The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast

• #91: Toxic Positivity: Why “Just Stay Positive” Holds You Back

  What if the very “stay positive” mindset you’ve been praised for is actually keeping you stuck?  In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I call out toxic positivity for what it is: emotional avoidance dressed up as optimism.  We dig into why the golf world has gone too soft, how repressing anger and discomfort quietly drains your energy and focus, and why elite performers train themselves to operate when conditions are far from perfect. You’ll learn how to replace false cheer with authentic optimism—the relentless belief in yourself to handle hard things—using a simple three-step framework: Acknowledge, Accept, Act. We’ll talk negativity bias, energy management, and why sitting with uncomfortable emotions turns them into teachers and fuel.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between toxic positivity and authentic optimism Why “be happy all the time” backfires on the course and at work How negativity bias hardwires you to scan for threats—and what to do about it The Acknowledge → Accept → Act playbook to perform under pressure How to use anger and discomfort as focused fuel, not dead weight If you’re ready to stop plastering a smile over struggle and finally play (and live) to your potential, this one’s for you. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Toxic positivity = emotional avoidance. It looks noble but blocks growth, honesty, and results. Authentic optimism is belief + behavior. “This is hard—and I can handle it. Now act.” Acknowledge, Accept, Act is the reset loop that turns emotions into execution. Negativity bias is real. Your brain defaults to threat-scanning; train optimism, presence, and focus deliberately. Operate when it’s not perfect. Elite golfers perform amid discomfort, not after it disappears. Key Quotes: “At its core, toxic positivity is emotional avoidance disguised as optimism.” “Life isn’t sunshine and rainbows—and neither is golf. Train for the valleys, not just the peaks.” “Authentic optimism says: this hurts—and I can handle it. Then it moves.” “Emotion is energy. Repress it and it leaks; face it and it fuels.” “Write it down: Acknowledge. Accept. Act. That’s how you play to your potential.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Toxic Positivity 04:15: The Dangers of Emotional Avoidance 09:16: The Reality of Negative Emotions 13:44: Why We Engage in Toxic Positivity 17:34: The Cost of Seeking Approval 21:01: The Importance of Acknowledgment and Acceptance 24:51: Authentic Optimism as a Solution

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• #90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side

  #90: [Inside the Mind] Dr. Rick Sessinghaus: Resilience, Flow, Fear, and Harnessing the Dark Side In this powerful episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Rick Sessinghaus—longtime mental coach to Collin Morikawa and one of the leading experts in golf psychology and flow state training.  We explore the often-overlooked layers of resilience, how to avoid complacency after success, and the tools to shift from fear to flow under pressure. Rick shares actionable strategies, cutting-edge technology insights, and practical routines you can apply both on and off the course to perform your best when it matters most. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resilience is just as important after success as it is after setbacks. The subtle difference between mental toughness and resilience—and why it matters. How to shift from a fear state to a flow state under pressure. The role of curiosity in replacing judgment and accelerating learning. How sensory triggers and breath work can prime you for peak performance. The measurable impact of technology on training focus and emotional regulation. Why outcome goals and process goals can—and should—work together. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Rick Dr. Rick Sessinghaus is the Founder & CEO of Sessinghaus Performance Systems and Director of the FlowCode® Golf Academy. Holding a PhD in Applied Sports Psychology, Rick has been Collin Morikawa’s mindset coach since Collin was eight—and continues to guide the two‑time major champion’s mental game .  Working at top golf and corporate academies, Rick specializes in training flow states, resilience, and performance routines to help golfers and high performers thrive under pressure. Connect and work with Rick here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Resilience is staying composed regardless of outcome—success can make you complacent, which requires just as much discipline to manage. Mental toughness is overrated. Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and curiosity are more sustainable mental skills. Flow happens when your perceived skill matches the challenge. Fear arises when you perceive the challenge as greater than your ability—even when it’s not. You can train flow state through breathwork, anchoring routines, and sensory cues like music, temperature, or feel. Reflection—done without judgment—is essential. Curiosity > criticism. Technology like FocusCalm and Mendi can now measure brainwave activity and train real-time focus. Cold plunges and challenges off the course build resilience you can bring onto the course. It’s okay to care about outcome—but learn to measure success through your process. You're good enough. That self-belief is the filter that colors every golf shot. Key Quotes: Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about staying focused when things go well too. Curiosity over critical—that’s our mantra for post-shot routines. Flow follows focus. You must train your attention to stay present. You're already good enough. Most golfers don’t need more skill—they need more belief. Cold plunges aren’t about golf—but they teach you how to do hard things. That transfers. Don’t just do a routine because your coach told you to—make sure it gets you calm, confident, and committed. Time Stamps: 00:00: Understanding Resilience 02:58: The Importance of Goal Setting 05:59: Curiosity Over Judgment 07:09: Resilience vs. Mental Toughness 08:56: The Mental Game vs. Mindset 10:53: Interferences in Performance 11:52: Flow State vs. Fear State 20:46: Engaging the Senses for Flow 23:15: Embracing the Present Moment 24:41: Building Resiliency Through Challenges 26:51: The Power of Sensory Anchors 29:07: Integrating Technology in Mental Training 34:42: Balancing Process and Outcome 39:16: The Dark Side of Performance 41:26: Affirming Self-Belief

