Drawing from my experiences in both professional golf and finance brokering, I’ve learned that many insights from the world of sports can significantly enhance business performance. Here are some tips and advice that have helped me to succeed in my professional career, using examples from my journey in as a professional golfer.
1. Prioritise Precision
In golf, precision is critical. Each shot requires complete control to navigate the course effectively. In business, precision in your work can set you apart. Here are some ways to prioritise precision:
- Double-Check Your Work: Always review your documents and reports before submitting them. For instance, in finance broking, I would go back to double-check every input for a mortgage assessment and finance product recommendation.
- Use Tools and Technology: At AP Finance we utilise financial modelling templates and software or project management tools to enhance the accuracy of our work. Using tools like this can help you make sure you don’t miss any details, identify errors and improve overall accuracy.
2. Maintain Focus
Sustained concentration is essential for success in both sports and business. On the golf course, blocking out distractions and maintaining focus over extended periods helped me perform consistently. In business, try these methods to improve focus:
- Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks and avoid multitasking. For example, dedicate the first hour of your workday to research and analyse market trends without interruption.
- Minimise interruptions: Turn off notifications such as emails and messages while you are working on tasks that require your focus and full attention.
3. Think Strategically
Strategic thinking is vital for navigating challenges and achieving long-term goals. In golf, I planned my rounds in advance, considering factors like weather conditions and course layout. Apply strategic thinking in your career by:
- SWOT Analysis: Conduct SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for your major projects and overall business. This helps in understanding the broader landscape and planning effectively.
- Scenario Planning: Be prepared to act quickly when future events occur that will affect your industry and clients by developing contingency plans. In finance, I anticipate different market conditions such as changing interest rates so that I can prepare my clients to take advantage of the changes, where possible.
4. Build Resilience and Adaptability
Both sports and business environments are unpredictable. In golf, dealing with changing weather conditions and course challenges required resilience and adaptability. Build these qualities by:
- Embracing Failure: View failures as learning opportunities. After a poor round of golf, I would analyse my mistakes and focus on improvement. In business, reflect on setbacks to identify lessons and strategies for future success.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly update your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and seek feedback to stay adaptable in a changing environment.
5. Enhance Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for building and maintaining relationships. In my golf career, relationships with sponsors, fans, and fellow competitors were essential. Enhance your interpersonal skills by:
- Active Listening: Practice active listening in your interactions. For instance, when meeting with clients, focus on truly understanding their needs and concerns before offering advice.
- Empathy and Understanding: Show empathy by acknowledging clients’ emotions and perspectives. This builds trust and strengthens relationships.
6. Commit to Continuous Learning
Continuous learning and improvement are key to staying competitive. In golf, constantly refining my techniques and seeking advice from coaches kept me at the top of my game. In business, you can:
- Professional Development: Enrol in courses relevant to your field and development needs.
- Certifications and Credentials: Obtain industry-recognised certifications.
7. Perform Under Pressure
High-pressure situations test your ability to stay composed and make sound decisions. In golf, big tournaments demand execution under pressure. Improve your professional performance under pressure by:
- Preparation and Practice: Prepare thoroughly for high-stakes situations. This could mean rehearsing client presentations or running through potential negotiation scenarios in advance.
- Stress Management Techniques: Practice stress management methods such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or visualisation techniques to maintain composure during critical moments.
8. Embrace Teamwork
Even in individual sports like golf, teamwork plays a significant role. Collaborating with coaches, caddies, and support staff was essential for my success. Foster teamwork in your professional life by:
- Clear Communication: Ensure clear and open communication within your team. Regular check-ins and updates help everyone stay aligned and informed.
- Recognise Contributions: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of team members. This fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment.
9. Set and Pursue Goals
Goal setting is a common practice in sports that drives performance. In golf, setting specific targets for improvement kept me motivated. In your professional life, set and pursue goals by:
- SMART Goals: Establish SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to provide clarity and direction.
- Track Progress: Regularly review and track your progress toward your goals. This helps you stay motivated and make necessary adjustments along the way.
10. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can significantly impact your performance. In sports, maintaining a positive attitude helped me overcome setbacks and stay motivated. Cultivate a positive mindset by:
- Positive Self-Talk: Practice positive self-talk to build confidence and resilience. Replace negative thoughts with encouraging and constructive ones.
- Gratitude Practices: Keep a gratitude journal or regularly reflect on your achievements and positive experiences. This fosters a positive outlook and enhances overall well-being.
By integrating these sports-inspired insights into your professional life, you can enhance your performance, achieve your objectives, and thrive in any career.
Written by Michael Choi, Finance Broker – AP Group
AP Group are the leading pharmacy experts in Australia and specialise in helping first time buyers find the right pharmacy and secure the finance to support their purchase.
We connect existing owners with over 5000 ready and eager investors via our cutting-edge online Data Room. Our Data Room keeps confidential listing data secure and allows buyers to make informed decisions on each of our pharmacies for sale.
AP Group have built connections with all the major banks and a host of smaller lenders, ensuring that first time pharmacy buyers find a better deal.
About the Author:
Michael Choi joins us with a diverse background that spans from the international golf fairways to international business —and now to finance broking. Michael’s early years were spent chasing birdies as a professional golfer. After representing the Victorian State Team Colts and securing an Athlete Scholarship with the Victorian Institute of Sport, he turned pro in 2007. Touring the world on various PGA circuits, he learned the importance of strategy, precision, and staying cool under pressure – skills that are just as valuable in finance as they are in golf.
Trading in his clubs (mostly) for a new career challenge, Michael shifted to the leather trade as Operations Manager at Cost Price Sheepskin Company Pty. Ltd. There, he oversaw global exports of high-quality sheepskins, becoming an expert in managing complex transactions and building relationships with top fashion brands and automotive companies.
Now, as a finance broker at AP Group, Michael combines his global experience, strategic mindset, and relationship-building skills to help clients navigate the financial landscape. Fluent in Korean and with a taste for fine wine (he’s completed a course in Wine Studies), Michael brings a worldly perspective to every deal. When he’s not busy broking, he enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his young children – who he’s slowly convincing that finance is just as thrilling as golf… or at least as rewarding.