11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Inner Game of Successful Life and Golf, Too, July 29, 2000
If you are not a golfer, I recommend you skip this book. The parable depends on experiences that golfers have all the time, but that may be hard for nongolfers to appreciate.
If you are a golfer, read on. I rated this book a five star for you.
The basic lesson of this book is that success depends on proper physical and mental preparation. The advice on mental preparation is very helpful for golf, and should work well in general life.
Basically, the story revolves around a physically talented 30 year old golf pro at a country club. He thinks his life is over because he has not made the tour, has just been kicked out by his girl friend for not making a commitment, and sees no future except giving lessons and selling balls.
That night, he drinks a bit too much and totals his car while trying to stop to avoid crashing into a limo. The millionaire saves him from a fiery death and takes him home. The next day, they play golf. The millionaire finds ways to put the pressure on the pro to see why he isn't achieving his dream of being on the tour. Large bets to make 3 foot putts leave the pro unnerved, but $11,000 richer. The millionaire also loans the pro $25,000 and a Ferrari so he can try to qualify for the U.S. Open. You'll have to read the rest of the story for yourself, because to tell you any more would spoil the parable for you.
I can certainly share some of the key lessons. Most of us practice our golf and for our important life activities as though nothing is on the line. So we get better physically, but are mentally unprepared for the challenges of pressure situations. When these arise, our emotions and minds take charge and we perform poorly. You should instead practice like every shot or action is for winning the U.S. Open. Then when you actually play, or do your life activities, pretend like you are practicing (to relieve the pressure).
Whenever you start to have a negative thought (like I'm going to hit a lousy shot, or don't hit into the trees), stop before swinging or acting. Replace that thought with an image of the perfect shot following the perfect swing. The mental process of Jack Nicklaus is described as a model. Basically, you are building self-confidence. Self-talk is also prescribed.
The book also speaks of spiritual laws. One is to learn to love golf (and life) regardless of what happens. One way to do this is to live more fully in the moment. This means ignoring your bad shot that you just hit (other than to learn the lesson from what you did wrong mentally or physically to hit it poorly), or even the great one you hit. The book points out that you can be so pleased with your great drive (your last accomplishment) that you fail to focus on finishing your task -- scoring well on the hole. So you can now see how golf is used to show how self-confidence has to be combined with perserverance to get great results.
Although I have focused on the golf part of the story in this review, there's a lot in the book about love (of self, the opposite sex, for parents, for children, and for all humanity).
Overcome your stalled thinking about how to accomplish what you want out of life (and golf) with this excellent book!
Donald Mitchell
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
IF YOU WANT TO BE THE PERSON YOU HAVE DREAMED OF BECOMING, June 29, 2000
By A Customer
Ok, let's stop complaning about our failures and start doing something about becoming successful. This book gives us the insight to become what we truly choose to be. Through it's unique story it can show anyone how to shoot for the stars and reach them. As we all know success does not come easily, but it is there for anyone who seeks it. After reading this book, i would ask that the reader rededicate their self to success. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone wanting a new life.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
READ THIS AND HIT YOU TARGET!, November 30, 1998
By A Customer
Hey I am not ashame to admit it .. I am my own best friend.
Before every act there is a thought. Good thoughts yield perfect shots. As you think so shall you perform. Great story .. About an older and wiser man and a 'ready to learn' younger man. Not only does the wise millionaire bring out the 'brillant golfer from within' he triggers the young mans 'character' to give, to love and to 'walk his talk.' Love .. and one's readiness for love is the millionaires passionate message. The old man lights up the younger man and the younger man lights up a child's world. Metaphycially, ingenious while serving and dealing with each like type person within the reader. Ten fingers up for this one! If you love golf and would enjoy a good tune-up then this book is for you. The 'best golf tip' is to 'love the game' while you play. Hard to put down once you begin.
Also recommended: As a Man Thinketh - by John Allen
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