your target is the flag—own your discipline and trust the process. Teaching or caddying for others sharpens your own mindset and awareness faster than anything else. Winning isn't about score—it's about growing through process and discipline. Key Quotes: I thought meditation was about having no thoughts—turns out it's about recognizing your thoughts before they own you. If you abandon your strategy because of your score… you've quit. You didn't walk off the course, but you quit. Your work should be done before you get to Q School. If you're not playing great, get your mental energy right. Meditation is like losing 100 pounds without seeing progress for a year—pointless until it suddenly clicks. The best thing I ever did for my game was caddy for Will Zalatoris You don't need more talent. You need more patience, more trust, and more discipline. No NEW-trition on game day. Don't change a damn thing when it's time to perform. Time Stamps: 00:00: Mindset and Meditation: The Journey Begins 02:53: The Power of Thought Patterns 05:43: Meditation in Golf: A Personal Experience 08:39: The Role of Music and Rhythm in Performance 11:40: Mindset vs. Mental Game: Understanding the Difference 14:21: Q School: The Make or Break Experience 17:29: Emotional Dynamics of Competing 20:10: Mental Preparation for Q School 23:05: The Importance of Balance and Rest 26:01: Slowing Down: The Key to Success 28:42: Practice with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity 34:49: The Importance of Pre-Shot Routines 37:18: Navigating Pressure in Golf 40:27: The Role of Money in Golf Careers 45:52: Defining Winning and Success 51:32: Key Advice for Q School Preparation

#87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you. Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines. We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it. In today's episode, you'll learn: Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that's costing you distance, consistency, and recovery The most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don't need to be flexible!) How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilience What “movement modality” really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golf Simple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using today How barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shots A quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injury The surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your game How to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Lauren Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf's online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best.  In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program. Learn more about and connect with Lauren here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awareness Connecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stress Small, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performs Your feet are a key part of your swing—train them! Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep quality Yoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential Key Quotes: I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better. Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side. Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care. You don't always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath. Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers 03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga 06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance 08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga 11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey 14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery 18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga 20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers 30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga 33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice 35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers

#86: [Inside the Mind] Debbie O'Connell: Training Your Mindset (versus Mental Game) and Bringing Your WHOLE-self to the Course In this powerhouse episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by LPGA professional and mindset expert Debbie O'Connell to dive deep into what mindset really means—and how it differs from the mental game of golf. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like you're bringing emotional baggage from life onto the course, this episode will feel like it was made for you. Debbie and I discuss how your subconscious beliefs, emotions, and early life programming shape your identity as a golfer—and how shifting these beliefs can spark massive breakthroughs both on and off the course. From self-sabotage to self-worth, from fear to flow state, we cover it all. In today's episode, you'll learn: The key difference between mental game strategies and true mindset training Why emotional reactions on the course are often rooted in childhood patterns How to unearth and release limiting beliefs that create performance plateaus What it really takes to break through your “internal thermostat” and shoot lower scores How your identity shapes your results—and how to rewrite it The role of flow state, presence, and emotional regulation in consistent performance How golf is a mirror of your life—and how growth in one reflects in the other Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Debbie Want to attend Debbie's three-day live event next month? Text “YES” to 727-339-0106  Then, text “FLOW” for her free flow state eBook.  