The Importance of Digging it Out of the Dirt
What does it mean to dig it out of the dirt? The phrase is often used in sports and life to describe the act of overcoming adversity, challenges, or difficult situations through sheer determination, effort, and resilience. Just like digging deep into the ground to unearth something hidden, this phrase embodies the idea of finding a way to succeed when faced with obstacles or setbacks. It signifies the willingness of an individual to work hard, persist, and push beyond one’s limits to achieve a goal, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Digging it out of the dirt is a solitary act. It is something that the athlete has to do on their own and by doing so proves to themselves that they are capable of doing difficult things without the help of others.
Golf, too, is a solitary act. Although we are often accompanied by others, we must ultimately play (and practice) the game alone. Ben Hogan famously proclaimed that “the secret [to golf] was in the dirt” referring to time spent on the practice range as the key to any golfer’s success. In fact, relentlessly digging it out of the dirt on your own might be the distinguishing characteristic of better players. In a study we conducted at GPC, we asked some of the top amateurs and professionals in the world the following question: “When faced with a difficult problem, are you more likely to ask for help, or do you first try and solve the problem on your own?” Interestingly, the better the player, the more likely they would prefer to solve the problem on their own. After follow up conversations, it was clear that high achieving golfers are driven to figure things out on their own to not only deepen their understanding of whatever they’re working on, but more importantly because, come crunch time, they must be able to rely on themselves.
In both sports and life, the concept of “digging it out of the dirt” serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It encapsulates the essence of perseverance, determination, and self-reliance. Just as athletes face challenges on their own and must overcome them through sheer willpower, so too do golfers confront the solitary nature of their sport, striving to excel through personal effort and resilience. As Ben Hogan wisely noted, the essence of golf lies in the hours spent honing one’s skills, digging deep into the dirt of the practice range. Our research at GPC reinforces this ethos, revealing that the most accomplished players prefer to tackle challenges independently, driven by a desire to not only master their craft but also to cultivate a steadfast reliance on their own abilities. Ultimately, “digging it out of the dirt” embodies the unwavering commitment to self-improvement and the unyielding pursuit of excellence, both on and off the course.
