The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast - Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching for High-Performers

UPDATE: I have decided to start anew on Instagram. Follow me @thepaulsalter for your daily dose of high-performance wisdom, insights, and actions. In this episode, I share a raw, unfiltered experience from a recent round at Tampa Palms that became an unexpected masterclass on self-talk. What started as a casual round with a random pairing turned into a front-row seat to just how destructive, exhausting, and performance-killing negative inner dialogue can be—especially when it's spoken out loud. We break down why your self-talk is the most influential coach you'll ever have, how negative inner dialogue tightens your body, shortens your patience, and drains your energy, and why swinging from harsh self-criticism straight into "toxic positivity" doesn't work. This conversation goes beyond surface-level affirmations and into belief systems, destructive mindset programs, and the real cost of living inside a hostile mind. In this episode, you'll learn: Why negative self-talk acts like a terrible caddy that sabotages performance under pressure How self-talk directly impacts your body, decisions, focus, and energy levels The difference between productive neutrality and toxic positivity Why harsh self-criticism feels familiar—but isn't sustainable How core beliefs about worthiness and capability shape your inner dialogue Why inability to receive praise is a major red flag worth exploring How to begin rewiring your self-talk without forcing fake confidence If you've ever felt mentally exhausted, stuck, or frustrated despite knowing what to do, this episode will help you build awareness, reclaim control of your inner dialogue, and start playing—and living—from a calmer, more grounded, more powerful place. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to get a taste of high-performance hypnotherapy and the impact it can have on your life? Click here to apply to work with me and I'll be in touch to get this call scheduled 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 Key Takeaways: You have between 50,000–70,000 thoughts per day, most of which go unnoticed Self-talk is not about motivation—it's about direction Negative self-talk tightens the body and accelerates poor decisions Beliefs drive self-talk, not the other way around Toxic positivity creates internal friction and emotional resistance Neutral self-talk is often the most powerful place to start Your inner dialogue shapes your identity over time Key Quotes: "Your self-talk is the GPS of your life, not a cheerleader." "Most people don't quit because they're incapable—they quit because it's exhausting living inside a hostile mind." "Positive self-talk isn't about lying to yourself; it's about turning the volume down on fear." "You double bogey holes before you tee off with the way you speak to yourself." "Toxic positivity creates friction because it doesn't match what you actually believe." "You don't ignore negative self-talk—you react to it unless you train otherwise." "The most important relationship you have is the one you have with yourself." Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction and Gratitude 04:46: The Impact of Negative Self-Talk 17:10: Understanding and Transforming Self-Talk 24:34: Conclusion and Call to Action

In today's episode, I sit down with Joe Wessel—former Florida State safety and coach, author of White Fang and the Golden Bear, and someone who experienced Jack Nicklaus's life, leadership, and family values up close. Joe shares what truly separated Jack from the rest of the golf world: his innate athleticism, his unusual ability to make multiple in-swing adjustments, and—most importantly—his commitment to never letting his family become collateral damage on his path to greatness. We explore how single-minded drive can fuel extraordinary success or quietly destroy relationships, and how intentional priorities, time management, and communication allow you to be fully present both at work and at home. You'll walk away with powerful insights on leadership, family, legacy, and what it truly means to pursue excellence in golf, business, and life. In this episode, you'll learn: How Jack Nicklaus's intangibles, athleticism, and preparation created a different level of competitive advantage The difference between healthy single-minded focus and destructive obsession that destroys families How intentional time management and clear priorities allow you to be all-in at work and all-in at home Why perseverance after failure matters more than natural talent—on the field, in business, and on the course How to recognize the heroes already in your life and what that means for how you show up for your kids Why documenting your story—letters, journals, recordings—is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your family How faith, family, and purpose can become your north star for every decision you make in golf, business, and life Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.