Uncertainty has a way of hijacking the mind. Right now, with the government shutdown, paychecks at risk, and no clear answers about the future, people are carrying heavy fear and worry. Your brain wants to live ten steps ahead to solve problems that aren’t here yet. The result? Stress, paralysis, and endless “what ifs.”
Golfers know this feeling too. Standing on the tee, you think about the out-of-bounds, the water, or the score you need to protect. On the green, you’re already imagining what happens if you miss. That’s how tension and doubt creep in.
Here’s the truth: the future is a shot you don’t get to play yet. The only shot that exists is the one where your feet are.
Don’t Fight Battles That Aren’t Here Yet
You’ve probably heard the phrase “focus on what you can control.” It’s sound advice, especially in a season like we are in now. However, I would like to add to this phrase by also saying “let go of the battles that aren’t in front of you.”
You can’t control how the shutdown unfolds.
You can’t control where the ball lands until you swing.
You can’t control tomorrow’s challenges today.
What you can do is redirect your focus to the space you can influence: this step, this choice, this breath.
Anchoring in the Present
On the course, the best players ground themselves in the moment. They feel their feet on the grass. They grip the club with intention. They pick a target and commit. That anchor keeps them from drifting into the past or the future.
Off the course, the same skill applies. You can anchor yourself by:
Taking a slow breath before responding.
Writing down one action you’ll take today.
Looking around and noticing that, right now, you’re safe.
When fear spikes, ask yourself: Where are my feet? What can I do from here?
Small Wins Build Stability
In golf, when someone starts spiraling, I don’t tell them to win the round. I tell them to win the shot in front of them. In life, don’t try to win the week or the month. Win the next hour. Win the next step.
Those small wins don’t solve the future, but they build the strength to face it.
Why This Matters
Uncertainty feels overwhelming because the mind craves certainty. But the path through it isn’t predicting the future—it’s staying present in the only space you can influence: where your feet are right now.
Being where your feet are doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means refusing to suffer twice—once in your imagination and once when reality comes.
That’s how golfers steady themselves under pressure. And it’s how you can move through uncertainty in life.
So today, before your mind jumps ahead, pause. Look down. Notice your feet. Then remind yourself: Be where your feet are. Play this shot. This is the only one you get right now.
Your mental coach,
Dr. Mat
P.S. I just got back from Denver. It was my first time and the altitude kicked my butt. I was easily winded, lost my voice, and caught a nasty bug. But by the grace of God, my voice held up and I was able to deliver my keynote at the 2025 Leadership Worth Following Summit.
Here is a replay of the entire talk if you’d like to see it. This talk was tailored for leaders and owners in the Car Wash Industry.