LIFE SKILLS

Developing  a solid and balanced lifestyle off the golf course is important.  Interestingly enough, this will help you perform better on the golf course as well.  Professional golfer Jack Nicklaus with his 20 major championships and other wins is an excellent role model in this regard.  His on-course record was amazing and his off-course life is second to none.

I feel ultimately success and happiness is about achieving positivity in the four main areas listed below. I have placed these areas of success in a certain order too, the first one being the most important. Here they are…

1. Family and friends:  The social component to life is paramount. As a child, it starts with developing a solid relationship with your parents and your siblings. Then comes a spouse and all the joys (and tribulations) associated with that. If you have children, you want to create a loving household atmosphere. If you don't have kids, developing sound relations with other family members such as nephews, nieces, etc. becomes super important. Creating long term friendships is a big part of the social fabric of life too. 

2. Eat healthy and stay physically active:  Being fit will help you in family situations, with work and of course your golf game. Admittedly, I was not in good shape when I retired. I went a solid fitness and nutrition plan for 18 months and lost 50 pounds. That's right 50 and I am feeling the best of my life. 

3. Your financial life:  Making money is important but you can see it ranks third behind your family and staying heathy. Still, it's valuable. If you are a student in school, you are not making money right now but you are investing in yourself. Make sure you study hard, plan for your future and enjoy life. 

4. Create hobbies that include golf and other things:  Golf is important but be diverse. Take up chess, learn another language, travel somewhere you haven't been before, contact an old friend just to say hi, learn to play an instrument, write a book, meet new people and most importantly, have fun.