There are a few things in life you can count on—death, taxes… and disappointment.

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the golf course. Not just playing—but practicing with intention. Studying my swing. Making adjustments. Finding time where I normally wouldn’t. To be honest, I thought I was getting better, and because of that, I became even more committed. I found myself sneaking away when I could—whether to practice, play a few holes, or simply work on my game.

The night before my round, I was home with my family watching the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics. At halftime, a few friends invited me out. I went for a little while, but I didn’t stay long. I had a tee time at a local golf course the next morning at 10:00 a.m., and I wanted to be ready.

And ready I was.

I woke up early. I stretched. I ate a clean breakfast with protein. I packed snacks. I filled a couple bottles of water. I even had a plan—drink water before I got thirsty so my energy stayed consistent, and eat my protein snacks after holes 5, 9, and 13.

I had thought through everything.

I was prepared.

Hole 1—Par.
Hole 2—Bogey.
Hole 3—Bogey.
Hole 4—Bogey.
Hole 5—Bogey.

I was only four over through five holes. Not perfect, but controlled. Competitive. I felt good.

Then came hole number six.

My first shot hit a tree and disappeared—gone like Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

I dropped.

My next shot found trouble again.

Then another shot… straight into the water.

And just like that, everything I thought I had under control started falling apart.

That hole didn’t just challenge my golf game—it challenged my mindset.

And in that moment, I was reminded of something bigger:

Life works the same way.

You can plan.
You can prepare.
You can think through every detail.
You can do everything right.

And life can still throw you a curveball.

A setback.
A missed opportunity.
A bad meeting.
A number you didn’t hit.
A result that doesn’t reflect your effort.

That round humbled me.

It reminded me that I am better than one bad hole. Better than one bad round. Better than one disappointing score.

And I think that’s a lesson every leader needs.

As leaders, we should always hope for the best—but prepare for the worst. And when the worst shows up, don’t let one bad moment define the rest of your day… or your journey.

I won’t lie—I was disappointed.

But I was also grateful.

Grateful that I can play golf.
Grateful that I was outside with friends.
Grateful that the sun was out.
Grateful that my body still allows me to walk the course.

And then one final thought hit me:

Even on one of my worst scoring days… I’m still better than I was a year ago.

That’s growth.

And sometimes growth doesn’t look like winning.

Sometimes, growth looks like staying in the game.

Anthony Ndungu, PhD. MBA, RN
Entrepreneur | Leader | Growth Advocate
CEO, http://www.kansashomehealth.com|www.medicashift.com|www.meadowlarkcarehomes.com
“We make lives better.”