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.
As I continue to fling arrows, the picture you see to the left happened. 2 arrows into an empty water bottle at 30 yards is not half bad. BUT, therein is the greatest problem - "good enough." The technique mentioned above was symptomatic of the greater problem: mental laziness allowing me to settle for less than the best. Granted, I am not a world-class archer, but I am better than a 3 inch spread at 30 yards. I chose to accept less than the best because my goal had changed - instead of hitting a bulls-eye, my goal had become anywhere inside a 6 inch ring during hunting season.
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.
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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