The Golf School of Excellence

> Elite Academy

> PGA Golf Diploma

> US College Preparation

> Junior Programmes

> Lessons

> Corporate Services

Click picture for our Application Form

Name:
E-mail:

TGSE is supported by:

	HABITS OF CHAMPIONS
	By Michael Balderstone Elite Performance Director

Archive

<< Back to Tips & Articles

Learnability

One of the key attributes that all great champions have in common is something called Learnability. In fact this is true for all truly successful people in any walk of life. Learnability consists of 2 factors:

An openness to learning
Actively seeking knowledge, mentors, and better ways of doing things

This is not a trait that a person is born with, like natural talent. Learnability is a choice that each person can only make for themselves.

Some success gurus call this trait Teachability, but the wording suggests external control. I believe that a person cannot be taught, they can only learn, through guidance or experience.

Sir Clive Woodward describes this attribute well, by putting people into 2 categories, 'Rocks' or 'Sponges'. A sponge will soak up every drop of knowledge that will help them reach the top, while a rock will resist any new ideas as they 'know it all'.

Tiger is a classic sponge, which is probably his greatest attribute. This year's other major winners Immelmann and Harrington also possess the same desire to learn.

We all need help along the way if we are to be successful. As a coach of elite players I often come across talented rocks. Unfortunately they hold themselves back until they choose to learn. Some never do. The question to ask yourself is, are you a rock or a sponge? If you want to reach your potential you must embrace learning and choose to be a sponge.