Wyndham Clark Found It – Can You?

Cherish it if you ever get there

It’s very elusive and, for some, even impossible to attain. Have you ever wondered what separates the greats from the rest of us? It’s The Zone! I have found that locale when speaking at a clinic and writing about whatever; not to say I’m great in those settings, but my focus is there — in the moment. However, finding the zone is a different galaxy when it comes to the sports arena. The physical nature of sports, which means having reliable “ABCs” when the pressure is greatest, adds a new dimension and one that is a space, far, far away for most.

I’ve had this discussion many times, and inevitably I tee someone off because they think I’m downplaying the mental side of sports. I know it’s critical, but does the psychological or physical game determine success? In answer to that, I side with the physical by saying, “Give me the correct swing, and I will take my chances with my mental state.” Of course, that philosophy flips when discussing high-level sports, when players have perfected the fundamentals. At that point, the mind is dominant, and Yogi Berra knew it when he said, “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.”

Perhaps it’s a chicken or egg debate, because the mind without the physical usually leads to failure. The thing is, I can’t “will” something to happen without first having the correct fundamentals. Of course, it matters that I am 100% focused and confident but take my golf swing, for example, please. I joke, but it’s just that the mental game is not enough for me to win the U.S. Open golf championship or even “will” the ball into the hole at my local golf course. The zone may arrive for a hole or two, but my swing mechanics eliminate it soon after it comes. When writing or speaking, I trust my knowledge and preparation, but despite being an eternal optimist, my mechanical flaws take me out of the high cognitive atmosphere in sports.  

Congratulations Wyndham Clark

I was thinking of the zone yesterday when watching Wyndham Clark win Golf’s U.S. Open. Clark pulled off some miraculous shots under the most intense pressure that only one in the zone could manage. Afterward, he mentioned that although it may have seemed like the wheels were coming off the rails at some points, he felt calm and never felt he was losing the edge – that is the zone – nothing deters one from 100% focus. But to my point, he could only get in the zone with superb golf swing mechanics, made possible after years of practicing them. He found the winner’s heavenly zone when he added the mental game.

I think we all can agree that it takes impeccable fundamentals and mentality to create magic.  So, what is this place - The Zone?  The zone is hard to describe because you are often unaware of its presence – which is precisely the point. The ability to function without distraction, primarily negating the “How to” thoughts. It just happens. The zone involves blocking out the noise and performing instinctively without focusing on process, expectations, or outcome. Unbelievable power and positivity come, which overpowers fears and puts one in the “now,” oblivious to past failure and present precariousness. The zone goes beyond poise and confidence – it is the world of “the free.”

Getting back to my original point - the difference between the greats and the average is that the former find the zone often, whereas most of us only get glimpses of it, at best. Of course, it comes and goes, even for the best, but top athletes recover it much quicker when it disappears.

I’ve been there in my baseball career but could never sustain it for any length of time. It wasn’t necessarily the lack of the fundamentals that prevented me from the elite mental state; it was a failure to know those fundamentals, which created constant performance anxiety. That is a story for another day.   

When the zone may come is often a mystery. Some days, the zone comes without coaxing; at other junctures, it takes effort and may not arrive. On the bright side, the desired mind state is an improvable skill that has a better chance of arrival with experience. Other good news is that the more efficient one gets in the zone during training, the more likely it will show up on game days.

Zoning In Tips

Finding the zone is never easy, but practicing the following will help:

·       Brush up those mechanics. As mentioned, the better one’s fundamentals, the better chance of getting into and keeping the zone alive. Even a little better at something provides hope, which opens the zone door a little.

·       Visualize the finish line — picturing yourself “doing it” repeatedly is the first step to doing it.

·       Clear the mechanism – one must forget life distractions and negative thoughts because the zone cannot activate when the mind has dual thoughts.  

·       Relax – Deep breathing can bring the necessary inner peace, allowing you to believe that your skills, preparation, and readiness are sufficient for the job.

·       Use self-talk – stimulating the senses is vital for keeping one in the moment, including hearing your voice speaking encouragement.
 

·       Trust – recognizing you have overcome the odds in the past and that you have prepared well helps bring poise to a dire situation. Feeling ready is critical in making the zone possible.” The more prepared, the more effortless functioning comes, which keeps the fear of failure at bay.

Finally, “The Zone” is where you want to be, but it is reserved for only a select few, but to have a chance for it, you must believe you are one of the chosen ones. Happy Trails

Coming 2023