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• #89: Why Good Enough is Holding You Back in Golf and Life

  In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the theme of “good enough” and how it quietly sabotages your golf game, your business, and your life.  While there are moments where good enough truly is enough, most of us fall into the trap of settling—choosing comfort over growth, validation over progress, and cruise control over chasing our true potential.  Through personal stories, practical examples, and lessons from both golf and life, I share how to break free from the “good enough” plateau and move toward being outstanding and even elite. In this podcast, you’ll learn: Why settling for “good enough” creates hidden frustration and incongruency How to recognize when you’re coasting and mistaking a plateau for a peak The critical difference between being outstanding and staying outstanding Why fear of success, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are tied to “good enough” How to strategically choose where to accept “good enough” and where to go all in If you’re tired of settling, ready to raise your standards, and committed to stepping into the version of yourself you know you’re capable of becoming—on the course and in life—then this is the episode you need to hear. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  1-1 High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching: If you’re serious about getting out of your own way and playing to your potential, click here to schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call to learn how I can help you make playing to your potential a habit.  High-Performance Hypnosis Guided Audios: Ready to get a taste of hypnosis? Click here to choose from one of my unique hypnosis audios to help you accelerate improvement in a specific area of your game. Click here to read my Ultimate Guide to Golf Hypnosis. Purchase the Wicked Smart Practice Plan Formula: Click here to learn how to practice with intention and what to do to get the most out of your practice sessions to drop your scores - fast. Use the code “salter” at checkout to save 10%. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Good enough is comfortable—but comfort kills growth. Settling in golf, work, or relationships keeps you stuck in mediocrity. Raising your standards is the only way forward. What once worked won’t take you to the next level. Outstanding requires imbalance. You can’t be elite in every area—decide what matters most and accept good enough elsewhere. Fear of success fuels settling. Many golfers and professionals subconsciously hold back to avoid standing out, judgment, or failure. Honesty creates congruency. Be brutally honest with yourself and with others about where you want to be outstanding and where good enough is truly enough. Key Quotes: “Good enough is comfortable, but it’s also where dreams go to die.” “If you want what the 5% have, you must be willing to do what the 95% are not.” “Outstanding requires imbalance—you can’t be elite in everything, and that’s okay.” “Scared is normal. Stuck is optional. Action is the antidote.” “You can’t talk the talk of outstanding while walking the walk of average.” Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset 01:41: The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Golf and Life 09:36: Raising Standards for Success 14:00: The Comfort of Good Enough vs. Potential 20:13: Honesty and Incongruency in Personal Growth 25:58: The Balance of Being Outstanding vs. Good Enough 34:15: Conclusion and Call to Action

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• #88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success