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 Joe Joe Wessel is a former Florida State walk-on who became a special teams All-American, then spent 13 years coaching at the highest levels of college and professional football, including stints at LSU, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, and with the Philadelphia Eagles. After leaving coaching, he built a successful career in banking and leadership, where he's known as much for his mentoring and "overpaid psychologist" role as for his business results. Joe is the author of "White Fang and the Golden Bear," a powerful story that weaves together his relationship with his father, his time rooming with Jack Nicklaus's son Steve at Florida State, and the lessons he learned watching Jack compete, lead, and prioritize family. His work sits at the intersection of faith, family, leadership, and high performance—on the field, in business, and at home. 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 Key Takeaways: Some advantages are innate, but preparation, athleticism, and awareness are levers we can all train. Single-minded drive is powerful—until it turns your family into collateral damage. Time management is value management: if family isn't on the calendar, it won't happen. You don't need to be the smartest person in the room; you need to lead, delegate, and serve. Perseverance after failure can rewrite your story more than any early success ever will. Your greatest hero might already be in your house—often a parent quietly living their values. Faith and family can anchor you so deeply that success becomes an extension—not a replacement—of what matters most. Key Quotes: "Some people are just born able to see things others can't—but everyone can choose how prepared they are." "He wasn't going to let his family be the sacrificial lamb of his success." "I don't have to be the smartest person in the room—I just have to help people do what they need to do." "If your need is to satisfy your wife and your family with your time, you're going to make that happen." "My hero wasn't a famous coach or athlete—my hero was the man I lived with every day: my father." "If you don't tell your story and write it down, it's not going to get passed to the people who need to hear it." "Faith and family get you down the middle of the fairway and a birdie every time." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Competitive Edge: Preparation and Innate Talent 02:45: Balancing Family and Career: Jack's Approach 05:27: The Importance of Communication in Relationships 08:02: Time Management: Prioritizing Family and Work 10:39: Lessons from Complacency: The Journey of Perseverance 13:24: Insights from Jack Nicklaus: Preparation and Routine 18:08: The Role of Family in Success: A Personal Reflection 22:32: Finding Heroes in Everyday Life 27:09: Leadership Lessons from Coach Bowden 31:38: The Power of Prioritization in Life 35:50: Final Thoughts: Faith, Family, and Success

You will only rise to the level of success, money, and happiness you believe you are worthy of. That belief dictates how you perform under pressure, how much success you can experience, and whether you self-sabotage when you're outside your comfort zone. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I dive deep into the power of beliefs, explaining how your internal thermostat—your self-worth—regulates your success in golf and life. If you're stuck in a cycle of playing below your potential, struggling to maintain progress, or finding yourself folding under tournament pressure, it's likely because of deep-seated limiting beliefs that need to be rewired. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your beliefs set your limits for success How to assess where your internal thermostat is set When, how, and why your beliefs are formed The four categories of beliefs you possess and how you can find their origin Action steps you can take today to unlearn the limiting beliefs holding you back 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. 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 Key Takeaways: Your Beliefs Set Your Limits: You won't outperform the level of success you subconsciously believe you deserve. The Upper Limit Problem: Achieving more success than you're used to triggers self-sabotage to bring you back to your comfort zone. Your Psychological Thermostat: Just like a home's temperature control, your subconscious keeps your success within a familiar range. Self-Sabotage Shows Up in Your Game: Blowing a lead, missing easy putts under pressure, or tightening up on the back nine are signs of belief-driven resistance. Your Beliefs Are Learned, Not Fixed: Most of your core beliefs about success, failure, and self-worth were formed before age seven. You Can Rewire Your Beliefs: With awareness and deliberate work, you can upgrade your belief system to match your goals. Hypnotherapy is a Powerful Tool: By accessing the subconscious, you can rapidly rewrite limiting beliefs and accelerate growth. Key Quotes: "You will only rise to the level of success you believe you are worthy of." "Self-sabotage isn't random—it's your subconscious keeping you in your comfort zone." "If you don't truly believe you can break 80, you'll always find a way to stay stuck." "Your beliefs aren't your own—they were shaped by your environment long before you had a choice." "The subconscious mind craves predictability, even if it means repeating destructive patterns." "The moment you achieve success beyond your belief system, your thermostat kicks in to cool you down." "You can rewire your mind to support your goals, but first, you have to recognize the patterns keeping you stuck." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Power of Beliefs 07:03: Understanding the Upper Limit Problem 13:51: Beliefs and Their Origins 20:53: Unlearning Limiting Beliefs 26:06: The Path to Transformation

