Fear and Flow: Break the Stress Loop and Unlock Calm, Confident Performance

Key Points

• Fear Loop: What It Looks Like
  Starts with focus on the future:“Don’t mess up… I hate this hole… what if I fail?”Leads to doubt, which triggers stress.The body reacts with tension: rushing, steering the swing, altered tempo or release.Post-shot: harsh self-criticism, frustration, and difficulty bouncing back.Between shots: negative self-talk and emotional carryover into the next shot.Without intervention, this fear loop repeats and compounds.
• Flow Loop: What It Looks Like
  Fully present in the moment and focused on what you want to do, not what you fear.Sees the shot as a challenge, not a threat.Belief in your skills creates confidence.Clear on intentions: target, trajectory, and execution plan.Post-shot: curiosity over criticism — learning instead of judging.Between shots: switch off mentally, enjoy the environment, reset for the next shot.This state promotes rhythm, calmness, and better decision-making.
• The Transition Starts with Focus
  What you focus on triggers your confidence or doubt.
  → Focus on clear, positive intentions = flow
  → Focus on fear and outcomes = stress