  #88: [Inside the Mind] Scott Fawcett: The Mental Game Blueprint for Q School Success In this episode of The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast, DECADE creator Scott Fawcett pulls back the curtain on the mental, emotional, and strategic demands of Q-School.  He shares what it really takes to perform when your season—and possibly your career—hangs in the balance, from avoiding over-grinding in the weeks before to keeping composure on the final hole.  Scott draws on decades of playing, caddying, and coaching experience to reveal the routines, mindset shifts, and course management tactics that separate those who earn their status from those who fall short. In this episode, you’ll learn… Why over-preparing before Q-School can drain your best performance How to maintain discipline and stick to your strategy under intense pressure Simple course management rules that keep big numbers off your card How to handle the financial and emotional pressures of chasing your card The role meditation and mental training play in sustaining focus over multiple rounds Why caddying can sharpen your decision-making and mental game How to replicate your best habits from great rounds when it matters most Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Scott Scott Fawcett created the revolutionary DECADE Golf System, a data-driven course management strategy that has transformed how golfers at all levels approach the game.  With three degrees in mathematics, a background in professional golf, and a passion for poker, Scott has combined statistical analysis with real-world performance insights to help players make smarter decisions and lower their scores.  His DECADE system has been used by top PGA Tour pros, including Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, as well as collegiate and amateur golfers seeking a strategic edge. Scott’s journey includes playing collegiate golf at Texas A&M, competing professionally on mini-tours, and applying his deep understanding of analytics to optimize shot selection and on-course strategy.  Learn more about Scott and Decade Golf here. Connect with Scott on Instagram here. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Meditation isn’t about no thoughts—it’s about catching thought loops before they spiral. Mindset training is learning why you don’t do what you know you should; mental game is learning what and how to think. Grinding before a tournament depletes your mental energy—less is more leading up to Q School. Tiger’s real edge wasn’t just skill—it was discipline, presence, and treating every shot the same. Routine > Novelty: Eat the same lunch, wear the same shirt—save mental energy for where it matters. Every shot must be attacked like your target is the flag—own your discipline and trust the process. Teaching or caddying for others sharpens your own mindset and awareness faster than anything else. Winning isn’t about score—it’s about growing through process and discipline. Key Quotes: I thought meditation was about having no thoughts—turns out it’s about recognizing your thoughts before they own you. If you abandon your strategy because of your score… you’ve quit. You didn’t walk off the course, but you quit. Your work should be done before you get to Q School. If you’re not playing great, get your mental energy right. Meditation is like losing 100 pounds without seeing progress for a year—pointless until it suddenly clicks. The best thing I ever did for my game was caddy for Will Zalatoris You don’t need more talent. You need more patience, more trust, and more discipline. No NEW-trition on game day. Don’t change a damn thing when it’s time to perform. Time Stamps: 00:00: Mindset and Meditation: The Journey Begins 02:53: The Power of Thought Patterns 05:43: Meditation in Golf: A Personal Experience 08:39: The Role of Music and Rhythm in Performance 11:40: Mindset vs. Mental Game: Understanding the Difference 14:21: Q School: The Make or Break Experience 17:29: Emotional Dynamics of Competing 20:10: Mental Preparation for Q School 23:05: The Importance of Balance and Rest 26:01: Slowing Down: The Key to Success 28:42: Practice with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity 34:49: The Importance of Pre-Shot Routines 37:18: Navigating Pressure in Golf 40:27: The Role of Money in Golf Careers 45:52: Defining Winning and Success 51:32: Key Advice for Q School Preparation

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• #87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf

  #87: [Inside the Mind] Lauren McMillin: Golf Yoga Misconceptions and Benefits and Going Barefoot to Play Better Golf If you're the golfer who groans at the thought of stretching or scoffs at the word "yoga," this episode is especially for you. Joining me today is Lauren McMillin—founder of YoGolf Performance and a certified yoga instructor who specializes in helping golfers move better, feel better, and, yes, play better. In this episode, Lauren dismantles the common excuses and outdated beliefs that have kept so many of us (especially men) from incorporating yoga into our golf performance routines. We explore how yoga goes far beyond flexibility. You'll learn how it improves spinal rotation (hello, more shoulder turn and distance), strengthens your connection to the ground (read: more power and balance), and trains your nervous system to respond rather than react—all of which translate directly to better performance on the course and faster recovery off of it. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why most golfers resist yoga—and why that’s costing you distance, consistency, and recovery The most common myths and misconceptions about yoga (spoiler: you don’t need to be flexible!) How yoga improves your swing, focus, and mental resilience What “movement modality” really means—and why yoga is the ultimate one for golf Simple, golf-specific breathing and movement techniques you can start using today How barefoot balance work can actually help you hit longer, straighter shots A quick pre- and post-round routine to boost performance and prevent injury The surprising sleep benefits of yoga—and how they help your game How to build a consistent yoga routine without a studio or 60-minute commitment Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Lauren Lauren McMillin, yoga and movement specialist, is the founder of YoGolf Performance, golf’s online yoga studio. For nearly a decade, she has worked with yoga practitioners and golfers of all levels, using yoga, Pilates, and functional movement to help them move and feel their best.  In addition to being featured in Golf Digest and PGA.com, Lauren has been a speaker at the PGA Show, and is co-author of The Ultimate Golf Fitness Program. Learn more about and connect with Lauren here.  Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Key Takeaways: Yoga is not about flexibility—it's about functional movement, mobility, and breath awareness Connecting breath and movement helps calm nerves, improve swing tempo, and manage on-course stress Small, consistent doses of yoga (even 5 minutes) can transform how your body performs Your feet are a key part of your swing—train them! Post-round yoga can significantly improve recovery and sleep quality Yoga prepares your body and mind to play to your potential Key Quotes: I'm just trying to help you move better and feel better. For golfers, that means playing better. Golf is a mental sport, yet so few of our training routines address the mental side. Drop the excuses. I've heard them all—and I don't care. You don’t always have access to your coach mid-round, but you always have your breath. Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Yoga for Golfers 03:05: Overcoming Misconceptions About Yoga 06:07: The Benefits of Yoga for Golf Performance 08:59: Connecting Breath and Movement in Yoga 11:52: Starting Your Yoga Journey 14:52: Yoga's Role in Injury Prevention and Recovery 18:10: Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Yoga 20:48: Pre-Round Yoga Warm-Up for Golfers 30:01: Post-Round Recovery with Yoga 33:01: The Importance of Intentionality in Yoga Practice 35:55: Final Thoughts and Resources for Golfers

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