Some thoughts from Alistair Maiden on what to do when you need a breakthrough.
I’ve probably been between a 13 and 10 golf handicap for about three years. Obviously I’ve reached the point where my level of natural talent - or lack thereof - combined with my facility to play regularly, and properly practice has taken me as far as I can go. Without an adjustment to the amount I can play, the amount I can practice or my level of talent, which is unlikely to improve, things aren't going to get better. As a comparison, I have had to get used to the fact that I'm now pretty rubbish at cricket. The reality of that is, I do still play occasionally, and I just try and enjoy it. Anyone who knows me would say that I would be probably the least casual cricketer ever. I was angry, aggressive, competitive, and always very focused on winning. But I guess the reality is that I don’t actually play often anymore. In a business context, after a relatively normal-paced start, in the latter half of my career, I've been surprised and delighted by progression. Often when the progression in other things is not comparable, I find it difficult to cope with. I've got a natural mindset that I can do anything. I decide it's going to be good, so it is good. Part of the reason golf is different is, unfortunately, in golf, you can't delegate. Can I break through? Is it possible? It's not in my nature to make peace with it.