The Power of Acceptance in Overcoming Performance Anxiety

The root of performance anxiety in golf can manifest in various triggering points, but fundamentally it stems from the brain's attempt to protect itself from unwanted experiences or outcomes. This translates to the brain perceiving certain situations as unacceptable, leading to increased resistance or avoidance. Refusing to accept possible outcomes or experiences, like missing a putt, triggers the brain to fight against it. This psychological response reinforces the idea that anxiety, even in small amounts, is detrimental because it conditions the brain to perceive situations with low acceptance and high anxiety.