There has been a growing interest in Ted Talks. This is partially due to their podcast accessibility, the ever-growing number of free videos and the tour of local Tedx Talks popping up in everyone’s neighborhood. Though access is booming, the demand keeps growing as well. Ted Talks are extremely interesting because many seem to delve into the idea of what makes an expert.

As a golfer, it is extremely intriguing to listen to Ted Talks, not only as a motivation source for training when flustered that your game has hit a plateau but, also, because many seem to explain the essence of becoming an expert. While listening, people can’t help but imagine that if they take the lessons of these Ted Talks to heart, they, too, can become the next golf master.

Pursuing the Best in Ourselves

A huge lesson that is brought up constantly by Ted Talk speakers is the idea of pursuing the best in ourselves. This means putting in your 100%, not comparing yourself to others, and focusing on doing your best. It implies that, instead of trying to beat your friend on the course, focus on out-putting your previous score or increasing your drives since the last hole. This requires one to focus on self-improvement and shift your definition success.

This idea is accepted by the greatest players in the world. If you hope to see true improvement in your golf game, take a listen to this gem and get excited about being the best that you can be:

UCLA basketball coach John Wooden gives an inspiring speech about coaching and the importance of pursuing the best in ourselves.

The Power of Grit

Grit is the idea of never giving up. Despite unruly circumstances, a bad patch, shaky confidence, and odds stacked against you, grit is the ability to look past all of it and to continue to play. It is what is required when you blew the first nine and want to pack it in for the day but decide to carry on and believe in yourself despite the rough start on the course. It’s hitting ball after ball at the driving range, desperately trying to correct the glitch in your swing. Many coaches of elite athletes deem grit as the quality that top players share. Every great golfer became great because of grit.

Lucky for us, there are a variety of Ted Talks that speak about this topic. After giving a listen, you will feel motivated to dig deeper and won’t want to quit when the going gets tough. Committing to what you struggle with will make you a better player:

Teacher Angela Duckworth explains how grit is a predictor of success more than IQ.

The incredible achievement of Diana Nyad swimming from Cuba to Florida at age 64.

Eduardo Briceno provides some tips to make it feel like you are always moving forward.

The Confidence Factor

Unlike grit, which derives from internal dedication, confidence is something that can be learned! Keep the messages from these Ted Talks on your mind as you relax and drive to your next shot. By implementing some of these techniques—these confidence tricks—you will teach your mind how to gain the confidence that you deserve:

Amy Cuddy discusses the power of posing in exuding more confidence.

Joe Kowan discusses how techniques for overcoming stage fright can be utilized to overcome any fears.

Shifting Your Mindset

We all know that confidence is king, but the role of mindset on the field is much bigger than that. The mind is a wonderful thing, in that it is trainable. You may be convinced you are not capable of certain things. Believing you can achieve certain goals makes a HUGE difference in the ability to achieve them.

Shifting your mindset on the golf course could mean expecting to avoid the bunker that you always get stuck in or believing that your short game will improve. Take a listen and see how your mindset can make your game blossom:

Carol Dweck discusses the power of the “growth mindset” to solve problems.

Dr. Alia explains that believing you can makes a HUGE difference.

Having Passion

The best golfers in the world share grit, confidence, and a growth mindset but, most of all, they LOVE what they are doing. To be truly great, you must commit time and energy to your craft. It is much easier to do that when you are spending time doing what you love:

Japanese world yo-yo champion explains how he found his life’s passion.

Already passionate about golf? Finish off this Ted Talk list with a great one to share with your friends because it explains why there is so much to love about the game!

Too rainy for a game? Too windy for the driving range? Even when you are cruising the course, pop on a Ted Talk. They are a wonderful way to supply motivation and inspiration and get some great insights, in terms of how to get your golf game to the next level!