Debbie is a seasoned media professional, successful entrepreneur and accomplished business leader. She is the host of Audible's 10-lesson series “Game Time Golf Positive.” She has also had multiple appearances on the Golf Channel, and has hosted numerous golf-oriented radio shows as well as the television show “Par Fore the Course.” Debbie is the author of the bestselling book, “Golf Positive! Live Positive!” which offers insight and practical solutions to help one achieve their goals both on and off the golf course. As an advocate for teenage development and self-esteem, Debbie speaks in several local schools teaching skills to improve self-confidence and personal empowerment. Her positive energy and enthusiasm made her an easy choice to be the lead LPGA Professional for the LPGA Leadership Academy, whose mission is to teach teenage girls leadership skills and strategies through the game of golf. Debbie also co-hosted Instructional Golf Days in association with Anthony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” programs. Debbie holds certifications in John Maxwell Speaking, Training, Coaching; Strategic Intervention; DISC Training; and a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with minors in broadcasting and business from Western Kentucky University. Connect with Debbie on her website. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Mindset goes beyond routines. It's not just about pre-shot breathing or staying positive—it's about rewiring how you think, feel, and respond under pressure. You bring your whole self to the course. Your fears, beliefs, and emotional patterns show up in your swing, decision-making, and reactions. Fear drives self-sabotage. Fear of success, fear of failure, and fear of judgment all contribute to rushing, over-trying, and tightening up. Flow state is possible—and trainable. You can learn to access deeper focus and bypass conscious interference, creating effortless, confident swings. The subconscious is irrational. It's like a five-year-old running the show—until you learn to reprogram it. Reactions are patterns. Responses are power. You can train yourself to respond with calm, clarity, and curiosity—even after OB or three-putts. Change your identity, change your score. If you don't believe you're someone who can shoot in the 60s, your subconscious will keep the score higher. Key Quotes: “We bring our whole selves to the game of golf.” “The mental game is a checklist. Mindset is who you become.” “Your subconscious doesn't care if it makes sense. It just wants to protect you.” “The conscious mind is the goal-setter. The subconscious is the goal-getter.” “Golf is just a mirror of your personal development journey.” “You're either in the driver's seat of your life—or blaming someone else from the passenger side.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Energy Exchange 01:09: Understanding the Mental Game of Golf 03:10: The Depth of Mindset in Golf 04:55: Exploring Emotional Connections in Golf 08:18: The Impact of Mindset on Performance 10:28: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change 10:56: The Role of Fear in Personal Growth 14:02: The Importance of Identity in Performance 21:57: Building Mental Toughness 31:53: The Power of Positivity 42:25: Taking Ownership of Your Story

In this solo episode, I break down a common but costly mistake most golfers make: confusing mental game strategies with mindset training.  Though both live between your ears, they are wildly different—and both are required to break through the frustration plateau and play to your full potential. I'll discuss how mental game strategies—like breath work, visualization, and pre-shot routines—are powerful, but only surface-level tools. If your identity is riddled with self-doubt, fear of judgment, or an “I'm not good enough” belief system, no amount of deep breathing can save your scorecard. This episode is packed with real talk, powerful analogies (like club vs. swing and the shattered mindset vase), and a surprising case for the one habit that will skyrocket your mindset faster than anything else: fitness. In this podcast, you'll learn: The key difference between the golf mental game and mindset training Why mental game tactics are necessary but not sufficient How identity-level beliefs sabotage your performance The real reason you skip steps you know you need to take Why knowledge alone isn't power—only action is How exercise is the ultimate mindset training tool Why lasting change requires going beneath the surface Whether you're stuck in a cycle of two steps forward, three steps back—or ready to go beyond surface fixes—this episode will show you exactly what's been missing from your training and how to reclaim control of your results. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Mental game strategies are like clubs—you need the right one for each shot. Mindset training is your swing foundation—if that's broken, no club can help. You can't breathe your way out of a belief that you're not good enough. Dopamine-chasing golf hacks feel productive but keep you stuck. Your subconscious deploys sabotage when success feels unsafe. Lasting change requires addressing the root, not the symptoms. Fitness is the fastest, most effective way to train your mindset daily. Key Quotes: “You can't breathe your way out of a belief system that's been running your life.” “The best pre-shot routine in the world won't fix a fractured identity.” “Mindset training answers the question: Why don't I do what I know I need to do?” “Mental game training is like club selection. Mindset is your swing.” “Reading feels productive—but without action, it's just dopamine.” “Fitness is intentional discomfort—it's the gym where mental toughness is built.” “If you want to expand, you have to expand—starting with how much discomfort you can handle.