I'm going to take a short chapter out of my golf book (written in 1998) and share it with you, Chapter 13, 'Self Identity'.
"Many times you hear of phrases or song lyrics that are immediately associated with one particular person. Sammy Davis Jr. with "I want to be me, I want to be me". Popeye, the cartoon character, has his own famous line, "I am what I am, I'm Popeye the sailor man". And a professional clown has his own registered trademark make-up.
Just like these characters, we all need to recognize our own identities. All too often in golf as in life, you hear phrases like "You can't do this" or "You can't do that". "Don't do this" or "Don't do that". Unfortunately, there is no end to such negativity and imposition. They tell you instead that you have to do it this way, their way, making you a carbon copy. Clones or carbon copies have no identities of their own
Today, in Canada, some are teaching the swing styles of Moe Norman and the late George Knudson. The concepts and techniques are well and good but these swing styles are unique to them. You may swing like Moe Norman but you cannot 'think' like Moe Norman. By copying another style, you are, in essence, cramping and hindering the development of your own unique style. Just as there is only one Moe Norman, one Lee Trevino and one Jack Nicklaus, remember, there is only one of you. Think for yourself. Be original, be yourself.
In the past, a personal friend of mine (with a low handicap) had always refused to teach his friends the golf swing because the only style he knew was his own. He didn't feel right about teaching others his personal swing because he recognized that each person was different from him. Eventually, he went to a golf teaching school and now is able to teach others by helping them to make the most of their own styles.
Each and every person needs to express his own own individuality. When we put a ceiling on ourselves or others, we impose on their preferences and we become limited. We deny and deprive our strengths and our development of character. Our abilities and talents should be unlimited. Recognize your talents, abilities and develop them.
When it comes to golf, the development of your golf swing is your identity. Your height, weight and physical makeup will determine what type of swing you develop. Stay with what works best for you; make the most of your own swing. Learning comes through trial and error and your innovative ways.
DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN YOUR SELF IDENTITY, BE ORIGINAL! "
At the time of writing my golf book, I didn't fully realize how much my personal life had been hampered by my mother and beliefs. I had the answers to my questions in my book without me ever realizing it until after the book was completed. My going over the material over and over again for corrections made me realize how much of a prisoner I was to my mother's influence and beliefs. EACH OF US IN OUR OWN WAY AND TIME WILL FIND FREEDOM, OURSELVES.
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