My Key Takeaways from Two Assignments with Swiss Television

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Expectations – Blockade or Fuel?

This is one of my key takeaways from two assignments as a golf expert with Swiss Television (SRF).

Do you know that feeling when expectations block you rather than inspire you? That is exactly what I experienced over the last two weeks during two TV assignments with SRF: at the European Masters in Crans-Montana and the Swiss Ladies Open in Holzhäusern.

Crans Montana: Everything is going well.

I felt comfortable in front of the camera, was able to get information straight to the point, and convey emotions. I was thrilled by the abundance of positive feedback, even in the days that followed. But along with the compliments, the expectations rose as well.

Holzhäusern: Expectations as a blockade

At the Swiss Ladies Open in Holzhäusern, I was suddenly dissatisfied with myself on the first day. Instead of carrying me forward, the high expectations inhibited me.

Questions circled in my head:

• Can I continue to inspire?
• Do I still have something new to say – or have I run out of steam?

I realized: It’s just like in professional sports. Once you have impressed people, expectations automatically rise – especially your own. And that is exactly what can cause a mental block.

My Mindset Shift

After the first day, I reflected and consciously made small changes. I told myself: “It is good as it is.” I shifted the focus away from the result and toward the process. I allowed for more presence instead of perfection. I focused on positive actions. Above all, I invited the fun back in. And lo and behold: with the regained ease, the ideas returned, and I immediately felt more comfortable.

4 Learnings against the pressure of expectations

My conclusion: Expectations are normal. However, when they become too great, small mindset shifts help to regain lightness.

1. Shift the focus – away from the result, toward the process! When we only think about the outcome – “Do I have to be as good as last time?” – pressure builds up. Those who focus on the process, meaning what they can concretely do in the moment, remain capable of action and relaxed. Success often occurs as a side effect.
2. Replace perfection with presence: Authenticity is more powerful than flawlessness. Many block themselves because they want to do everything perfectly. But people sense whether we are truly there, whether we are present and connected. This presence often has a much stronger impact than a “flawless” performance.
3. Have realistic self-talk – It is good as it is. Our inner voice is crucial. Instead of putting yourself under pressure (“That’s not enough, that wasn’t good enough”), it helps to consciously speak to yourself in a realistic and benevolent way. Self-acceptance creates serenity.
4. Prioritize joy – Creativity arises from lightness. Creativity and inspiration cannot be forced. They arise when we have fun, allow ourselves to be relaxed, and approach things with joy. Those who prioritize joy stay motivated longer and radiate that to others.

Now over to you: How do you deal with the pressure of expectations? What helps you bring back the lightness?