Most golfers (and entrepreneurs) think resilience is willpower—grit, grind, hustle, "just dig deeper." And under pressure, that approach eventually snaps… In this episode, Matt Caldaroni, CEO and Co-Founder of Molliteum, a performance resilience company, explains why resilience isn't a personality trait—it's a system. We break down his three-part resilience framework (excitement, certainty, focus), why certainty beats confidence, how to build a pre-performance routine that actually transfers to the course, and why rest isn't laziness—it's how your nervous system locks in skill. In this episode, you'll learn: Why willpower fails when pressure spikes—and what to rely on instead Matt's resilience framework: excitement, certainty, and focus The difference between confidence and certainty (and why it matters) How to build certainty with process visualization + intentional reps Why "flow state" is preparing to let go—not chasing a magic feeling How elite performers detach self-worth from results using standards A simple pre-performance system: breathe, clarify, watch film, visualize Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.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 Matt Matt Caldaroni is the resilience coach athletes call when their mental game is costing them strokes. He's worked with elite performers across the NHL, NBA, NFL, and pro golf, helping them master pressure, build unshakable confidence, and finally bring their best game into competition. Matt is the CEO and Co-Founder of Molliteum, the performance resilience company trusted by athletes who want systems, not guesswork. He specializes in giving golfers the tools to stay calm, consistent, and locked in on every hole, no matter the stakes. 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 Key Takeaways: Resilience isn't willpower—it's having a system you can fall back on when adversity hits. Flow state is "preparing to let go," and it starts in practice—not on game day. Confidence is the outcome; certainty creates courage, and courage produces results. Excitement is built from identity + vision + purpose—the "core hunger" system. Certainty requires skill mastery and situational mastery (what to do, when, and how). Most "practice-to-performance" gaps are missing specificity or intensity in practice. Rest and recovery aren't optional—they're how learning integrates into your nervous system. Key Quotes: "Resilience is having the ability to adapt." "You need to build systems to respond to pressure." "Visualizing the process to get the outcome—that works." "Focus is a cherry on top." "It goes certainty, courage, and then confidence." "The higher you go, the more mistakes you're going to make—and you've got to accept that." "Become that person." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Myth of Willpower in Resilience 02:48: Building Systems for Success 06:03: The Role of Excitement, Certainty, and Focus 08:49: Understanding Flow State 11:47: The Confidence-Courage-Certainty Connection 14:37: Commitment and Core Values 17:28: Detaching Self-Worth from Results 20:26: Navigating Mistakes and Identity Spirals 22:19: Building Competence and Focus 23:33: Understanding and Managing Pressure 25:50: Reconditioning and Behavior Change 27:58: The Importance of Rest and Recovery 31:41: Developing Resilience and Adaptability 35:23: Transferring Skills Under Pressure 38:22: Action Steps for High Performance 45:41: Becoming That Person

In this episode, I challenge one of the most common personal development habits—affirmations—and introduce a far more powerful alternative. If confidence feels inconsistent… if discipline fades when motivation disappears… and if you know what to do but still struggle to execute, this conversation is for you. We explore why asking better questions—specifically yes-or-no "Will you?" questions—creates faster, more sustainable behavior change than statements, goals, or affirmations ever could. Drawing on decades of behavioral research, identity psychology, and real-world golf and life examples, I break down how questions engage your subconscious, eliminate excuses, and leverage cognitive dissonance to pull you into action—especially when you don't feel like it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why affirmations often fail to create lasting behavior change How asking "Will you?" activates confidence and ownership The psychology behind cognitive dissonance—and how to use it Why yes/no questions eliminate excuses and justifications How identity-based questions reinforce discipline under pressure The subtle but critical difference between can I and will I How to use questions to execute when motivation is gone This is a tactical yet deeply transformational episode designed to help you strengthen discipline, upgrade your self-talk, and accelerate becoming the version of yourself required to achieve your biggest goals—on the course and in life. 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. 