My four simple rules to learning golf

When it comes to learning the game of golf, I have four simple rules.
Golf is a game and games should be fun:  Whether we are playing the game or practicing, we should enjoy what we do. We already have day jobs, bills to pay and our day to day task lists so we should make certain that we enjoy ourselves playing the game (key word is playing).  One of the most enjoyable aspects of golf is that we all are capable of hitting a great shot once in a while and enjoy the feeling when we overcome the challenge of the game and hit great shots a little bit more often.  Which is why I've taken on the task of learning as much technical information about the golf swing and how to explain the learning process to in a simple method for those of you who have lives and can't spend several hours daily to "work" on your game (remember, practice should be "play" and not "work", we already have jobs).
Everyone is capable of making a good golf swing:   "The mind cannot focus on a negative.” James Ray.  Short game guru Dave Pelz says the most feared shot in golf is the short putt.  I personally think that it is because our focus is directed to "I hope I don't miss".  Without positive expectations, there shouldn't be an expectation of positive results.  I became a better putter when I expected to make every putt and more importantly, could care less if I didn't (back to the fun & challenge).  The two worst things we can do if we want to get better is to say "I can't" or "I don't want to change".  Here is my simple philosophy:  if you can lift your arms above your head and turn your head to the right and left, you have plenty of physical ability to make a good golf swing.  All you need to do is believe it yourself.
If you want to improve, you must have a plan:    Simply believing that you can have a great swing is only the first step to improvement.  The most important step is to embrace the idea of change.  I like to have golfers work without hitting balls using simple drills they can do in five to ten minutes daily.  If they get to hit balls, it is a bonus.  There is a theory called psycho-cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz that states a new habit can be created by doing it 21 days in a row.   In addition, it helps to have guidance from someone who will help you set some basic goals and help you through them.  My goal when I take on a student is to give them an understanding of how the golf club works, spend time with them frequently for a short time span (once every week or two for three to six weeks) and then only when they want a review or desire to move up another level.
Golf is a game for a lifetime and crosses all cultural boundaries:  "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal" Earl Nightingale.  Success in golf and life does not come overnight.  However if we work in 21 day increments, we can realize these goals.  I had the pleasure of giving lessons to Robert "Shank" Hullings who played 100 rounds a year.  Shank was 75 years old at the time and still hit the ball 260 yards and still wanted to be better.  Between the 100 rounds a year and a great attitude, I would say he is in better shape mentally and physically than many of us half his age.  My father was eighty years old when he hit the ultimate golf shot:  a hole-in-one.  By the way, this was his first and only.  So for you youngsters, there is still plenty of time. 
One of my fondest memories of this game is spending the afternoon with someone half my age, another twice my age and a golfer born in another country.  And we all enjoyed a great afternoon together.  If fact, it's the only athletic endeavor I've played with a grandfather, father and son at the same time.
And through all of this, never forget:  Golf is fun.