Gratitude isn’t a fluffy feel-good idea. It’s a performance strategy.
When I think about all the work I do with elite athletes—PGA, LPGA, college stars, Olympians—I see one thing in common: those who perform at their highest levels tend to have strong, steady support systems. And for me, that support has always started at home.
My wife has been there from day one. Before the titles, before the clients, before any of it. She's never cared about the outcome—only about me as a person. That kind of grounding belief is rare. It’s why I’ve been able to do what I do.
When you have someone in your corner who truly believes in you, you’re free to take risks. You’re free to stretch. You’re free to fail without fear. That safety net becomes your launch pad.
Behind every great athlete is not just hard work and talent. It’s a team.
A coach.
A parent.
A partner.
A friend.
Your team doesn’t have to be big. But it has to be real.
The Trap of Comparison
Social comparison kills joy and drains confidence.
Research from Dr. Thomas Mussweiler at the University of Cologne shows that upward comparison—constantly measuring yourself against those who are “better”—leads to lower self-esteem and less motivation over time.
In golf, that can show up as watching someone else’s perfect swing or highlight reel and thinking you’re behind.
It keeps you chasing instead of owning your game.
The Science of Gratitude
But here is the thing… Gratitude shifts that.
Research from Dr. Robert Emmons and Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky has shown that consistent gratitude practice improves mood, increases resilience, and enhances long-term wellbeing.
In performance settings, gratitude improves focus, reduces burnout, and even helps regulate your nervous system.
It brings you back to what’s working instead of what’s missing.
It builds connection instead of isolation.
It keeps you grounded when pressure hits.
Here’s the Shift
Stop focusing on what you don’t have.
Start noticing what you do.
Look around at the people who show up for you.
Text them. Call them. Thank them.
Gratitude is not passive. It’s a performance tool.
One Tip to Take With You Both on and off the course on your 18 Hole Journey…
Start each round by naming three things you're grateful for—before you tee off.
It’ll quiet the noise, slow your heart rate, and remind you who you are.
Gratitude is not weakness.
It’s strength in its most grounded form.
And it’s how you play your best golf.
Your Mental Coach,
Dr. Mat
Gratitude can change everything. It's the only emotion you can have by itself. When you're truly grateful, it's impossible to be afraid. As you suggest in your piece, practicing gratitude is where the juice is. I hope this connects:
https://richardvannatta.substack.com/p/gratitude-is-a-radical-act