"Staying within yourself"

At some point on Saturday evening, The Golf Channel was reviewing the play of the 3rd round of the 2009 PGA Championship event. Orlando-based swing coach Brian Mogg was being interviewed; Mr. Mogg has been Y.E. Yang’s coach for the past 15 months or so.

Mr. Yang has been thrust into international prominence as a result of his victory yesterday over Tiger Woods to claim the PGA trophy and his first major.

Although Mr. Mogg coaches several PGA Tour pros, winning a Major is a very big deal in that business.

When asked by a TV anchor how the 4th round might go, Mr. Mogg’s reply was simple: “Y.E. is great at staying within himself; if he can do that tomorrow, he’ll be o.k.”. Truer words were never spoken, whether on the fairway or in the world of business.

It is also excellent advice for any entrepreneur: “stay within yourself”! Good things can happen if you do.

Don’t “swing for the fences” if you can’t get there. Don’t over promise on the top line if there’s no chance of achieving the targets. There’s no shame in “laying up” if you can still win the match. Cross winds might have a bigger impact on your game than you might plan for. Etc., etc.

MRM