In order to become more skilled at anything, there is an unavoidable process you will go through on your path to experiencing self development and improvement
You will go through 4 stages of learning on your journey to success, be it in golf or otherwise:
Stage 1. Unconscious and incompetent
Stage 2. Conscious and incompetent
Stage 3. Conscious and competent
Stage 4. Unconscious and competent
WAIT, HOLD ON!
Before you think that all sounds too difficult and complicated, let me break down this process, which possibly looks a bit daunting at an initial glance. But it’s actually quite simple once it’s explained
(Simple…..not easy)
Stage 1 refers to the initial outset of trying to do well at a task. This is where a person isn’t really sure what they’re doing, probably isn’t aware of just how much they are actually struggling and much less has any idea of how to go about making what they’re doing any better
In stage 2, a person becomes aware of what they’re doing wrong but still at this moment in time aren’t actually seeing any tangible progress as of yet. This is still however a key part of their journey because this newly gained awareness brings with it the catalyst as to how they can make some serious inroads towards getting their golf game to start to trend in the right direction
Stage 3 sees the person as they were in stage 2, in that they are aware of what they need to do to perform well, but in this stage now they are actually able to do it!! However, they have to consciously think about exactly what they are doing, in order to perform the task successfully (you can now hopefully see how this process can pertain to getting good at any skill, it may even sound familiar to how you felt when you were first getting the hang of learning how to drive a car)
Stage 4 is the final learning phase in which the individual is now able to perform a task on auto pilot without the need to obsess over all the specifics of what needs to happen to ensure success. In golfing terms, the player is now at a stage where they can address the ball, aim at their target and execute the shot successfully without the need for a heap of overwhelming swing thoughts running rampant through their mind of how to hit the ball
Depending on how good a person wishes to become at something, they may need to go through this entire process several times. But each time they do so, they are continually climbing the skill acquisition ladder. Each time gaining in experience, clarity and further developing their skillsets to bigger, better and higher levels of competency
The speed of which a person goes through this improvement process will vary from individual to individual. It will depend on various factors such as what a person’s starting point is, what their ultimate end goal is and how much time and effort they are prepared and able to devote to it
As stated above, this process once outlined is simple. But, far from easy to navigate through. Especially if a person is trying to do so on their own accord
This is where a person ideally has someone in their corner guiding them, providing clarity at pivotal moments throughout the learning process and re-directing the individuals energy and focus whenever they begin to stray off task
This is where a person either has a mentor that they can rely on and trust to take them along this 4 stage process…..or alternatively they are going solo in their pursuit of progress, attempting to overcome all of the various adversities that are guaranteed to come there way by going down the route of attempting self-diagnoses & self-correction to their golfing issues.
Are you thinking seriously about improving your game? Do you wish to receive as close to instant feedback on your practice sessions as possible to accelerate your development process? Contact Seán.
In-Person coaching is provided at The SMG Studio (Kilcock), The Halpenny Golf Driving Range (beside Dublin airport) and Online Coaching via Skillest as per links below:
Seán Marks PGA Professional
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