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Why “Mindset” Matters More Than “Mental Game” 02:25: The Hidden Mistake Keeping You Stuck 04:52: What the Mental Game Really Is 07:09: Mental Game Tactics: Helpful but Limited 09:17: What Mindset Training Actually Targets 10:44: Why You Don't Do What You Know You Should 13:08: Club vs. Swing: A Game-Changing Analogy 15:12: Mind Over Feelings in Life and Golf 18:01: The Dopamine Trap of Mental Game Tips 20:32: Why Affirmations Alone Won't Save You 22:20: How Fear Sabotages You from the Inside 24:18: Using Hypnosis to Rewire Beliefs 26:25: The Vase Analogy: Rebuilding Your Identity 28:36: The #1 Way to Train Your Mindset 29:49: Discomfort Is the Gateway to Growth 32:01: Fit Body, Strong Mind: Why It Matters 34:13: Final Thoughts + Your Next Action Step

#84: [Inside the Mind] Joe Park: Overlooked Fundamentals, Fewer Mistakes, and More Intentionality on the Range (and Course) In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by elite swing coach Joe Park to demystify the path to a consistent, efficient, and powerful golf swing. Joe shares lessons from his decades of coaching—from helping high handicappers break 90 to training his sons as they pursue the PGA Tour. You'll hear how small changes to grip, tempo, and practice structure can completely transform your swing—and why you must practice to forget. Joe breaks down his five golf swing fundamentals, explains why most golfers fail by chasing complexity, and outlines how to design and forge a swing that holds up under pressure. This episode blends mechanics, mindset, and the subtle art of self-coaching in a way that will resonate with golfers of all levels. In today's episode, you'll learn: The five core fundamentals Joe Park teaches to build a repeatable, powerful swing. Why grip is the most overlooked yet essential element in fixing slices and shaping shots. How to practice with intention by exaggerating drills to create long-lasting improvements. The key differences between single-digit handicaps and scratch players — and how to bridge the gap. Why “swing faster” might be the most underrated advice for gaining distance. How to balance mechanics and mindset for lasting results on the course. What most golfers get wrong on the range — and how to finally take your “range game” to the course. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Joe Joe is a Master Teaching Pro with over 30 years of experience helping golfers better understand their golf swing through science, physics, and better thinking. Located in Scottsdale Arizona, Joe moved w/ his family from Minnesota so that their two sons Bobby and Joey Park could play and practice in warmer weather. They turned pro here at just 15 and 17 years old at the..WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN PRE QUALIFIER and eight years later are still chasing the dream of the PGA Tour and heading to Qschool this year.  Learn more about Joe and get his newly released eBook, “Five Fundamentals: How To Make A Golf Swing” here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: A good grip isn't natural — it's learned. Get it right, and you instantly solve 80% of your ball flight issues. Joe's “Five Fundamentals” begin with grip and move through takeaway, transition, impact, and follow-through. Most golfers swing too slowly in the backswing, leading to rushed transitions and reduced power. You can't practice mechanics and performance under pressure at the same time. Structure practice around exaggeration then application. Self-awareness and honest feedback are non-negotiable if you want to improve. Distance is simple: swing faster — and give yourself permission to do so. Golfers must learn to be less risky on the course. Play smart. Avoid blow-up holes. Key Quotes: “Fundamentals never go out of style.” “We practice to forget.” “Intentional exaggeration is what changes your baseline.” “A slinky doesn't snap unless it's been stretched.” “You don't need more shots — you need fewer mistakes.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Joe Park's Golf Journey 03:10: The Five Fundamentals of Golf 06:04: Understanding the Golf Swing Mechanics 08:58: The Importance of Mental Game in Golf 11:59: Transitioning from Amateur to Professional 15:10: Mastering the Short Game 18:02: The Path to Becoming a Scratch Golfer 21:01: Developing a Pre-Shot Routine 24:00: Drills and Practice Techniques 26:57: Final Thoughts on Golf Mastery 31:00: The Art of Intentional Practice 34:08: Embracing Discomfort for Growth 36:53: Balancing Mechanics and Mindset 41:04: The Importance of a Structured Approach 44:59: Finding the Right Coach 50:00: Risk Management in Golf and Life

