My Fear Died Today

Standing under the 5-Stand, that’s what she said. In a firm voice. A voice weary of fighting. And losing. The sincerest of all smiles on her face expressing victory. “No more!” she said. And we applauded her. All 12 of us. Because she meant it. This tells us, it’s not always all about shooting.

The message that follows receives a lot of attention in Paragon’s Center for Instructor Study (C.I.S.) certification classes. Therefore, being a foundation cornerstone in those classes, the Examiners teach it with strong feelings. It is so important; I’m admitting to my approaching the subject here with some reservation. Because I want to get this right. An obligation to our students.

Over the decades, my countless lessons and articles have primarily focused on the bricks and mortars of shooting. What goes where; when; how and why. Fundamentals worth discussing with you. All the pre-shot set-up and swing steps. Gun management. The shooting methods. The mind game, how and where to put our attention, where not. Three books were published on those subjects, which I’m proud of. Decades of hard work poured into those books, now sold worldwide. And then there are moments like the one above. A real stand-out moment worthy of sharing. Because there’s a lot more to this game than the science of Xs and Os. There’s the art of teaching, the art of creating.

In my humble opinion, we Instructors have obligations above and beyond teaching safety, etiquette, and methods. Our lessons involve more than just instruction and, the truth is, our students are counting on us to deliver more. They may not say so, but they are. At the handshake, they may not know exactly what that is. Right from the beginning, however, we should be creating the “more” part in their lesson. This will come from adding our authenticity, endless patience, compassion and empathy to Instructor competence…emphasis on competence…it being required.

For me…every student, every lesson I’ve ever given has been a privilege. You being an Instructor, I’m sure you can relate. The student gratification that comes out of my lessons is mutual. Lesson complete…more than just new knowledge and Xs…there should also have been student epiphanies…meaningful learning moments today. Maybe life-changing? Our obligation. The Experience.

From this last Summer, here’s a true story for you.

Like a thousand times before, my corporate group arrived today in good spirits. 12 women, smiling and laughing, all short on shooting experience. As in none. ZERO. I could see the excitement in their faces…the apprehension in their eyes. We’re going to shoot today? So, first I explain, all are welcome to, but no one is required to shoot. If you prefer to watch, please raise your hand. OK, 4 hands up, I’ve got 8 who want to shoot.

With no real “schooling” on my group’s agenda today, safety and entertainment are our mutual goals. After setting up “can’t-miss” targets, I’ve selected the gun and ammunition carefully, to minimize recoil. Carts rolling, all 13 of us hopeful, we’re off to the 5-Stand. Arriving, I invite, no one wants to go first. Nervousness? Everywhere. Doubts? It’s unanimous, no one wants to fail in front of their peers. Self-confidence…has left the building. Nowhere in sight.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.“

~ Jack Canfield

After some gentle encouragement, a brave soul steps forward. The crowd behind her and I moves closer. THIS…they want to see! Instructor competence to the front, please. I introduce recoil the way Paragon teaches, 1 shell, no target. Remember her having no shooting experience? After the loud bang and (reduced) recoil…she’s…well…still standing! She’s surprised. Hello, confidence. We do that again. OK, now we’re ready.

I share a few brief words on looking at the target, not the gun. Please point, don’t aim. Empty gun, target in the air, she does. Stance correct, gun now loaded and comfortably in the shoulder, the trap fires. A friendly, incoming teal, I’ve done my best to get this target to hang at the peak for 7 minutes. The trigger is pulled and the target explodes. Wide-eyed, she’s doing the happy dance, followed by a bow to the thunderous cheering and all the high-fives. She asks, “Can I do that again?” Of course. And she does, 3, 4 more times. Now…no further encouragement needed…I have shooters on deck, hands raised.

“She who is not every day conquering some fear

has not learned the secret of life.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Turns are taken and targets are breaking everywhere. Her first time in the box, she steps in, head down. I feel the brakes come on, the world slowing down. Her eyes asking me…hoping…she looks at me urgently and says, “I’ve never touched a gun before. Ever.” Her ‘I can’t do this’ expression and body language are almost painful. But here she is!! Fear and all. Me? I already know, with some help, this she can do!! 12 of us give her a moment, telepathing her our support. She’s quiet. We’re all quiet. I smile and softly ask her if she wants to do this. “Yes,” she says, “I do.” I heard something in that “I do.” Something good. Recoil introduction finished, I have her point the empty gun at the teal, following it up, coming down. She’s on it. Trust me…she’s definitely on it! As in, this next target has no chance at all. NADA!! Gun loaded, it’s time. “Pull!” X. X. X. X. And then 2 more X’s. Staring fiercely at the trap machine, hand out, palm up for another shell, she’s not leaving here any time soon. Others begin kidding her about their turn, so she steps out. Head up. Smiling. From ear-to-ear.

Changing target presentations, our event moves on as I rotate my shooters, some their second time, others their third. I turn to let my shooter exit the box and here she stands. Ready. She looks different now, radiating confidence and intense determination. Calmly, very deliberately, 5 more Xs. She steps out and I gather our successful team to congratulate everyone. As they begin to collect their things for the short ride back to the clubhouse…we hear a voice.

Still as stones, she has our attention. You could hear a leaf falling. Choking down tears, she’s collecting herself to speak. “Today,” she says, “my fear died.” She tells us her life stories. Tragic stories that kept her feeling broken and helpless. These are her words now…”For a very long time, I walked through each day of my life hearing and believing I was a failure. Until today. Starting today, NO MORE!! Right now…right here…today was the turning point. Today, I believe in myself! If I can do this…I can do anything.”

Instructors…whether your student is a Master class, young Grandson, or corporate shooter…I believe guns, shells and targets are just tools. Adding your competence to your student’s strengths, shortcomings, AND personal goals…some stated, some NOT…what are you creating with those tools?

Cheryl and I appreciate you being here. We hope you’ll stop by and visit with us again.

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About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)