Lessons Learned From Top Golf

One can say I am competitive by nature.  As an athlete, I took a loss pretty hard. As a Cardinals fan, well, I have had to learn how to accept an “L” more times than I would like.
So, when the HMA team gathered at Top Golf to support Subway Kids & Sports, you can imagine I went in with a full-force, laser-focused, must-win attitude.
However, that all changed when I walked in the door. I was instantly reminded that I was not there to compete.  I was there to have fun. I was there to bond with my colleagues. I was there to support a charity.
And it reminded me of a couple other lessons to:
It doesn’t always have to look good as long as it gets the job done
Guess what my swift golf swing got me?! Nothing.  Despite a good shot, I was nowhere near the targets.  Then I take a look around and there are people, consistently hitting targets, who appear to have hardly taken a golf swing in their life. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you get the job done, as long as it gets done. It may not always look good, but who really cares in the end.
Keep your head down
Distractions are all around us. When you really want something, remember to keep your head down and stay focused. Eyes on the prize, my friends.
Always have a target in mind
Always be on the lookout for your next goal. Always know where you are headed and where you want to end up.
Celebrate and encourage others
Sometimes it’s nice to have a bit of affirmation when we have done something well.  Be sure to open your eyes to those around you and acknowledge their accomplishments too.
Give yourself a break once in awhile
Give yourself permission to take a break once in a while—especially when you are feeling defeated or frustrated.  Regroup and get back out there.
Smaller successes still count
We all want to aim for the fences. And sometimes we get so focused on the bigger goal, that we forget the smaller (still important) ones we have already accomplished.
When something isn’t working anymore, try something new
Things change, that doesn’t mean you failed.  Life is always full of twists and turns, sometimes you need to adapt and get a little creative.