I had to break this article into two parts for ease of posting and reading. Please look for "Six For Success Ends" to complete the picture. Thank you.

Does it seem as if your bowling is not improving in spite of all your practice? Do you have your goals and priorities in line but feel as if something is blocking your path to success? Do you often think that you are not doing the things that you know you should be doing?

You could be your own worst enemy and this week's "Choc-list" may give you some insight into answering these questions. I call them "Six for Success," and hope they will help you with your game.

Problem 1: You focus on what is not right, what is not working, or what seems to be missing from your game. This only serves to attract more things you don't want, rather than help you focus on the positive aspects of your bowling.

Solution 1: Turn yourself around by asking questions such as, "What is right about my bowling?" or "What is working correctly?" Start noticing the things that are working for you and become more aware of them, no matter how small they may seem. Write them down so that you reinforce them in your mind. Remember, "Positives attract, Negatives detract."

Problem 2: You spend a lot of wasteful time thinking about what might happen. You worry that if you try something, the results will be worse than what is happening now. You are caught in the "paralysis by analysis" mode.

Solution 2: How many times have you not done something because of what you thought was going to happen; yet, when it did happen, it turned out okay? Let go of your fears. Start putting things into perspective by writing down what you cannot predict or control and you'll find that the future is one of them. Bowl in the present.

Problem 3: You forget about all of your accomplishments and tend not to take pride in them. You find that you criticize yourself for your lack of success and get stuck in the "woe is me" scenario. Even if someone compliments you, you tend to play down your achievement.

Solution 3: Start accepting that you have done a lot of good with your bowling. Write down all your personal milestones, awards, and accomplishments no matter how small or trivial they may seem to you. Each time you bowl, whether practice or competition, compliment yourself on something you did that you feel good about. Accept the compliments others may give you by just saying, "Thank You" - no ifs, ands, or buts, just acceptance that you did something good.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)