Tag Mindset

The Next Shot

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I play some golf. When I’m playing well, I hit a shot and then, if it’s a bad shot, I forget about it. I forget about it because in golf, the last shot doesn’t matter; it’s the next shot that could make or break your round.

When I’m not playing well, I can’t seem to let go of even one bad shot. I ruminate on each one and let them build on each other. Pretty quickly, almost every shot becomes a bad one. My focus moves from only the next shot matters to do not hit another bad shot.

I literally think myself into a bad shot by focusing on what has happened instead of what I want to happen. And once I start down that road, it seems darn near impossible to turn off.

Life can be a lot like that too. When we hit a tough patch, we tend to forget about the good times. We focus on what’s gone wrong in the past, sometimes even the distant past, at the expense of seeing the good things happening today and the awesome things that are possible in the future.

If you find yourself in that situation and you’re losing focus on your next opportunity for success, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The past is unchangeable, but the present is your launchpad: Every second spent ruminating on yesterday’s mistakes robs energy from today’s decisions; channeling your focus forward turns regrets into lessons and wins into momentum.

Future-oriented thinking drives growth: Neuroscience shows that visualizing positive outcomes activates the same brain pathways as real achievement—shifting from “what was” to “what could be” sparks creativity, resilience, and measurable progress.

Living in the present boosts health and happiness: Studies from Harvard and the American Psychological Association link mindfulness (fully engaging now) to lower stress, better immune function, and stronger relationships—while dwelling on the past correlates with anxiety and depression.

Opportunity compounds in real time: Markets, careers, and personal goals reward consistent daily action; obsessing over historical “what-ifs” misses compounding and potential opportunities that could lead to massive success.

My golf game is proof that these thoughts don’t always clear my mind of past shortcomings. But keeping these four thoughts top of mind does give me a chance to turn away from negativity and onto the path of success.

I’m confident they will do the same for you if you give them a shot. Just remember, the last opportunity is gone and whether it worked out or not, the next opportunity is ten times more important than the last one.

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How to Block Naysayers From Your Life

Steve Keating Leave a comment

There was a Vice-President of the United States back in the late 1960’s or early 70’s who had a love hate relationship with the press. Okay, that’s not exactly accurate, it was more of a hate, hate, some more relationship but that’s not the point here. He called the media a bunch of “Nattering Nabobs of Negativism.” I have no idea as to whether or not that was an accurate description of the media back then but I think it’s a pretty funny line.

I also think it indeed accurately describes much of the media content, particularly the social media content we absorb today. The most successful people and, perhaps more importantly, the happiest people do not let negativity seep into their minds. They effectively block it out. That requires both discipline and intentionality. Here are some steps you can take to keep those nattering nabobs of negativism outta your head.

1. Identify the naysayers. Recognize the individuals in your life who consistently bring negativity, doubt, or pessimism into your interactions. Once you identify these people you may want to ask yourself why you allow them to be in your life.

2. Evaluate the impact. Reflect on how their presence affects your mental well-being, confidence, and goals. Consider whether their opinions hold value or are merely hindering your progress. Once you understand the damage these naysayers can do to your life you may want to ask yourself why you continue to allow them to be in your life.

3. Set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries with naysayers to limit their influence on your life. This might involve reducing the time you spend with them or minimizing the topics you discuss with them. It may also be a good time to determine whether or not they should be allowed into your life at all.

4. Surround yourself with positivity. Seek out supportive and encouraging individuals who uplift and inspire you. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can counteract the negativity from naysayers.

5. Practice assertiveness. Communicate your boundaries assertively but respectfully. Let naysayers know that you appreciate their perspective. However, you prefer to focus on constructive and optimistic discussions. This might be a great time to ask yourself why you are so pleasant and accommodating to people who perhaps shouldn’t be in your life at all.

6. Stay focused on your goals. Keep your attention on your goals and aspirations, regardless of the negativity others may project onto you. Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities, and don’t let the doubts of naysayers derail your progress. Remember, their opinion of your goals and aspirations are their problem, not yours.

7. Cultivate self-confidence. Build it by acknowledging your achievements, learning from setbacks, and developing a positive mindset. Confidence acts as a shield against the negativity of naysayers.

8. Limit exposure to naysayers. Avoid certain social gatherings or conversations where their negativity prevails. Never never never join in the negativity just to get along. Negativity is contagious, keep your distance whenever possible.

9. Seek support. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors. They should believe in you and your abilities. Lean on them for encouragement and guidance when facing challenges or doubts.

10. Practice self-care. Take care of your mental and emotional well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. Prioritize self-care to maintain resilience in the face of negativity.

There will always be times when we are forced to interact with nattering nabobs of negativism. But being forced to interact does mean mean we’re forced to absorb the negativity. Remember your personal greatness and ability to overcome any challenge. Positivity is choice and it’s one of the most important choices you can make. So make it often, very very often.