Embrace Messy

Wednesday, April 16

Okay, we have to talk about Rory and The Masters. I mentioned this on my podcast this week, but what an incredible display of resilience and mental toughness he gave us on Sunday (and really all week) at The Masters.
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Coming in as the favorite, Rory ended Thursday 7 shots back of the leaders. A disappointing first round and many thought his chance at the green jacket, and finally claiming the career Grand Slam, was over.

Rory had other plans. He shoots a 6-under on Friday to put himself just two shots back going into the weekend. Game on.

Sunday. Entering the day now with a two-shot lead. 18 holes away from winning The Masters, the one major that has escaped his grasp. He’s been chasing it for more than a decade, has had heartbreaking losses and blown large leads. What would this day hold?

Golf is mental game. We’ve had the privilege of working with a few pro golfers this year focusing on the inner game. It’s their greatest challenge. All of the physical skills and abilities, but can you control the six inches between your ears? For Rory, most thought he couldn’t.

He did he best to prove both sides of that argument right on Sunday. He hit some of the best shots of his life, and hit what some would say are the worst shots of all time - given the pressure and the moment. But every time he blew it, he bounced back. Needing a par on 18 to win, he missed an easy putt. Brutal. To overtime we go, momentum lost.

He has to go right back and replay the hole against Justin Rose who had just birdied it. All the pressure. A decade of burden. Everything in front of him. And Rory birdies the hole to take home the win.

Here’s why it is a picture of resilience. We often think that being mentally tough is being stoic. That it’s not feeling the emotions or not being human. That you just robotically make the next play as if nothing is happening.

That’s not mental toughness. Mental toughness is falling and getting back up. It’s hitting the worst shot of your life, only to shake it off and make the next swing with confidence. It’s remembering that a week ago, you would’ve loved to be in this position, so be grateful for it now. It is feeling all the things and continuing to show up and take action.

So today embrace the messy. Life is full of ups and downs, successes and failures, wins and losses. Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Keep showing up.
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Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin