As the spotlight rests on Tiger Woods following his admissions he was a sex cheat, we ask ourselves ... can Tiger change?
Can Tiger change his addictive behaviours which threatened to derail his life? History is our greatest measuring stick when we look at a person’s character and whether they are capable of change.
I believe in the old saying that a leopard can’t change its spots. But can Tiger change his behaviour which has dictated his wayward life in recent years?
Tiger Woods’ apology speech has generated debate over his ability to reform his destructive pattern of behaviour. Can he save his marriage? Is he capable of staying faithful to his wife after a string of affairs?
Only Tiger knows the answer. Maybe he is doubtful of his own capacity to change.
There is one thing I do know. If an athlete states his goal publicly, he is more likely to do everything he can to achieve that goal. Has Tiger got that something special to resist temptation and the traps of fame and fortune? How can he satisfy himself through other positive actions?
Change is tough. Most people resist change. Most people can’t snap out of their habits overnight. Habits become learned skills which can be harder to unlearn.
Try telling a chain smoker to stop smoking. Try telling an alcoholic to lay off the booze. Try telling a person addicted to sex to be faithful to one person.
You know the answer. Habits are tough to break. Negative, destructive behaviour is not easy to break. Whether Tiger has what it takes to change his ways is entirely up to his own willpower and the strength and goodwill of his support team.
History shows it is tough to develop integrity, to turn negative behaviour into exemplary behaviour and to become someone that people admire for their honesty, humility and dedication to their family and lifestyle.
Our role models give us our best chance in life. Our parents, our guardians and our heroes shape our attitudes and behaviours. But life’s temptations can often lead us astray.
Tiger is a hero to the golfing world. The pressures of being a billionaire are abnormal. An abnormal existence can often lead to dysfunctional behaviour. Bad behaviour.
Tiger has shown he is human. He has admitted wrongdoing, and chosen the wrong path, like millions and millions of people worldwide.
Tiger has made costly mistakes. Can he genuinely learn from his misdemeanours and move forward?
It is only a man with exceptional character and support that can reform bad ways.
Can Tiger do it? “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
In my sports column on The Punch tomorrow: why Eurovision was easily the best game on the weekend. Mummy bloggers, you'll like this one!
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
Abbott’s crass logic: trash the Parliament in order save it
An email was sent to almost every politician in Australia this week saying that someone should cut off…
Our special forces don’t always need special treatment
We admire them, but we’re not entirely sure why. We allow them to operate in the shadows; we rarely…
A good holiday is about unrest, not rest
Like a fat full-stop, it lay in my hand. A small orange – not exactly fresh, but purchased anyway…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
Michael S says:
"A teacher at Geelong Grammar had criticised her for using words that were too long, which had left her confused and had made her doubt her ability to write essays. She became ''quite distressed'' when her English marks began to fall." I can sympathise. My scholastic mentors conveyed to me a causal relationship… [read more]From: Welfare for breeders is a bonus for everyone
Change Up! says:
I have no problem paying my taxes. As a single, childless person on a very decent income, I can afford it and not have my life severely altered. Plus I understand that my taxes paying for things like schools, childcare and infrastructure is ultimately a good thing. A better community is better for me… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
A private school girl’s family is sueing her elite, extremely expensive private school for not… Read more
Most commented