This weekend, I missed a shot that should be automatic. Yes, I admit my perfectionistic tendencies and how those are not always beneficial. This one, however, bothered me as in I lost sleep over it. After getting the youngest down for his nap the next day, I went to my normal "thinking place" - for those that do not know me that means I was shooting my bow - and then I had "a moment." Once again, archery taught me a lesson about life.
Standing there with my bow in my hand, I could not believe that this "acceptance of average" had creeped into my archery world. Again, I knew better but, somehow, had become less intentional. Part of it may be due to my elbow inflammation that has cut into my practice time; however, that is simply an excuse. If anything, the lack of repetition should have forced greater focus and intentionality during my archery sessions. Now, I am going to re-examine several other aspects of my life to see if that laziness has appeared in those as well.
To help fight this inclination to average with archery, I asked my oldest to come outside with me. I had him "call the shot" by telling me what part of the water bottle to hit. It gave me a partner. It forced my focus. It kept me accountable. It also improved my results! Take a look at the picture down at the very bottom. This grouping is MUCH tighter but I still did not hit the blue circle - came super close with that lower arrow. Improvement is still needed but my progress is heading in the right direction. In life, particularly during this time of the pandemic, we need to learn from my archery foibles. Make sure you regularly connect with someone to help you focus on the most important things. Check your attitude to see if you have avoided slipping into the "that's good enough trap." Examine your results regularly and judge whether or not you are hitting your intended target. Adapt your practices, based upon the information you have received, to change as needed. Find a partner who will help you set the goal and then hold you accountable to it. In life and in leadership, "good enough" is never good enough.
Jim Ream
12/5/2020 09:36:10 pm
Very cool Blog! I like it.
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11/29/2020
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