Nothing in this image was used with permission. Not Michael’s likeness, not the Dos Equis Ad, not the Shiner Bock bottle (my favorite beer) and not the Ruger logo. I made the image only because I thought it was funny and all rights to the parts of the image belong completely to the owners and do not represent support of WTGBU!
Some of the best training advice I have ever received has come from outside the world of firearms and a podcast I listened to last night reminded me of that!
Michael Bane from The Outdoor Channel’s Shooting Gallery, The Best Defense, The Best Defense Survival, the former produced of Cowboy’s, Cowboy action competitor, founding member of IPSC, original member of IDPA, Concealed Carry advocate in Florida, Chun Kuk Do and Aikido student, Author, former business journalist, former music critic for Rolling Stone, former beer magazine editor, former Ididasport competitor, former triathlon competitor, former big-mountain climber, former deep water diver… I think you get the picture!
Anyway on his podcast this week he challenged the idea that people changed gear in try to get better rather than seek additional training because of their ego, but rather because of their fear of failing and being the laughed at.
I am about to embark on an experience that fit that idea so well that I actually sent him an e-mail literally asking if “he record yesterday’s podcast for me?”
I know he didn’t… I’m not that vain.
Anyway… based on his experiences if it pretty clear that he has learned something about learning new skills and he while he rambled a bit (Glass Houses, I know!) it is a really good listen, because he explains why people shy away from learning new skills and it caused me to do a little introspection…
First on WTBGU!, and in my posts in particular, I discuss skills but also I talk a lot about gear and breaking down why a particular piece of gear works. This is not to suggest that gear is a replacement for training, but rather to identify what gear works with human physiology and psychology (specifically mine) with the goal of finding “Gear that Just Works!” and stays out of your way… I don’t want to have to train around my gear.
Does that mean you can’t learn to use whatever gear you have? Nope… just means if you need a holster you might as well get one that won’t fight you. I don’t think that conflicts with this idea…. Does it?
Second, I am a little odd! I actually like being wrong!
When I’m proven right or someone agrees with me I learn absolutely nothing and even worse, if I’m right I feel compelled to help the others and teaching is exhausting. When I’m wrong… I get to learn something and the only one that needs to change is me… and I can do that!
Lastly, I have the same fears of playing the fool as everyone else. I try to use that in my training by filming sessions and sharing learning experiences on the blog… Like drawing a holster, getting a cramp mid-drill, documenting my DQ (here, here, here and here)
Next month I’m going to have a phenomenal opportunity to play the fool on the biggest stage I have ever been exposed to. I am feeling the pressure like you wouldn’t believe! It is exciting! It’s terrifying! It’s like the 1st day of Kindergarten! The 1st day of a New Job! Starting the Blog! Opening the Store! It’s Awesome!
It’s one of those experiences that make life interesting!
In 2013, I am going to try to push you towards getting out of your comfort zone in training. Learning a new skill. Seizing a new opportunity.
In the comments today I would love for you to share an experience you had learning a new skill or the feeling you had the first time you stepped into the spotlight or unto the unknown. I’d also like to hear if there is something you would like to do for the 1st time in 2013… or today.
As always feel free to tell me where you disagree with me or to share it with a friend!
Ron is the Founder and President of When the Balloon Goes Up! He competes regularly in IDPA as an ESP/Expert, his focus is on concealed carry, home defense and analyzing equipment to find “Gear that Just Works!”
