#94: The Greatest Bet You'll Ever Make (And Why It's Worth It)

Why is it so easy to bet on your favorite team, stocks, or fantasy league—yet so hard to bet on yourself? In this powerful solo episode of The Scratch Golfer's Mindset Podcast, I share why most people avoid going all in on themselves and the fears, excuses, and illusions of control that keep them stuck. I open up about my own story of leaving a secure path at IMG Academy, walking away from 90% of my income at Renaissance Periodization, and investing $50,000 into a coach when I had nothing certain lined up—all because I was committed to betting on myself. In this episode, you'll learn: Why people avoid betting on themselves and play small How illusions of control keep you stuck in fear and excuses The hidden cost of betting only on things outside your control Why responsibility, rejection, and uncertainty scare us—and how to face them How betting on yourself creates confidence, peace, and exponential growth The role of short-term sacrifice in creating long-term fulfillment Why modeling self-belief inspires and lifts everyone around you This episode is a wake-up call: stop dimming your light, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and take the risk. Because the greatest bet you'll ever place—the one with the highest return—is the bet you place on yourself. Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here . Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course. Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Key Takeaways: People prefer to bet on what they can't control because it gives them an excuse when things don't work out. Betting on yourself means full ownership—no one else to blame. Fear of judgment, rejection, and failure keeps most people from going all in. Responsibility is scary, but it's also the path to peace and fulfillment. My leap from RP coaching and a $50,000 investment was proof of betting on myself—and it paid off. Confidence and belief are built in action, not in waiting for certainty. Betting on yourself elevates everyone around you through your example. Key Quotes: "You can't become better unless you bet on yourself." "When you bet on things beyond your control, you reinforce self-doubt." "Fear and confidence can coexist—you can be scared and certain at the same time." "The biggest risk isn't failing. It's never knowing what could have happened if you bet on yourself." "Money comes and goes. Focus and attention are the true currencies of high performance." "Stop dimming your light—you're teaching your kids it's okay to play small." "Every bet you place on yourself creates a ripple effect of belief, confidence, and growth." Time Stamps: 00:00: Why We Bet on the Wrong Things 02:00: My Early Career at IMG Academy 04:30: Cold Calls & Finding RP 06:30: Building a Coaching Business 08:40: Walking Away from 90% of My Income 10:55: The $50,000 Bet That Changed Everything 12:30: Why We Avoid Betting on Ourselves 14:40: Two Paths: Conflict vs. Fulfillment 16:15: Rewiring Belief & Confidence 18:10: Fear and Confidence Can Coexist 20:15: The Hard Truth About Sacrifice 22:05: The Ripple Effect of Self-Belief 23:45: Final Challenge: Bet on Yourself