The school bell has rung, class is now in session.

Last weekend, a close friend and myself were playing golf. When we were on our way to the 5th hole, a man started trailing us. We asked him if he would like to go ahead of us since there were two of us and he said no, that we could continue.

As we drove to our next hole and got out of the cart, we took turns hitting. The man, who I will call Mr. Wise, stopped and watched. After we finished he gave us some valuable advice. Mr. Wise said, “When you cannot see the flag, stay on the course because it will eventually lead you to it.” He also went on to warn, “Stay away from the traps and obstacles.” He described the woods, water and bunker as obstacles. If your ball goes in the water, it is a loss. If it ends up in the woods, depending on the layout of the land, it may be a loss or you can get hurt trying to retrieve it. It is ends up in the bunker, you can lose time trying to pitch it out.

When he said these words, a lightbulb went off in my mind.

Although this was great advice for my golf game, it could also be applied as a life lesson. We all have goals that we would like to achieve, but if we do not remain on course, we will not reach them.

If you currently feel that your goal is out of reach, check the direction you are heading towards. Are you veering off of the course? Are you aiming towards obstacles or trap areas that will eventually cause delay?

The best way to overcome these obstacles, is to stay on the course. In golf, every swing requires a decision, and one wrong swing can send your ball into the trees, water or bunker.

This also applies to the decisions we make daily. If we make them without much thought or reflection, we can end up in the bunker of setbacks. Keep your eye on the flag, which symbolizes the goal. If you cannot see your goal, take a self-assessment of the people in your life. If they cause you to take your eyes off of your goal, let them go before they lead you into a trap.

In conclusion, if you end up on the wrong side of a decision concerning people, or your position in life; do what we do on the course. Reach in your bag, get another golf ball and get back on the course. It is a part of life to make mistakes, but you can choose not to remain in that space. Going forward, stay focus on your goal, and away from dangerous environments.

Dangerous environments will prohibit you from reaching your goal.

The school bell has rung, class dismissed.