In today's episode, I get raw and unfiltered about the last 90 days of my mission to lower my handicap to a 5.0.  I'll share the mindset evolutions, swing changes, and deliberate practice that have fueled my progress—and the mental battles that nearly derailed it. I'll open up about embracing the darker side of performance, using frustration and anger as fuel, and challenging the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as golfers. Plus, you'll hear about exciting upcoming guests and why true transformation requires killing off the old version of yourself. In this podcast, you'll learn: How to use deliberate practice to create breakthrough improvements Why confronting the dark side of your mindset can unlock new performance levels The role of identity shifts in sustaining progress How fitness and exercise build mental resilience Strategies to stay present when you start a round hot Why “creating fuel from nothing” can give you a competitive edge The importance of embracing discomfort to accelerate your growth If you're tired of surface-level pep talks and ready to confront what's really holding you back, this episode will challenge you to dig deeper, play bolder, and evolve faster. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: The stories you tell yourself about why you play—fun, camaraderie, no expectations—can become convenient excuses that hold you back from real growth. Reconnecting with your competitive fire and embracing your “dark side” can be the catalyst to break through plateaus and fuel consistent focus. Identity transformation isn't optional; you must let go of old patterns and self-perceptions to unlock the next level of performance. Structured, deliberate practice—short game reps, pre-shot routine work, and focused time under tension—creates the foundation for sustainable improvement. Overconfidence and mental time travel after early success in a round often lead to mistakes; learning to stay present shot by shot is crucial. Your fitness routine is a training ground for mental resilience—building the discipline to confront discomfort in the gym directly translates to composure on the course. Creating internal narratives, rivalries, and micro-competitions can sharpen your edge and help you maintain a higher level of intensity and accountability. Key Quotes: “You can't change unless you change.” “To achieve the light, you have to be able to handle the darkness.” “Winning is so addictive—and I'm finally giving myself permission to crave it again.” “Reps on reps on reps. That's how you rewire your identity.” “Fitness is the gateway to mental toughness. You can't build grit without confronting discomfort.” “I had to kill the Q1 version of me to evolve into the Q2 version—and I'll do it again.” “What you're doing now isn't working. If you want to change, you need to change.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Updates 02:49: Reflections on Personal Growth and Mindset 05:40: The Journey of Q2: Performance and Challenges 08:45: Mindset Evolution and Competitive Spirit 11:24: Technical Adjustments and Coaching Changes 14:24: Equipment Upgrades and Fitness Regimen 17:08: Looking Ahead: Goals for Q3

#84: [Inside the Mind] Josh Nichols: Golf Burnout, The Value of Coaching, and Building Mental Toughness on the Course In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined once again by mental game coach and friend, Josh Nichols, for a deep and powerful conversation on the emotional and mental toll competitive golf can take—and how to overcome it. Josh opens up about the burnout he experienced during the peak of his competitive career, the pivotal mindset shift that helped him release control, and why the addition of one important relationship completely changed how he viewed golf—and life.  We explore the roots of golf burnout, the dangers of mismanaged expectations, and how learning to “see things as they are” is the gateway to emotional resiliency and freedom on the course. In today's episode, you'll learn: What golf burnout really looks and feels like—and how to spot the signs early Why “letting go” is one of the most powerful performance enhancers The true meaning of mental toughness (and what it's not) How focusing on the wrong metrics keeps you stuck and frustrated The role of coaching in creating clarity, saving energy, and accelerating growth How to build mindfulness into your day without a 60-minute ritual The danger of letting one hole define your entire round If you've been pushing, forcing, and death-gripping your game into submission with little to show for it, this conversation is for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Josh Nichols Josh Nichols is a Golf Psychology Coach, and has been playing competitive amateur golfer for over 20 years. Josh run's his own business, Foundations Mental Performance, where he works with individuals all over the world on their golf psychology as a way to help them play better golf and get more enjoyment out of the game. Host of The Mental Golf Show Author of The Mental Regrip Newsletter Twitter/X: @joshlukenichols Instagram: joshlukenichols Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Golf burnout stems from repeatedly falling short of unrealistic expectations. Adding meaningful relationships can bring balance and unexpectedly improve your game. Letting go of control frees up the energy and mindset needed to perform at your best. Most golfers wait too long to hire a coach—and pay for it in time, energy, and results. True mental toughness means staying neutral and grounded when chaos arises. The need to start strong often leads to unnecessary pressure and energy drain. Mindfulness doesn't require an hour—just five intentional minutes and presence throughout your day. Key Quotes: “As you let go, you're more okay to let the game go—while you're playing better.” “Burnout is not meeting your expectations over and over again.” “You're not working on golf psychology—you're working on yourself.” “Blind optimism is not toughness. Acceptance of reality is.” “Hiring a coach frees you up to do your best work—and shortens your timeline to success.” “The word ‘need' always hides fear behind it.” “See things as they are—that's the mindset that grounds everything.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Background 03:12: The Psychology of Golf and Coaching Philosophy 06:10: The Importance of Balance in Life and Golf 08:52: Understanding Golf Burnout 11:57: The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Challenges 15:00: The Impact of Relationships on Performance 18:07: Proactive vs. Reactive Coaching Decisions 24:06: The Value of Expert Guidance 27:02: Understanding Mental Toughness 30:35: The Importance of Focus 32:57: Mindfulness Practices for Golfers 38:18: Common Mental Mistakes in Golf 44:18: Seeing Things as They Are

