Fred sunk the five foot putt and went to the next tee feeling invigorated. He put the drive in the center of the fairway but only about 175 yards out. As they walked toward their next shot Fred said:

“This needs a fairway wood. I am no good with fairway woods.”

The Pro smiled and countered: “You won’t be as long as you think that way.”

“Fred, one of the keys to mental energy is optimism. You are already being pessimistic about the next shot. Optimism leads to solutions. It opens doors. Pessimism closes all doors. But it uses the same, or even more, of the energy you need for optimal performance."

"Did you know that your brain represents only 2% of body weight but it uses 25% of its oxygen? The way we think helps channel energy. Pessimism dissipates energy - Optimism seems to contain energy and open up options that lead to positive performance and meaningful outcomes. Thinking also follows the rules of muscles. You must use your brain. Test it. Stretch it. But you must also rest it. Some of our best ideas come after a period of rest; and we know now that even moderate physical exercise can increase thinking capacity. By the way, if you still think you will flub the fairway wood then do not use it. Try an iron.”