Twenty years ago, at the age of 28, I found myself swept up in a passion for golf. What began as a casual interest soon grew into a pursuit that shaped the next decade of my life. Nearly every day, I was on the course, practicing with a drive that mirrored my growing dedication. The early months were rewarding, with my handicap dropping swiftly to 13, stoking the fires of my competitive spirit. In time, I managed to push it even lower, reaching a 5 and feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. Golf had become more than a pastime—it was a journey of self-discovery.
One of the most meaningful connections I made through my golf journey was with Paul, a golf pro who became not only a coach but a close friend. Together, we set our sights on bigger challenges, qualifying for the finals of a Golf Digest-sponsored tournament at Sun City. It was a dream opportunity, with all expenses covered and a chance to play at the prestigious Gary Player Country Club, renowned for hosting the Million Dollar Golf Tournament.
Around that time, I came across The Secret, a book that spoke to me deeply. Its teachings on positive affirmation, gratitude, and mindset resonated with my own experiences. Inspired, I began carrying a “gratitude stone” in my pocket—a small, smooth pebble that served as a daily reminder to give thanks. Each time my fingers brushed against it, I would pause to express gratitude for my efforts, for the joy of playing golf, and for the success I envisioned. Yet, I was also grounded enough to recognise that gratitude alone would not carry me to my goals; it had to be paired with diligent practice.
The Sun City tournament was more than just a competition; it was an experience of a lifetime. The courses were breathtaking, and the atmosphere was electric, filled with skilled competitors and camaraderie. On the day of the final round at the Gary Player Country Club, I felt a heightened sense of focus. As we played, I entered “the zone”—a rare state where time seemed to blur, and every shot came naturally. It was as if I had tapped into something deeper, a flow that carried me effortlessly through the game. When the last putt dropped, Paul and I emerged victorious, a moment that felt like a culmination of not only hard work but also the power of positive thinking.
Years later, I’ve connected this with a lesson from another dear friend, Marius, whose thoughtful nature often led to profound insights. Marius once shared a story about a small screwdriver—the kind used for adjusting eyeglasses—that he had tucked behind the sun visor in his car for no particular reason. Months later, he found himself in need of that very tool. The experience struck him as fortuitous, as though he had subconsciously anticipated the need before it arose. For me, this simple story became a metaphor for being prepared and mindful of future needs, even if the purpose wasn’t clear at the time.
Marius’ approach to life goes beyond this small act of foresight. He speaks with deliberate intention, aware that words hold the power to shape reality. His story about the screwdriver serves as a reminder that our thoughts, words, and actions can plant seeds for future outcomes.
Inspired by this idea, I decided to adopt a similar practice. The screwdriver, I thought, could serve as a kind of reminder stone, just like the gratitude stone I had carried. But the thought of keeping a sharp object in my pocket was not appealing, so I set about crafting a miniature leather holster for it, an intentional act that transformed the tool into a meaningful symbol.
I took pleasure in shaping the case to fit the small screwdriver perfectly. In this way, the tool took on a new role in my life. It became more than just an object; it was a symbol of mindfulness and the power of deliberate thought. Just as the gratitude stone had reminded me to give thanks, the screwdriver now served as a prompt to pause and choose my words carefully, reinforcing the idea that what we think and say can indeed influence our reality.
The gratitude stone and the little screwdriver—one representing appreciation and the other preparation—remind me to stay present, to choose my words with care, and to be grateful for both the big victories and the small moments. In this practice, I have come to realise that the seeds of our thoughts, words, and actions can blossom into the reality we shape, one mindful step at a time.