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 Key Takeaways: Confidence is built through your relationship with yourself—especially your self-talk. Questions engage your brain more powerfully than statements or affirmations. "Will you?" implies ownership, commitment, and action—not possibility. Yes/no questions remove the mental loopholes that fuel excuses. Cognitive dissonance pushes behavior to align with identity. Discipline is strengthened when actions answer questions—not feelings. Asking better questions accelerates becoming who you want to be. Key Quotes: "Confidence is intoxicating—and one of its strongest predictors is how you talk to yourself." "Questions engage you; statements let you hide." "When you ask 'Will you?' there's no room for excuses—only action." "Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort that pulls you toward who you want to become." "Discipline is doing what needs to be done when you don't feel like it." "Your actions don't follow motivation—they follow identity." "The answer to who you'll become lies in the question 'Will you?'" Time Stamps: 00:00: The Power of Belief and Self-Talk 02:58: Welcome Back: The Journey of Self-Improvement 04:34: Upgrading Self-Talk: The Importance of Questions 14:17: Cognitive Dissonance: Bridging the Gap to Your Best Self 19:27: Taking Action: The Path to Becoming Your Best Self

Pressure exposes the truth. It reveals who's prepared, who's present, and who's pretending. And whether you're standing over an eight-foot putt to win the Masters or staring down a boardroom full of investors, the mechanisms that make you crumble — or come alive — are the same. In this powerful conversation, Derek Belch—founder & CEO of STRIVR, former Stanford kicker, entrepreneur, and competitive golfer—breaks down the psychology of high-stakes performance. Derek shares what truly separates people who execute under pressure from those who collapse, why the myth of "balance" is misleading, and the mindset that's helped him build a pioneering tech company while simultaneously pursuing his quest to qualify for a PGA Tour event. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pressure is a privilege—and the hidden gift inside nervousness The difference between preparation that helps vs. preparation that hurts How VR training reveals the brain's decision-making blind spots Why perspective is the golfer's most underdeveloped mental skill How to reframe pressure as opportunity instead of consequence Why so many founders burn out—and how to avoid becoming one of them The real meaning of work-life balance for high achievers Derek's biggest lessons from pursuing scratch golf in his 40s Whether you're a golfer, entrepreneur, or high performer hungry for the next level, this episode will reshape the way you prepare, practice, and perform. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.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 Derek Derek Belch is a former Stanford Cardinal kicker turned entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of STRIVR, a pioneering virtual reality company that builds immersive training for NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. military. A multi-degree Stanford graduate with an MBA from USC, Derek left coaching at Stanford to launch STRIVR out of the university's Virtual Human Interaction Lab and has since been recognized on Sports Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" list. Today, he balances leading STRIVR with his own quest to become a scratch golfer and hosts The Golfing CEO Podcast, where he explores the intersection of performance, leadership, and the game of golf. 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 Key Takeaways: Pressure exposes preparation — nerves mean you care. Simulation (or mental reps) accelerates decision-making under stress. Perspective is the most underrated skill in golf and entrepreneurship. Tournament golf is a completely different sport than casual golf. You must know who you are to handle long-term stress effectively. Balance isn't real; clear values and non-negotiables are. Founders and golfers fail when expectations and identity collide. Key Quotes: "Pressure is a privilege — nerves simply mean you care." "If I've put in the work, it's in God's hands after that." "Visualization is VR on steroids — but golf still demands feel." "You can play golf once a week and expect scratch results? Expectations matter." "Burnout isn't about hours; it's about losing alignment with who you are." "Tournament golf is a different sport. Completely." "Perspective is everything. Even par is not the definition of scratch." Time Stamps: 00:00: Pressure Situations in Sports 02:52: The Importance of Preparation 05:26: VR and Simulation in Training 08:20: Golf and Visualization Techniques 11:12: Reframing Pressure as Opportunity 14:13: The Concept of Balance in Life 16:53: Identity and Performance Under Pressure 28:00: Navigating Challenges in Business and Golf 31:35: The Importance of Self-Reflection and Commitment 35:36: Understanding Burnout and Stress Management 38:59: Perspective: The Key to Success in Golf and Business 48:17: Final Thoughts: Dignity and Playing Fast

