Is your goal really the goal?
Reflecting on the year becomes especially enjoyable when considering how annual cycles, such
as competitions and hunting went. As this year concludes, I’ve contemplated the learning,
unlearning, and skill refinement cycles throughout the shooting seasons. There’s a discernible
pattern marked by waypoints that signify progress, serving as guiding lights in navigating
challenges and steering toward future success. Let’s examine these waypoints to avoid losing
our way along the journey toward our goals.
Start of the Season
Commencing a season typically involves having an idea of what we want to achieve. However,
the first clear indicator of accomplished goals often involves establishing explicit, measurable,
and achievable waypoints toward a larger destination. Successful individuals, myself included,
tend to achieve higher success rates when considering both short-term and long-term
objectives. Short-term waypoints provide immediate motivation and break down larger goals
into manageable steps, while long-term goals provide a sense of purpose and direction. Setting
clear early season goals, such as reaching a ranking of 170-180, midseason goals of 150 and
125, and ultimately homing in on sub 100, provides clarity on the necessary steps.
Recognizing the Goal
Moreover, recognizing that certain skills are more beneficial to hone and develop early in the
season, I believe it is crucial to refresh and refine a strong foundation. For instance, a shooter
aspiring for a top 100 ranking should focus on acquiring fundamental knowledge, reinforcing a
new base, and studying concepts related to their discipline. This comprehensive learning,
whether from podcasts, books, online sources, or mentors, establishes a solid grounding in the
chosen discipline.
However, knowledge alone is insufficient. Progressing toward goals requires the practical
application of skills through hands-on practice. Engaging in live and dry-fire exercises,
participating in local competitions, and refining skills not only enhance skill development but
also build confidence and problem-solving abilities.
Learning from experienced individuals accelerates progress. Seeking mentors or joining
communities where experts share insights and guidance can provide valuable perspectives.
Collaborating with like-minded individuals through programs like the riflekraft coaching offers
shared experiences for a broader perspective.
Improvise, Adapt, Overcome
Adapting to technological advancements is crucial in the shooting world. Continuous learning
and staying curious about the latest trends and advancements future-proof expertise as
competitions adopt much of this and design stages that take into account certain equipment.
The mindset and thoughts a shooter has also plays a significant role in goal success. Mastering a
technical skill involves facing challenges, encountering failures, and cultivating a strong and
adaptable mindset. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and failures as
steppingstones towards success is crucial. Understanding that setbacks are part of the learning
process and maintaining a positive mindset is essential for sustaining motivation and resilience.
As the season progresses, refining the base rebuilt, the experience gained, and the details
picked up along the early waypoints allows faster refinement time for short tune ups. Tuning into the final push, leveraging support networks, and subtle shifts in required details amplifies
results.
Focusing on prerequisite goals before diving into detailed work ensures success in
achieving the original goal.
In the words of Dan John, “The goal is to keep the goal the goal.” The trick is knowing how to
stay on track.
