Pick a target, see the shot, practice, and pull the trigger.

After a long weekend of work, play, and prayer, I needed to take some time for reflection and direction. Whether you’re a golfer or not, maybe this lands where you need it to.

Golf is a powerful reflection of life.

In life, we all carry dreams. We all understand what it means to practice, to rehearse, to prepare for a performance. And hopefully, at some point, we all get close enough to those dreams to finally pull the trigger toward them.

We’re often told that if we have a dream and we put in the work, it will come true. And when it does — that feeling is incredible. But sometimes, in golf as in life, the ball doesn’t go where you thought it would. Sometimes you pull the trigger on an off day. Sometimes the path changes mid-flight.

Today, during one of my usual reflection moments, I found myself sitting with AI of all things — and a message came through that rang true not just for golf, but for life:

Pick a target.

How often do we daydream, hope, or wish… without ever really choosing a clear target? I’ll be the first to admit — I’ve done that plenty of times.

This year, my target is simple: a win.

Last year was my first season on an amateur tour. I enjoyed it — but if I’m honest, a win was never truly my target. Most of my playing revolved around fear and caution. Don’t miss here. Don’t lose it there. Just stay safe.

This year, I’m making a conscious choice.

At 51, I’ve hit thousands of balls. I’ve played in all kinds of conditions, on all kinds of courses. I’ve succeeded, failed, adjusted, and learned. And now? It’s time to stop playing scared.

It’s time to pick a target.

When I commit to that target, everything begins to shift. I stop replaying the shots that found water or woods — and instead I replay the ones that flew true. My mind changes. My grip settles in with confidence. My muscles fall into familiar rhythm. The practice I’ve put in quietly starts to speak for itself.

Then comes the moment.

The crosshairs settle on the target. The path is chosen. The swing is synchronized.

And it’s time to pull the trigger.

In that moment, trust replaces fear. And suddenly the ball is launched — not just into the air, but toward purpose. Maybe it lands exactly where I envisioned. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, I learn. I adjust. I repeat.

That’s the game. That’s life.

So today, here’s the reminder — for golfers and non-golfers alike:

Don’t let fear stop a dream. Pick a target. See the path. Put in the work. And when the moment comes — let it fly.