One bad shot…

As a golfer and captain of my high school team, I’ve faced a lot of pressure—most of it from myself. Playing individual sports can be tough because when you make a mistake, it feels like it’s entirely your fault. I used to get really frustrated, and sometimes I’d even cry when I didn’t play as well as I wanted. But over time, I’ve learned that mistakes are just part of the game, and beating myself up over them doesn’t help me or my teammates.

One thing that has really helped me is practicing mindfulness. When I’m out on the course, I remind myself that just because people are watching, it doesn’t mean they’re judging. More often than not, they’re rooting for me, even if I mess up. This mindset shift—pushing through negativity and focusing on what’s ahead—has been key. In golf, they say the most important shot is the next shot, and I’ve learned to carry that lesson off the course as well.

As a team captain, I know my mindset affects others. If I let self-doubt or frustration take over, it can create a negative environment for my teammates, even when I don’t realize it. I’ve set higher standards for myself than anyone else, but I’ve also realized that I need to be kind to myself before I can be a positive leader for others.

Imposter syndrome is real—I’ve definitely felt unworthy at times. But I’ve learned that just because I don’t always feel confident doesn’t mean others see me that way. I try to view myself as if I were one of my teammates. I want to show myself the same grace and kindness I would show them. In the end, I take pride in my efforts, both in sports and in school, and I’m constantly working to be kinder to myself. Mistakes happen, and it’s not worth ruining my day over one bad shot.

Have you ever had a time you felt like you were under a lot of pressure and all eyes were on you? How did you cope with it?