In this episode, I want you to imagine this… You're standing at the base of a mountain on a clear day. You can see the trail. You can see the summit. That summit represents the next level of your life—the golfer you know you're capable of being, the business owner with more freedom, peace, and confidence. You know where you're going. You know what to do. And yet, every step feels heavier than it should. Not because you lack discipline. Not because you lack talent. Not because you don't want it badly enough. It feels hard because you're trying to summit your mountain while carrying a backpack full of invisible weight—unexamined beliefs, unresolved emotions, fear, pressure, and destructive mindset programs that quietly sabotage your progress. In this episode, I break down the mountain metaphor to show you why most high performers get stuck two steps forward, three steps back—and why the problem was never the mountain, the plan, or the strategy. We'll unpack emotional fog, destructive mindset programs, perfectionism, fear of success, and why self-sabotage often disguises itself as logic. Most importantly, I'll show you what it actually means to do the work required to clear the fog, lighten the load, and finally reach the summit you already know you're capable of climbing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why knowing what to do isn't enough to create lasting change How emotional fog robs you of clarity, confidence, and self-trust What destructive mindset programs are and how they keep you stuck Why self-sabotage often feels logical, responsible, or justified Where most high performers stop short on their climb to success How perfectionism and fear of success quietly drain your energy What it actually means to "do the work" to reach your next level 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. 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 Key Takeaways: You're not failing because of a lack of discipline, talent, or information. Emotional fog makes even a clear path feel confusing and exhausting. The weight you carry matters more than the mountain you're climbing. Destructive mindset programs are patterned, predictable, and unconscious. Self-sabotage often appears as logic, timing issues, or "being realistic." Different results require thinking, feeling, doing, and being different. Clearing emotional baggage is the fastest way to sustainable success. Key Quotes: "You're not stuck because you don't know what to do—you're stuck because of the weight you're carrying." "The problem was never the mountain; it was the backpack." "Self-sabotage disguises itself as logic when your nervous system wants relief." "Emotion is energy in motion, and unprocessed emotion creates fog." "Your subconscious doesn't care if an emotion hurts—it cares if it's familiar." "If you want to achieve different, you must be willing to feel different." "Sustainable success begins when you stop dragging old patterns uphill." Time Stamps: 00:00: Climbing the Mountain of Success 04:39: Understanding Emotional Baggage 16:58: Identifying Destructive Mindset Programs 30:36: Taking Action Towards Change

If you've ever felt your heart race over a three-footer or a make-or-break sales call, imagine doing that with a camera pointed at your face and thousands of people listening… That's the world broadcaster and national champion golfer Emilia Doran lives in every week. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, Emilia pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay composed on live TV, how she manages nerves under pressure, and why the same routines, reps, and reflections that make her great on-air are the same ingredients you need to perform on the golf course and in business. She shares how she redefined success after stepping away from professional golf, the emotional cost of perfectionism, and what it's like to build a powerful personal brand as a woman in a male-dominated sport—all while keeping joy, gratitude, and perspective at the center. In this episode, you'll learn: How Emilia handles nerves and stays authentic during live broadcasts The mindset shift that helped her stop chasing perfection and start playing freer Practical ways to simulate "18th-hole pressure" in your practice and prep How routines, reps, and reflection translate from broadcasting to better golf What Emilia's identity shift from pro-track golfer to broadcaster taught her about fulfillment How she defines a "successful" broadcast (and why saying less is often more) What it really takes to stand out as a woman in golf and claim your space with confidence Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.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 Emilia Emilia Doran is a former high-level competitive golfer turned rising star in golf media. After a decorated junior and amateur playing career—including national-level events and standout performances in women's amateur golf—Emilia transitioned into broadcasting, where she has quickly become one of the most recognizable young voices in the sport. She covers professional golf, collegiate golf, and elite amateur events, combining storytelling, high-performance insights, and on-course experience to bring a fresh, relatable perspective to viewers. Her unique blend of competitive playing background, media experience, personal brand building, and deep understanding of the modern golf audience has positioned her as one of the game's most influential emerging personalities. Connect with Emilia on Instagram. 