Fear is the most common force keeping golfers—and people—stuck.  But here's the truth: you're not actually afraid of missing the putt, chunking the chip, or topping your drive.  You're afraid of what it means about you.  Of being judged.  Rejected.  No longer welcome.  In this solo episode, I break down the hidden cost of living in fear and the subtle yet life-changing difference between feeling scared and being fearful. I also discuss timeless wisdom from the Stoics, actionable tools to diffuse fear, and a powerful exercise to help you move forward, on and off the course. In this episode, you'll learn… Why “fear” is a survival state—and why it's keeping you stuck The difference between being scared and being afraid The 3 primal fears that still drive modern-day self-sabotage How fear hijacks your imagination and narrows your focus Why standing out—even in a Saturday foursome—can trigger intense fear How to use action as a tool to break free from fear's grip What Tim Ferriss' “Fear-Setting” exercise can teach you about worst-case scenarios Get your pencils ready and start listening.  Resources Mentioned: Dissecting Fear: Understanding the Invisible Force That Shapes Your Game Nerves or Readiness? How to Reframe Your Body's Physical Reaction on (and off) the Golf Course 1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Fear is a state of being; scared is a temporary emotion. Understanding this distinction can unlock courageous action. All fear traces back to three primal drivers: judgment, abandonment, and rejection. Fear hijacks your nervous system and narrows your focus to the worst-case scenario. You don't fear the shot—you fear what it might mean about your worth or belonging. Action is the antidote to fear—it interrupts paralysis and builds self-trust. Avoiding fear feels safe, but it keeps you stuck and drains your energy. Hypnotherapy can help uncover and release the root causes of irrational fear. Key Quotes: “Be scared. You can't help that. But don't be afraid.” – William Faulkner “Fear is a choice. It does not serve you.” “Feeling scared is normal—it means you care.” “Golf is a mirror of your personal development journey.” “Standing out is scary because it threatens your sense of belonging.” “Suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca “Avoiding fear keeps you safe. Leaning into fear helps you grow.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Fear: The Core of Our Challenges 08:14: Types of Fear: The Fear Jar Explained 14:34: The Cost of Fear: Stagnation vs. Growth 23:04: Action Over Fear: Strategies for Overcoming 28:49: Conclusion: Embracing Fear for Personal Growth

#80: [Inside the Mind] Shaun Diachkoff: Get Golf Strong, Hit More Bombs, and Conquer Chronic Low-Back Pain In this high-energy and value-packed episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Shaun Diachkoff, founder of Fairway Performance, to dive deep into how golf-specific fitness transforms not just your physical game, but your mental edge as well. Shaun's background in the Australian military, paired with his deep experience in strength and conditioning, offers a no-BS, high-accountability approach to training that's rooted in discipline, structure, and personalization.  In today's episode, you'll learn: How discipline and daily structure from Shaun's military background translate to golf and business success The difference between mobility, flexibility, and stability—and why most golfers get it wrong What golf fitness really means, and how to tailor your workouts to your specific swing, body type, and performance goals Why strength is your ultimate insurance policy against injury The critical importance of power and speed training—and how to implement them safely and effectively How better fitness directly fuels your mental stamina, clarity, and confidence during every round Whether you're recovering from injury, struggling to break 80, or want to future-proof your body for decades of better golf, this episode lays out the exact roadmap to do so. Shaun delivers clear, actionable insight on how to train smarter, not harder—and how your body is your greatest golf asset when properly trained. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Shaun Shaun is a golf fitness coach with over 15 years of personal training experience, including nearly a decade as a gym owner and the past five years specialising in coaching golfers. He believes in assessing, not guessing, to create personalised programs tailored to each golfer's unique needs and goals.  His expertise lies in improving strength, mobility, and performance on the course, helping clients eliminate back pain, hit longer drives, and build consistent training habits. