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Why Do I Worry About How Others Rate My Performance in Golf

Writer's picture: Dr Paul McCarthyDr Paul McCarthy

Worrying about how others rate your performance in golf—or any activity—can stem from several psychological factors, including:


1. Desire for Approval

  • Humans are social beings, and many of us naturally seek validation and approval from others. If you value the opinions of those watching, you may want to impress them to feel respected or admired.


2. Fear of Judgment

  • You might worry that poor performance will lead others to form negative opinions about your skills, worth, or dedication. This fear of judgment can create pressure to perform well.


3. Perfectionism

  • If you set high standards for yourself, you may feel that others expect the same level of excellence. This can lead to anxiety if you think you're not meeting those expectations.


4. Comparison with Others

  • If you tend to compare yourself to other golfers, you might worry about how you stack up against them. This competitive mindset can make you overly concerned about others' evaluations.


5. Sense of Identity

  • If golf is a big part of your self-identity, you might feel that your performance reflects your overall value or competence. This can make feedback from others feel personal.


6. Lack of Confidence in My Performance in Golf

  • If you’re not entirely confident in your abilities, you might overanalyze how others perceive you. This lack of confidence can amplify the weight of external opinions.


How to Address This Worry:


  1. Shift Your Focus: Concentrate on your game, not others' opinions. Focus on personal growth rather than external validation.

  2. Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, and one round doesn’t define your worth or ability.

  3. Reframe the Audience's Role: Instead of seeing onlookers as critics, view them as supporters or neutral observers.

  4. Set Internal Goals: Measure your performance against personal milestones, not others' judgments.

  5. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen if someone thinks I didn’t play well?” Often, the fear is exaggerated.


Would you like to explore any of these ideas further or apply them to other aspects of your life?


two female golfers
Two women enjoy a day of golf under a serene sky, surrounded by lush green hills.

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