#70 [Inside the Mind] Jody Martins: Progress versus Perfection, Reframing Failure, and Staying Focused Amid Countelss Distractions

Today, I’m joined by Mental Performance Coach and Host of The Performance Formula Podcast, Jody Martins. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create a meaningful morning routine that sets the tone for your day.
• Why copying someone else's routine—like Tiger or Bryson—isn’t the answer.
• The difference between striving for progress vs. striving for perfection.
• Practical strategies to break free from negative self-talk during a round.
• The power of mindfulness and micro-moments to re-center your focus.
• How to reframe failure as feedback and an essential step toward mastery.
• How to develop a "smart bomb" focus to stay on track amid external distractions.

Get your pencils ready and start listening. 

P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here.

More About Jody

From the earliest days as a coach, Jody has had a deep fascination with performance. His coaching journey started as a cricket coach and very early on he realised that performance is not just about having good skills and fitness.

He learned that the mind (thought and feelings) or rather lack of mind during performance is a far greater indicator of performance.

Now he partners with athletes who want to understand themselves and in doing so, design and build the lifestyle and processes that allow them to show up as their best consistently.

• www.jodymartins.co 
• @realjodymartins
• @performanceformulapodcast

Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course

1. Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call
2. Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter
3. Download my “Play Your Best Round” free hypnosis audio recording.

High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching

Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential.

He has over 15 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential.

Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. 

Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist 

Twitter: @parsoverbogeys

Key Takeaways:

• Anchor Your Routine in Purpose: A morning routine becomes easy to maintain when it's meaningful. Connect your habits to your long-term goals, like improving focus or building resilience.
• Perfection Is the Enemy of Growth: Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for consistent improvement. Learn from your mistakes rather than fearing them.
• Fail Beautifully, Learn Relentlessly: View failure as feedback. Each missed shot or poor round holds valuable lessons if you’re willing to reflect.
• Redirect Your Focus with the W.I.N. Acronym: When distractions arise, ask yourself: "What’s Important Next?" This helps you stay grounded and present for your next shot.
• Self-Awareness Builds Confidence: Notice negative self-talk and consciously shift to neutral or positive thinking. Practicing mindfulness helps you catch and redirect unhelpful thoughts.
• Choose Your Experience on the Course: Decide how you want to feel during your round—calm, focused, or joyful—and set the intention to create that experience, regardless of your score.
• Small Moments of Stillness Lead to Big Changes: Incorporate micro-moments of stillness—like focusing on your breath or tuning into the sound of the wind—to reset your mind and stay present.

Key Quotes:

• "Routine becomes easier when it’s tied to something bigger than yourself." 
• "Perfectionism breeds mediocrity. Progress is the real pursuit." 
• "The inner game drives the outer game." 
• "Choose the experience you want to have before you step onto the course."
• "Failure isn’t final—it’s feedback." 
• "Self-awareness is like upgrading your smart bomb—it improves your accuracy in life." 
• "Neutrality in your thoughts helps you build positive momentum over time." 

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Morning Routines and Their Impact
• 09:49 The Pursuit of Perfection vs. Growth Mindset
• 20:12 Choosing Your Experience in Sports
• 25:13 The Journey to Self-Awareness
• 29:05 Meditation and Focus: A Path to Clarity
• 35:41 Harnessing the Mind: Strategies for Course Correction
• 42:34 What's Important Next: A Focused Approach to Performance