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Shaun delivers results by cutting through the fluff and focusing on what works so clients spend the least amount of time in the gym possible for the best results on course! Work with Shaun Follow Shaun on Instagram - @shaun.diachkoff  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Discipline creates identity. Shaun shares how military habits like structure and routine create consistency, build momentum, and ultimately forge a new identity—on or off the course. Mobility vs. flexibility. Know the difference. Flexibility is muscle length. Mobility is joint function. Most golfers confuse the two. Stability is strength. You can't build power without stability. Unilateral work like split squats and lunges balances your body and reduces swing faults. Power vs. speed training. Power is potential. Speed is expression. Both require different protocols in the gym—and both matter to golf. Low back pain? Look elsewhere. Most back pain isn't from the back itself—it's a consequence of limited mobility in the hips or thoracic spine. Fitness fuels mental energy. A fitter body reduces fatigue, improves focus, and boosts resilience—so you don't fall apart late in your round. Key Quotes: What was once impossible becomes inevitable. Small hinges swing big doors. Fitness is the gateway to personal development. Stability is strength. And strength is injury prevention. You can't outscore your body. Time Stamps: 00:00 The Impact of Military Discipline on Life 02:57 Building Momentum Through Daily Habits 06:02 The Importance of Morning Routines 09:00 Understanding Golf Fitness 12:02 Common Misconceptions in Golf Training 14:58 The Role of Mobility, Flexibility, and Stability 17:50 The Connection Between Fitness and Golf Performance 26:50 Balancing Strength and Stability in Golf 32:51 The Importance of Mobility and Range of Motion 33:11 Understanding Speed vs. Power Training 40:14 Mental Benefits of Speed and Power Training 45:17 Addressing Chronic Back Pain in Golfers

#82: [Inside the Mind] Steven Yellin: Get Out of Swing Prison and Stop Violating the Rule Bank for an Effective, Repeatable Swing In this powerful and enlightening episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by Steven Yellin, creator of the Fluid Motion Factor and one of the leading voices in understanding the neuroscience of performance in golf.  Together, we dive deep into the mind-body connection, the neurophysiological conditions required for a fluid golf swing, and why most golfers unknowingly sabotage their own performance—especially when it matters most. In today's episode, you'll learn: Why your prefrontal cortex (the CEO of your brain) needs to go offline during the swing What it really means to have a quiet mind before pulling the trigger How to check your “threshold of wholeness” with a simple shoulder test The truth about consistency and how to stop recreating what you already own What the “rules of the bank” are—and how violating them leads to inconsistent performance How to train like a pro by focusing on quality of space, not quantity of reps How the depth of your thoughts determines access to the body's deepest intelligence Whether you're an elite amateur or a weekend warrior, this episode will radically reshape how you think about practice, performance, and pressure. Steven's insights are a masterclass in mastering the mind-body connection and unlocking the swing you already have—on command. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Steven Steve Yellin is a renowned golf instructor, author, and the creator of the Fluid Motion Factor, a revolutionary approach to optimizing performance in golf and other sports. With a background in both competitive golf and deep studies into the mechanics of peak performance, Yellin's work bridges the gap between technical training and the ability to access one's best swing under pressure. His Fluid Motion Factor system has helped elite golfers, including PGA and LPGA Tour players, unlock their natural ability by eliminating interference in their mind-body connection. Instead of relying on mechanical swing thoughts, Yellin teaches golfers how to tap into a fluid state of motion, leading to greater consistency and confidence on the course. Purchase his book, “Simplicity: The Fluid Motion Factor Program” Follow Steven on Instagram - @steven_yellin Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: The quality of the space before the swing determines the quality of the swing. You're not broken—you're just violating the rules of the bank. Wholeness is a threshold state of mind where motion flows without interference. You don't need new swing thoughts—you need a new relationship with the ones you already have. Practicing the swing isn't as powerful as practicing access to your best swings. Key Quotes: You're not recreating the swing—you're trying to access what you already own. When the prefrontal cortex goes offline, the swing goes online. Do less. The most powerful message I can give any golfer. It's not what you're thinking. It's how you're thinking it. Fear is the killer in a golf swing. Time Stamps: 00:00 Understanding the Golf Swing Mechanics 03:06 Achieving a Quiet Mind for Fluid Motion 07:26 Accessing Muscle Memory and Wholeness 13:33 Quality of Space Before the Swing 20:41 The Role of Experience and Fear in Performance 24:08 Mind-Body Connection in Golf 31:50 Maintaining Consistency During a Round 39:18 Building a Strong Foundation for Improvement 42:06 The Power of Simplicity in Golf

