Short term muscle memory lasts about eight seconds. It can be said that “feel” lasts for eight seconds. Use this knowledge to improve your golf game.
When faced with a chip or a pitch, take your practice strokes nearby in similar conditions. Make some swings that feel good, then step up to the ball and repeat the swing within eight seconds. You’ll end up closer to the hole.
Shorten your preshot routine. Pick your target, stay relaxed, and then pull the trigger. Hanging over the ball for a thirty second preshot routine allows clutter – bad visualization, fear, etc. – to creep in. Pick a target, visualize the shot, take a practice stroke (or more, particularly on “feel” shots), take your stance, and hit it.
Eight seconds is probably longer than you think. You can still afford a simple preshot routine – a waggle, a regrip, a deep breath. Just don’t make like Sergio and regrip 37 times.