The Mental Golf Show 304: Jim Waldron - Stop Fighting Your Thoughts: A Better Way to Play Under Pressure
Sep 29, 2026
Jim Waldron, a golf instructor and mental game coach specializing in yips and pressure performance, explores why ego makes certain shots feel threatening. He discusses attention as a flashlight, the “snow globe” effect of stress, and why accepting thoughts beats fighting them. They also unpack routines, external focus, meditation, useful stress, and staying present when golf magnifies judgment.
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Train Focus With Two Minutes Of Candle Gazing
- Practice external attention by gazing at a real candle flame for two minutes without reacting to thoughts or room distractions.
- Expect difficulty: most people lose focus after roughly 15 seconds, making the exercise useful training for golf.
Golf Gives Rumination Room To Grow
- Golf uniquely invites rumination because each shot receives immediate feedback followed by several idle minutes for self-judgment.
- Basketball forces players into the next action quickly, while golf requires deliberately choosing not to replay the previous shot.
Accept Judgment Then Return Outside
- Accept that judgment may appear rather than judging yourself for having it, then redirect attention externally once the club returns to the bag.
- Waldron limits a bad-shot reaction to roughly three seconds before walking, observing the course, and preventing rumination.