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: Treat the camera like a person and slightly exaggerate your natural personality so your true self actually comes through under pressure. Nerves don't disappear; they become more manageable when you simplify the goal—like aiming to say just one truly insightful thing each broadcast. Preparation is routine, reps, and rehearsal: organize your info, rehearse key lines, and build a repeatable process you can trust when the heat turns up. Reflection isn't just about what went wrong—intentionally review what you did well so you don't let one flub define the entire performance. Perfectionism feels like a superpower early on, but if you don't manage your expectations, it becomes emotional kryptonite that drains joy and confidence. Watching the best players closely teaches that even world-class golfers hit plenty of mediocre shots—and handle them with neutrality and grace. In both golf and broadcasting, success is often saying less with more impact and knowing when silence, presence, and emotion are more powerful than words. Key Quotes: "If I can just say one insightful thing to the audience, that's a win." "You might spend five hours on notes and only use ten percent of them—and that's okay." "Broadcasting is a job of imperfection; it's how you handle yourself when things go slightly awry that matters." "I had to accept that golf isn't my number one priority anymore—and still let that be okay." "The more I worked in golf, the more I realized I didn't want to feel emotionally exhausted all the time." "Watch a full round of one player and you'll see how many imperfect shots even the best in the world hit." "You might get an opportunity because of a box someone wants to check, but you stay because you do great work." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Art of Broadcasting: Managing Emotions Live 03:20: Nervousness and Performance: Tools for Focus 06:57: Simulating Pressure: Preparing for Live Broadcasts 11:35: Reflection and Growth: Learning from Broadcasts 14:53: Defining Success: What Makes a Great Broadcast? 18:47: Transitioning from Golfer to Broadcaster: Identity Shift 24:18: The Importance of Structure in Golf and Life 27:24: Navigating the Transition from College to Professional Golf 31:12: Emotional Maturity and Expectations in Golf 35:29: Building a Personal Brand in a Male-Dominated Sport 42:43: The Privilege of Playing Golf and Finding Joy

In this solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I'm sharing a raw, honest reflection on my 2025 golf season—what improved, what I avoided, where fear quietly ran the show, and why the theme of 2026 is simple: do the work. I walk you through the exact 15 reflection questions I challenged my newsletter readers to answer—and I read my own straight-from-the-journal responses. Then I close by defining the identity I'm stepping into in 2026: committed, intentional, and fearless—with a clear focus on becoming a longer hitter, sharper from 125 and in, and mentally tougher when things get uncomfortable. If you've been stuck in inconsistency, rushing your routine, or playing not to mess up, this episode will give you a mirror—and a reset. In this episode, you'll learn: The 15 reflection questions I use to audit a season and upgrade my golf identity Why false urgency destroys routines, decision-making, and scoring How fear shows up as "smart golf" (laying back, avoiding driver) and silently caps your potential The difference between practicing and practicing with intentionality How I'm building more presence and focus using a 3-hole check-in reset What I'm no longer willing to tolerate in my game—and why that line matters The identity shift I'm making in 2026: committed, intentional, fearless—and what that looks like in action 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. 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 15 Reflection Questions: What do I want in 2026? What do I want more of? What do I want less of? What am I no longer willing to tolerate in my golf game? What patterns kept repeating for me this year—and why? Where did I abandon my standards when things got uncomfortable? What did I pretend "didn't matter," even though it clearly did? What am I still blaming on my swing that's actually mental or emotional? Where did fear quietly make my decisions for me this year? What did I avoid working on because it exposed my real edge? When did I play not to mess up instead of playing to perform? What part of my game actually improved—and why did it improve? What drained my energy on the course more than it should have? What would change if I trusted myself one level more? If nothing changes in 2026, what will that cost me—emotionally and competitively? Key Takeaways: You don't need more knowledge to reach scratch—you need consistent, intentional work. False urgency destroys routines, decision-making, and scoring faster than any swing flaw. Fear often disguises itself as "smart golf" and quietly caps your potential. Your routine matters most right after great holes and bad holes, not when things feel easy. Intentional practice creates predictable performance; random reps create random results. Emotional toughness is built by sitting in discomfort instead of numbing or avoiding it. Identity is the real upgrade, and in 2026 that identity is committed, intentional, and fearless. Key Quotes: "The theme of 2026 is do the work—not the easy stuff, not the surface-level stuff, the real work." "I already have the talent and capability to be a scratch golfer; inconsistency was the real issue." "I'm no longer willing to tolerate playing hurried golf with a false sense of urgency." "Fear made decisions everywhere this year, especially when I convinced myself I was being strategic." "Avoiding driver and playing not to mess up kept me playing par fours like par fives." "Vulnerability, ownership, and accountability aren't weaknesses—they're performance accelerators." "If nothing changes in 2026, it will cost me everything." