Mastering Your Mindset: From the Golf Course to the Meeting Rooms

Have you ever spoken up in a meeting and felt that rush of nervous energy afterward? Perhaps you worried if your point landed, replaying every word in your head. This feeling is like taking a shot on the golf course. My most recent golf lesson focused on what I am thinking AFTER the shot: the “memory box” (attributed to Dr. Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, the founders of the Vision54 program). During my lesson, I kept thinking about how this applies to public speaking.

The Mindset Connection

In golf, after a swing, your mind races: “Why didn’t I hit it straight? Oh no!” The shot is already done, yet your brain lingers on what happened. This will often interfere with your next shot. Speaking in a meeting works the same way: once your idea is out, you can’t take it back, but your nervous system wants to relive it, judge it, and anticipate consequences. Both situations trigger self-doubt and tension. Does this sound familiar?

Strategies to Reset and Refocus

1. Pause and Breathe
   We often think about pausing before we swing the club or speak up. We should also take a moment after our shot or comment to reset and take a deep breath. This will calm your body and clear mental clutter. The ball has landed; the words have been spoken. Worrying won’t change anything.

2. Reframe the Outcome
   Golfers are told to tell themselves: “It’s my next shot that counts.” Similarly, remind yourself after speaking: “I contributed a perspective and helped move the discussion forward.”

3. Focus on Learning, Not Perfection
   Every golfer knows one bad swing doesn’t define their game. In meetings, one imperfect statement doesn’t define your professional presence or ruin your career. Celebrate wins, learn from slips, and grow steadily.

4. Record Wins and Lessons
   Golfers track their scores and reflect on what worked. Professionals can do the same—note moments where you speak up, receive positive feedback, or learn something new. Focus on the positive!

5. Visualize Success
   Successful golfers mentally rehearse their shots before even stepping onto the course. They don’t relive their failures. Before your next meeting, visualize yourself speaking clearly, confidently, and with credibility. Don’t worry about what happened last time.

Final Thought

Whether you’re on the fairway or in a boardroom, the principle is the same: the past is done, and the best use of your energy is to reset, reflect, and prepare for what’s next. Nervousness is natural—it shows you care. Harness it and reset quickly. Step onto every tee box and into every meeting with confidence!

What do you say to yourself after you swing or speak up? Please comment below.

Are you intrigued by the parallels of leadership communication and golf? Come to our June 6th workshop, “Power, Executive Presence, and the Ideal Spring” led by LPGA/PGA golf teaching professional, Nicole Weller, and yours truly (Lynda Katz Wilner). Learn more about this unique program held at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland, NC HERE.  

How else is golf like public speaking? Check out my FREE eBook, “Tee Up Your Speech: Golf is Like Public Speaking.” Download HERE.

Learn more about how to SPEAK, SOUND, LOOK, and LISTEN like a Leader. Contact me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com.