What does "mental strength" actually mean?

What does "mental strength" actually mean? - Part 1

"Mental strength" is a term that I have come across time and again over the course of my four-decade career as a golf coach. Be it in workshops, lectures or in direct lessons with my students - you come across this topic again and again. But what does "mental strength" actually mean in the context of golf?
To put it in a nutshell: Mental strength depends heavily on where you direct your thoughts. The dictionary defines "mental" as something that "concerns the realm of the mind, mental". In our context, let's look at it a little more broadly. Imagine your thoughts as a room - the room in your head. What do you want to focus on? On the positive aspects of your game or on the fears, frustration and anger that prevent you from playing your best? It's your decision.

Understanding that you are the designer of your thoughts and therefore of your game is the first step. You can focus on seeing the beauty of the game, or you can focus on negative aspects that you often can't change. The decision is up to you.
However, trying to make your mind completely free of thoughts is a fallacy. It's more about deciding which thoughts should take up space in your head - and these should be supportive and helpful.