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Importance of Doing the Work 01:40: Introduction to the Scratch Golfer's Mindset 04:29: Reflecting on 2025: Lessons Learned 08:37: Setting Intentions for 2026 14:25: Identifying Goals and Areas for Improvement 18:12: Overcoming Mental Barriers in Golf 23:18: The Role of Fear in Performance 28:33: Celebrating Progress and Growth 31:40: The Cost of Inaction 33:14: Upgrading Golf Identity for 2026

Your self-talk is the only voice you hear 24/7 — and most days, it's not that kind. For many golfers and entrepreneurs, that inner dialogue quietly runs the show: it talks you out of what you know you should be doing, keeps you glued to comfort, and convinces you you're not ready, not worthy, or not capable of the next level. In this episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I sit down with mindset coach Trevor Tellin to unpack how your inner voice shapes your identity, your confidence, and your results — on the golf course and in business. In this episode, you'll learn: Spot the invisible ways your self-talk sabotages your golf game and business. Use a simple "reward scale" to win more debates between the couch and the range. Personify your inner voices so you can work with them instead of being ruled by them. Create space between you and your thoughts so they feel less personal and more workable. Use Interloop to capture real self-talk data from your rounds and turn it into growth. Understand fear of success, over-identifying with "the grind," and how they keep you stuck. Build mental toughness and confidence through repetition, hard things, and self-compassion. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.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 Trevor Trevor Tellin is a high-performance mindset coach who helps golfers master the mental side of the game so they can perform with confidence, composure, and clarity under pressure. Founder of Mindset Coach Trev, he works with competitive amateurs, college players, and professionals to help them overcome fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt—on and off the course. With a master's degree in psychology and years of experience coaching athletes, leaders, and business professionals, Trevor combines sport psychology, neuroscience, and practical mindset tools to help clients unlock their full potential and play—and live—with greater freedom and fulfillment. Connect with Trevor. Connect on Instagram (mindsetcoachtrev). 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 Key Takeaways: Awareness is everything — most self-talk patterns run on autopilot until you finally slow down enough to hear them. Every choice is an exchange; comfort feels good now, but it often carries the hidden cost of slowing or blocking your long-term growth. Scoring your choices helps you override resistance by comparing the real value of short-term comfort vs. long-term reward. Personifying your inner voices creates separation, making it easier to recognize which ones help you and which ones hijack you. Tools like Interloop reveal patterns you'd never notice on your own, giving you tangible data to change your on-course self-talk. Fear of success often drives sabotage — when you get close to the next level, the uncertainty of "what comes with it" pulls you back. Mental toughness and confidence come from repetition, doing hard things, and proving to yourself (again and again) that you can handle discomfort. Key Quotes: "We're so familiar with our inner voice that we don't realize how often it runs the show." "We rationalize sabotage because the excuses sound convincing coming from ourselves." "Every decision is an exchange — you can't get what you want without giving up something." "When you personify a limiting voice, it becomes easier to question and redirect it." "Turning a feeling into a character creates distance, and distance creates choice." "Most people envy the result but not the inputs required to reach it." "Mental toughness is being present in discomfort and choosing to lean in anyway." Time Stamps: 00:00: The Power of Inner Dialogue 02:45: Understanding Self-Sabotage 05:33: Personifying Inner Voices 08:14: Balancing Positive and Negative Voices 11:17: Creating Awareness for Change 14:06: Introducing InnerLoop: A New Tool 17:03: Education and Frameworks for Improvement 19:53: Unlearning Achievement-Based Identity 22:36: Invisible Patterns of Self-Sabotage 24:17: The Cost of Success 27:37: Overcoming Identity Limitations 31:13: Transferring Skills from Practice to Performance 33:20: Understanding Mental Toughness 38:31: The Power of Self-Talk and Kindness 41:47: It's Okay: A Perspective Shift