#78: [Inside the Mind] Justin Tang: Acceptance, Surrender, and Consuming the Right Thoughts Today, I'm joined by Justin Tang - one of THE distinguished golf instructors you should be following and learning from. In today's episode, you'll learn: How elite golfers cultivate focus, confidence, and a mastery mindset. Why acceptance and emotional flexibility are key to playing your best. How peripheral vision affects brain waves and performance. Why most golfers practice the wrong way—and how to fix it. The one-ball challenge—a mental toughness test that will change how you play. How to detach from expectations and emotional reactions on the course. Why playing golf should be a celebration of relationships and experiences. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Justin Justin Tang is a distinguished golf instructor based in Singapore, renowned for his holistic approach to golf coaching that integrates technical proficiency with mental and physical conditioning.  He began his professional teaching career in 2005 at Keppel Club, Singapore's oldest golf course, and currently serves as a club professional at Tanah Merah Country Club, one of Singapore's premier golf establishments. He's also the co-host of The Flag Hunters Podcast with our good friend Jesse Perryman. Learn more about Justin here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Swing: The mental game isn't optional. It's the foundation for success. What You Consume Shapes Your Thoughts: Social media, negativity, and poor influences affect your game more than you realize. Practice Must Simulate Pressure: If your practice isn't harder than competition, you're not preparing properly. Detach from Outcomes, Stay Present: Golf is unpredictable—accept it, embrace it, and play freely. Success is Built on Objectivity, Not Emotion: Learn to evaluate your shots with facts, not feelings. Play More, Practice Smarter: A perfect swing isn't the answer—playing in real conditions builds skill and adaptability. Your Why Matters More Than Your How: Understand why you play, and your path to success becomes clearer. Key Quotes: "You think the thoughts you consume—be careful what you feed your mind."  "The best players don't beat themselves; they stay present, focused, and in control."  "To gain control, you have to lose control. You can't force success."  "Every round has setbacks. The difference between great and average players is how they respond."  "Golf is not black and white—it's 50 shades of green."  "The scorecard only has a box for a number, not a narrative. Stop trying to control the story."  "The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war."  Time Stamps: 00:00 The Power of Early Mornings 02:57 Introspection Amidst Chaos 05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Focus 08:56 Understanding Self 1 and Self 2 11:58 The Journey of Continuous Learning 14:57 Embracing Challenges with Curiosity 18:04 The Importance of Acceptance in Golf 20:56 Practicing Mindset for Performance 23:54 Training for Real-World Scenarios 31:07 The Commonality Among Tour Golfers 34:43 The Mental Game of Golf 37:24 Surrendering to the Process 40:10 Objective Evaluation of Performance 42:50 The Joy of Golf and Relationships 46:55 The Balance of Practice and Play

In this solo episode, I discuss how unaddressed emotional energy leaks quietly sabotage your golf game—and your life. Using a powerful analogy of driving with a leaky fuel tank, I'll help you connect the dots between repressed emotions, mental fatigue, poor performance, and inconsistent results. In this episode, you'll learn... Why repressed emotions like guilt, shame, and frustration silently drain your energy The difference between small vs. large and conscious vs. unconscious energy leaks How poor energy management prevents habit formation and consistent play Why vague effort and indecision are subtle but costly forms of sabotage What your body and performance are telling you about your emotional state How breathwork, journaling, and hypnosis help release stored emotional tension Why managing your energy is the foundation for success in golf—and in life Get your pencils ready and start listening.  Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. 1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you're serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Emotion is energy in motion; repressed emotions silently drain your fuel tank before you even reach the first tee. You can't outperform your energetic budget—when you're depleted, you fall back on old habits, not rise to your goals. Small energy leaks (like skipping warmups or doom scrolling) compound into massive performance drops over time. Large emotional leaks stem from unresolved trauma, guilt, grief, or shame that often go unnoticed but massively impact performance. Most golfers don't lack information—they lack energy and emotional regulation to follow through. Behavior change and habit formation require a large upfront energy investment—impossible when you're already drained. Protecting your energy isn't optional—it's the foundation for becoming the golfer and person you're capable of being. Key Quotes: “Emotion is energy in motion. And if you don't process it, it doesn't disappear—it just quietly drains you.” “You don't have a mindset problem. You have an energy problem.” “When you're running on empty, you don't rise to the occasion—you fall back to your habits.” “Lack of intentionality and unresolved emotion are two of the biggest fuel leaks in your game and your life.” “The version of you that plays to your potential needs energy to come online. Protect your energy like your life depends on it.” Time Stamps: 00:00: The Energy Leak Analogy 05:02: Understanding Emotional Energy 10:05: The Impact of Repressed Emotions 14:49: Identifying Energy Leaks 20:00: Strategies for Energy Management 25:03: The Importance of Intentionality 30:05: Conclusion and Call to Action