I mention "self-talk" as often as possible in my articles because there is a direct connection between what you think and what you experience. Nowhere is this more evident than in the game of golf. A commonly repeated scenario is one where you think about the disastrous consequences of a shot and then experience just that.

Thoughts and words have the potential to create the experience you desire, as well as the one you wish to avoid. If you are experiencing a bit too much of what you wish to avoid, the first thing I would suggest is that you examine your "self-talk." There will always be a conversation going on in your head about you and your game. By consciously guiding its direction, you can dramatically alter your results. Here are three things you can do to put your "self-talk" on the right track.

First, pay attention to your "self-talk." Become aware of what you think and say as you play. You want to discover whether the direction of your "self-talk" is supportive or unsupportive of the intentions you have for each effort, because golf is played one shot at a time. Negative "self-talk" quietly sabotages your game without your even knowing it.

The second thing you want to do is to use your awareness to catch yourself in mid-sentence when you find yourself thinking self-defeating thoughts like, "I always have trouble making putts this long," or "I always screw up my tee shot, " or my personal favorite: "I don't play this game very well." Nothing is the way it is unless you say so. If you are to play to your potential, the mind and body must work together in this game. If you do nothing else, stop thinking and saying negative things about yourself.

And third, think optimistically. Golf involves two kinds of recovery; a "physical recovery" from a shot or putt that went awry and a "mental recovery" from the knowledge that you've messed up. Your "self-talk" must reflect the thought that a miracle is just around the corner, and it will happen if you believe it to be so. This attitude is vital to becoming a better player.

Becoming aware of your "self-talk" can be an incredible tool for improving your level of play, so be keenly aware of what you are thinking even before you arrive at the first tee. Positive "self-talk" will have you experience a completely different level of play -- one step at a time.