One Stroke at a Time

"One stroke at a time." In an interview, Tiger Woods shared this simple formula for success. He further revealed that his habit to focus on the task at hand and not the previous stroke nor the next stroke keeps him self-disciplined. Tiger's recent 4th win of the Masters and being the first golfer to achieve this accomplishment before the age of 30 reaffirms his personal success formula.

The Tiger Woods "One stroke at a time" is a brilliant example of short-term goal setting and more importantly goal accomplishment. Each stroke is a short-term goal. The obstacles are viewed from hazards to weather conditions. Solutions appear to be instantaneously created with action steps quickly following. With the completion of each short-term goal, Tiger Woods is that much closer to completing the long-term goal of completing and hopefully winning the game. Each completed game then reverts to a short term goal allowing him to work towards his long term goal or dream of being the very best in the game of golf ~ past, present and future.

Goal setting is a behavior that when used consistently and correctly guarantees success 98% of the time. The problem is that many individuals look to long term goals and do not include supporting short-term goals. Short-terms goals, "one stroke at a time," are the foundation for the successful completion of long-term goals.

Tiger Woods' positive attitude about the past and the future also greatly contribute to his ability to achieve his goals. Attitudes are really habits of thought. Tiger's habit of thought by focusing on the present allows him to stay self-disciplined and self-directed thereby accomplishing both short and long-term goals.

With over 20 years of practice, Tiger has mastered the physical skill of golf and has developed extensive knowledge about this sport through years of application. His skill level supports his positive attitudes and goal setting behavior. Finally, Tiger Woods also revealed that even though becoming the best golfer the world has ever seen is his long-term goal, he realizes that his life must have balance. We can see and hear of this balance when Tiger talks about family and friends.

Everyone from business leaders to individuals can take a lesson from this young man on how to begin to accomplish your goals both personally and professionally ~

- Develop and maintain positive attitudes

- Become an expert

- Stay balanced and remember ~

"One stroke at a time"

Leanne Hoagland-Smith is President of ADVANCED SYSTEMS, The Process Specialist, located outside of Chicago, IL. With over 25 years of business and education experience, she partners with her clients to connect the 3P's of Passion, Purpose and Performance to affect sustainable change in 4 key areas: financials, leadership, relationships and growth and innovation with a variety of industries ranging from education to manufacturing. Leanne believes that training and development are investments that should deliver a positive return. Her solutions are ROI based and align the strategies, systems and people to develop loyal internal customers that drive loyal external customers. She is the co-author of M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential:Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement due for June 2005 release. Leanne also speaks nationally to a variety of audiences. If you are tired of doing the same thing over and over again hoping for different results, contact Leanne at info@processspecialist.com or 219.759.5601

Copyright(C)2005 Leanne Hoagland-Smith,M.S. http://www.processspecialist.com