While actual danger can be real, fear is not real. Last I heard, no one is in any danger on a Sporting Clays course. Those annoying negative thoughts…fear is a belief we create… nothing more. It’s our moving our attention to what we fear happening, or not happening in the tournament, that causes all of our apprehension. Worrying about what we do or don’t want, our long list of expectations, we create the doubts, the fear, then respond by letting the physical tension disrupt swing after swing in a downward spiral on our scorecard. Again and again, anxious about what our score will be on this field and the next, OO…lost a pair. Yes,…our physical reaction to the anxiety is real, but it is we who create the stress.
Fear is a choice. We can choose to keep our attention here, in the present, which we can control…or to the fear of all the future, unwanted possibilities that none of us can control and may never happen?
Battling with fear, getting upset, will only make it worse, so don’t. Let go of what your mind says might happen 10 seconds, 2 hours from now. Here’s where some internal discipline and determination can really help. Intentionally, do your best, move all your attention to the most important shooting task right in front of you. Focus on that specific, physical task. Fear and apprehension can only disrupt our shooting if allowed to take control over our attention. The good news is, we have a say about that. Once we see these negative thoughts for what they really are…it’s a lot easier to move our attention onto what’s really important and take care of what needs doing in the shooting box.
Be safe and I hope to see you out on the course. And please…tell me it’s warming up outside.
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About Dan Schindler
Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!
Dan Schindler's Books
Yes, Dan's books help you take the MYSTERY out of missing targets and help you quickly learn steps to shoot more CONSISTENTLY! Order Dan's 3 books NOW!
New Release...Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer and is all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.
To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.
Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan' life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer and much more.
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