I finally picked up my golf clubs after a 10-month hiatus. I went to the golf range to hit practice balls, get the rhythm back and the swing in tune. Upon my return, my wife commented that I appeared much calmer and that golf is possibly better for me than my morning runs.

It was not until later that I truly understood the meaning of her comments. Both running and golf are solo sports where you compete against yourself. I have only been golfing for about five years, but nothing has worked to calm my mind other than golf. When I am golfing, I am only focused on the club, the ball and course management. Nothing else enters my mind – It’s just golf and me. While running, my mind is racing despite the music blaring in my ears from my iPod. Tunes are rocking, my feet are pounding, yet I am thinking about work. I have always had trouble calming my mind. I have tried yoga, meditation, focused imagery techniques; nothing seemed to work, except golf.

I realized that the calming influence of golf was good for my family and me. There, I have a place not only to relax my body, but also relax my mind. It is refreshing even when returning from a lousy round. My head is clear and focused, my body relaxed from the exercise. I am ready both for family time and for work time.

Every leader, every entrepreneur needs that special place, space, time or tool to refresh and renew. The benefits are worth the effort and your family will thank you later. My special thanks to Nike, Callaway, TaylorMade and all the other golf brands out there. And my wife thanks you, too.