Optimist, sunshine, nature, apples, clouds, animals, walking, being me, air-rifle, sketching, music, laughing with friends, reading, living each day to the fullest
'On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.

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Quoted. from senior
. It's not the disappointment from your teammates/coach/teacher-in-charge, but it's usually the disappointment coming from within yourself that hurts the most. That disappointment, the doubts you

 

Ultimately, the score does not matter. Does the score say anything about you? I used to fear that my performance would be discussed and commented on behind my back. But does it mean that I am a good shooter just because I hit the highest score? Likewise, even if I hit the lowest score, it also doesn't mean that I am a lousy shooter. 

 

Do I live my life in constant comparison with others who do not have the exact skills or experience or DNA as me, thus feeling that it's forever difficult to win a medal since so-and-so is more experienced/better than me? Or do I live my life embracing the fact that I am different and unique, and hence learn to accept that there can be only one gold/silver/bronze medal and I may not get any but might still get it one day? Shooting is not always about the score, my friend. The score is merely an indication of where you stand amongst your competitors in that particular competition. As much as winning first place in a local monthly shoot does not make me an eternal champion, being last position in an international competition does not make me an eternal loser!

 

Yes, it's only natural that we care about what placings we get in a competition. We might feel disgraceful or ashamed for being the last few, or we might feel ego-boosted for winning a medal. But, please acknowledge that feelings are just feelings. You will not remain disappointed forever due to one mishap in your performance, neither will you remain forever happy due to one breakthrough in your results. Scores fade with time. Nobody will remember your score more than you remember it. Never ever make scores your everything when you're in this sport. It's a very dangerous and addictive habit. It is really hard to quit or get out of once you are obsessed or extremely concerned about your scores. Besides, nothing you do can change the scores you've shot. So why let the past scores obstruct or stop you from achieving higher scores and soaring greater heights?

Shooting is all about the process, not the end results. It's the every bit of movement you make for each shot, that counts the most. Hence, just enjoy every moment you have with your teammates. Do all the mental preparations you need before the competition, i.e. your last-minute prayers, meditate on your friends' encouragements, positive thoughts, etc.

 

Always keep a consistent mental state, try not to fluctuate too much. Nobody can predict your final result, so it's really up to you to hit whatever score you want.

 

The shots are independent of one another, please. Every shot is a brand new, individual, stand-alone shot. Your total score is just a summation of those shots. So please do not let your previous shot/series affect the subsequent ones. Your goal is to literally remain consistent like a robot throughout the competition. Keep a clear mind and don't think or hesitate too much. 

 

Once you have doubts/thoughts flooding your mind, it's really difficult for the brain to execute a smooth operation for each shot. If your shots don't turn out as you had expected or you don't feel good about them, either try sighting your gun or correcting your position if necessary, or seek help from your coach immediately. Do not continue wasting more shots impulsively as you will most likely regret it after the problem is solved (i.e. you shot a few consecutive '8's --> decided to try harder by opening your eyes bigger or smth, shot another few '8's --> finally ask for help from coach, problem solved --> regret not asking earlier).

 

 

 

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