Dear Happy Asses,
It is no secret that I love golf, and I am not really that good at it yet. I crack up when people say to me, “You must be good by now.” Insert lots of groans and laughter as my response.
I many times think, why in the world do I love something so much that I am clearly not good at? Why am I not any better after these last few years? All those things running through my head, but if I look — and if I am honest — I know the answer, and perhaps you do too. Maybe it’s not golf, but it’s your job, or your life, or any sport that you may pursue.
It’s always in the basics. And in golf, there are many basics — and they are typically all the same. Different techniques, different instructors, but all the same. Your grip, your stance, and repetition and practice — lots of practice. Lots of doing the same thing over and over!!!
So if I answer honestly to the questions that I am asked — and that I ask myself — then I will tell you that I do not practice!!! I do not have a routine. I expect to show up and put on a darling outfit (mind you, that is very important). Not sure why they don’t talk about that more, but I digress.
I want to be able to play golf like people who have practiced and focused on the basics and have trained their minds and their bodies for the sport. I want to do the fun part without the work part. Turns out, just like in real life, that does not yield good results.
So let’s talk about Kobe Bryant. I think you all have heard him used as an example for the relentless pursuit of excellence through hard work and repetition of the basics that we tire of really quickly. This is true in EVERY sport and EVERY profession, so insert what you want more of in your life and this will apply. By the way, I am speaking the loudest to myself.
So the story goes: Allan Stein Jr. tells the story of working with Kobe back in 2007, and although the world has changed in dramatic fashion since then, these truths have been holding true since the beginning of time. I don’t think even AI can replace this truth.
Most everyone knew that Kobe had a relentless obsession with consistent commitment to the fundamentals of his sport. He went to the gym at 3:30 a.m. because he knew that to have an edge he must work harder than his competition. He knew and believed and lived that working on the fundamentals was the foundation of what everything else was built upon.
Allan asked Kobe, “You’re the best player in the world. Why are you working on such basic skills?”
Kobe replied, “Why do you think I am the best player in the world? Because I never get bored with the basics.”
I think we as humans believe that once we have been doing something for a while, we forget what got us there in the first place. We think there is a better and more secret formula. There is a new program we can buy, a way to pay for leads that circumvents the tried and true basics of an excellent mindset, follow-through, and yes, the boring basics.
Relentless pursuit of the basics. Repeating them, loving them, honoring them, and honoring and encouraging each other.
If you are struggling in your life or your business — and to be honest, it is usually both — typically how we do anything is how we do everything. When I learn to pay attention to the details and the basics of my life, it seems to pour into all areas of my life.
So please join me in falling in love with the basics. I promise you will be glad you did. I am hoping that my attention to the basics will allow me to enjoy a sport I love and remember that when I apply the principle of relentless and passionate pursuit of the basics, it is anything but boring — and I can take others with me.
Grateful,
Karen
P.S. At Beachy Beach we love the Ninja method, which is selling without selling!!! It teaches us some great basics of behavior and creating value in the lives of others. Hmmm… if there were only a Ninja golf instructor!!!
