In order for your golf lessons to have positive lasting effects, you need to approach the process of improvement with the right attitude.  It is vital that you have a specific reason for taking the lesson, so that you and the instructor stay on the same page. 

Take a few minutes to talk with your teacher and tell him/her what you want to accomplish during that session.  Go in with an attitude of patience and determination rather than a quick-fix mentality. If you tell your instructor that you want to make real progress, and that you are willing to put in some time and practice, you will be on the road to success.

What's Your Goal for the Lesson?

When I first work with a student, I ask them what their goal is for the lesson.  If they don't know specifically, I keep asking them questions about their game that lead them to the current problem areas, and the priority in fixing them.  Once we have established exactly what we are focusing on for that session, we begin the lesson.

The reason this process of prioritizing is so important is that often times golfers do not see their own games from an objective point of view.  For example, a player might think his full swing is his main problem, but statistically he may putt much worse than he hits the ball.  By improving his putting he may improve 5 or 6 shots a round, while ball striking improvement may lower the score by only 1 or 2.  It is the instructor's job to find the most immediate problem and convince the player to work toward finding a lasting solution.

Once you have prioritized your lesson plan, start to work on the 1st key and do not be anxious about the outcome of the changes.  Any change is going to feel different.  Different is fine and immediate ball flight concerns should be pushed out of your mind.

Clear Your Mind of Expectations

By clearing your mind of results and expectations, you will be free mentally to focus on your task at hand.  I am amazed at how many times, however, I have seen a student short-circuit the lesson simply by letting the ball flight determine their attitude toward the changes.  If they don't see better flight in just a few balls, they become negative and want to move in a new direction.

Instead of falling into that trap, let the lesson and the changes run their course.  Give your brain and body time to let the new feelings take hold.  Focus on the feeling of the new key and put your ego aside for a few minutes.  If you do, you will be on the path of true and lasting improvement.