Want Your Business to Succeed? Take a Page from Phil Mickelson’s Playbook.
Phil Mickelson became the oldest golfer (he’ll be 51 in June) to win a major on Sunday, not only making history but ending his dry run. It had been 8 years since his last major victory. How did he do it? Here are five (not so) easy steps to being a champion.
Hard work – Keep at it. Keep doing what you do. And if you’re not doing it well, get help. When Phil’s swing wasn’t working, he hired a swing coach. If Phil, who was once the #2 golfer in the world, can ask for help so can you. Where can your business use a little coaching?
Perseverance – Never give up. People told him he was too old. He put his head down and continued to work harder. He missed the cut; he came up short. He analyzed his game and just kept on playing. You’ve heard “no” a thousand times, but there’s a “yes” out there.
Focus – Few of us are in a business where your every move is watched and critiqued. Where you are being yelled at from crowds (either encouragingly or not.) And golf is as much mental as it is physical. Phil admitted he was getting distracted and so took up meditation. It helped him focus on each shot – to clear his mind and picture what he needed to do. What distractions are derailing you? What can you do to get a clear vision of success?
Gratitude – Phil is an incredible athlete who has stood the test of time. But in every win, he thanks the people who got him there – from family to coaches, caddies, even to his competition, who push him to try harder and play better. Who is making you better? Thank them!
Passion – They say when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. Phil loves golf. And he pictured himself a champion once again. You are never too old to dream. Are you doing something you are passionate about?
Golf teaches us a lot of life lessons (for me it’s humility!) But when you see an athlete like Phil Mickelson make a comeback like this – against all odds – and restore his brand after many years of oh-so-close, you need to really study the Phil Mickelson playbook. Take one page or all of them and start your path to becoming a champion too.
