RAMBLINGS OF A SHOOTING BUM
COMPETITION = TESTING = SUCCESS
Or why we choke under pressure.
I'm going to ramble about competition and why I think it's important to our community.
Shooting has been promoted as a competitive sport over its long history for several reasons which are as relevant today as they were 150 years ago. Canada has produced many high level shooters that have historically had significant success in international events. These matches test skill and preparation in
fair competition under standard rules against other skilled people. Such competitors are exceptional and the reality is that most of us compete because it's a fun social activity and we are able to measure our performance based on standard rules that the top shooters also compete under. It is important that in any sport the top competitors achieve exceptional results and set the bar high. I believe setting the bar high is a winning philosophy that should be promoted throughout our society.
fair competition under standard rules against other skilled people. Such competitors are exceptional and the reality is that most of us compete because it's a fun social activity and we are able to measure our performance based on standard rules that the top shooters also compete under. It is important that in any sport the top competitors achieve exceptional results and set the bar high. I believe setting the bar high is a winning philosophy that should be promoted throughout our society.
Competition is an important part of our society and it is one of the things that define our culture. Through human competition, skills and abilities are displayed that allow us to measure proficiency, and proficiency is usually the most important factor in successful accomplishment of complex tasks.
Testing is the most common way to determine proficiency, and competition is a method of testing that is proven to produce reliable results. Most of us are uncomfortable when we are subjected to testing and the reasons for our discomfort are many - most are rooted in our fear of a poor result. Why we think the result may be unsatisfactory has many reasons and a lack of self confidence may often be the underlying cause.
The reality for most of us is that we constantly perform complex tasks with a high degree of proficiency and success. So why do we become uncomfortable when asked to participate in formal testing? As I've said, a lack of self confidence is often a contributor but another is that it takes us outside our comfort zone and puts performance pressure on us. Generally speaking most of us do not like to be evaluated and we resist or avoid these situations where possible.
People that are comfortable with being tested and evaluated have an advantage and are generally better able to display their proficiency and skill "on demand". Being able to offer our best performance on demand gives us an advantage in dealing with the challenges and issues that are part of our daily lives.
So how do we develop the ability to be unaffected by formal testing and evaluation, so that we can give our best performance on demand?
One of the best ways we can increase our comfort and learn to deal with performance pressure is by regular participation in Competitive Sports. People that regularly participate in competitive sports are positive assets to our society because they are often better "trained" to produce successful results on demand under pressure. Some of these people adopt leadership roles in our society but most go quietly about their business with an awareness that they can and do contribute to our community.
Most of us understand the benefit of being able to offer good performance on demand and we show this by encouraging young people to participate in competitive sports. Learning or improving our ability to cope with performance pressure is a great benefit of participation in organized competition.
As we age and enter the workforce, build a family and continue our adult lives we often don't have the time and other resources to continue our participation in competitive sports. We are also usually subjected to much less formal testing as we age. This situation often leads to diminished ability to maximize our performance on demand because we are uncomfortable with being challenged. I believe that regular participation in competitive sports allows us to be tested by our peers where we can continually develop the ability to "perform on demand". The opportunity to be tested by our peers under fair conditions and standard rules is often overlooked in our busy lives but it's also a great opportunity for social interaction that increases our community strength and understanding.
Many people continue after their competitive years to participate in sports as a hobby but have to give up competition due to life circumstances. Shooting sports offer the opportunity for people to compete for most of their lives. Many shooting disciplines have developed Club, Provincial, National and International competitive programs that are run by other shooters that are keen to offer their help and experience in order to assist people to develop their skills.
Shooting is fun and competition is good for us so make it a point to check out your local shooting activity and come participate. The people you meet will all understand good shooting requires the development of skills that are learned and an attitude that is positive and proactive.
Mike Lutes
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