Getting Ready for 2022

Posted On: 02-01-2022

Each year presents new challenges and how we address those challenges sets the stage for success.  Goals always come to the top and creating both obtainable goals and measurable goals is perhaps the most important piece of getting ready. 

What is a goal?  For shooters it may be a lot of different components to being successful.  Think about these:

• I will practice at least twice a week
• I will structure my practices to improve my weaknesses
• I will practice gun mounts at least twice a week at home with supervision
• I will read or watch at least one article or video on improving my shooting each week
• I will discuss each round with my coaches and fellow shooters for improvement
• I will approach each shoot as if it is my only shot of the day
• I will learn to focus on my success and how that will help others
• I will take the time after each round and think about what I liked and disliked
• I will keep a journal of all my shooting and practice
• I will be supportive of my team mates
• I will be a strong scholastic student
• I will be thankful to my parents and coaches for their support
• I will ……

You get the point, make a list and write it down.  If you notice I never once mentioned targets hit or missed.  You have got to move away from target counting and look at all the things you do well on the range.  See the big picture.  Your goal each day is not to hit 25/25, but rather understanding why I am able to consistently hit targets.  What am I doing right? 

Note as well, I mention measurable goals – by that ones you can count.  How many times I practiced, numbers of gun mounts, and even though oblique in some ways how I supported my fellow team mates.  Pats on the back, words of support or conversations about how impressed you were with their efforts all count.  These are measurable as the first one counts as one and so on.  Build a repertoire of positive things you do for others and I assure you it will grow into your gaining the same support. 

Finally, take a good look at this list and then yours.  Are they obtainable.  I say that as all too often a youth shooter will respond to their goal by saying, “I will hit 25/25”.  But can this really happen?  We want this to happen, we wish it to happen, but is it a realistic goal?  In many cases the answer is no.  It will not happen.  Don’t get me wrong, I want you to be successful, but let’s be realistic in our goals.  If you did not practice, paid little attention to coaching, placed your shooting low on your expectation list and set a goal that was way too high, success will not become you.

So have a great season – be positive in all you do – be safe and above all else HAVE FUN.

David R. Vaught, Ph.D.

Executive Director