I came this close!

Posted On: 09-29-2021

This idea of clay target shooting has an evil underlying ideal and that is perfection.  Whether you shoot 24/25, 49/50, 74/75 or 99/100 close is just not the same as perfection.  When this happens it can strain our psyche and cause us to ask will we ever do this again, or will I ever achieve perfection?  I assure you this will happen if you practice and put in the effort. 

I am not sure if it was Hillary Clinton that coined the term “It takes a village”, but sometimes when our fellow teammate has this experience it can take everyone to reassure them that they will indeed achieve their goal of perfection.   

All teams need supportive players that recognize tough times and help turn them around.  I encourage anyone to listen to Patrick Mahomes mic’d up and hear how he pushes others and assures them all will be OK.  Here are some ideas though to address close to perfection.

As a team member, walk up to them and tell them you are proud of them and reassure them what just happened was awesome to watch and you wish you could do as well as they have shown that day.  Take a minute to re-focus on how difficult it is to achieve perfection. 

As a team reinforce that all the hard work put into this moment was worth it and continued support by the team will ensure getting to this moment again.  Be positive always and nothing says more than a pat on the back and a handshake for a great effort.

Finally put it all into perspective.  In a way, even achieving perfection only initiates the need for more perfection when the time is right and deserved.  But this day getting so close is a huge accomplishment so enjoy this moment with your team and forget about that one miss and focus on all the great shots getting you this far.

David R. Vaught, Ph.D.

Executive Director