Embracing the Struggle: A Lesson from Target Practice
Target practice at Midwest Shooting Center in Sylvania, OH
Not long ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone once again, taking on a new challenge: target practice. Now, I’m known for diving headfirst into different activities, which is exciting—until I hit that inevitable wall of confusion or failure. If I’m being honest, my first instinct is often to quit when things don’t go my way.
In this case, I signed up for a class focused on proper handling and technique, eager to improve. But when I first stepped up to the range, I quickly realized I was way off target—literally and figuratively. It was discouraging, especially since my wife was hitting bullseyes like it was second nature. I found myself comparing my struggles to her and her father, a seasoned expert with decades of experience. Talk about a confidence blow!
But here’s where it gets interesting: instead of throwing in the towel, I decided to stick with it. Something shifted during my second practice session, around the 50-round mark. I found myself becoming more comfortable, even telling myself, “You’re now keeping your eyes open when you fire.” It sounds simple, but that little shift made all the difference.
With each shot, I started hitting the target more consistently. I realized that practice wasn’t just about aiming and firing; it was about learning, adapting, and pushing through the awkward stages of improvement. It made me reflect: what other areas in life or business could we conquer if we approached them with the same persistence?
This experience brought to mind the struggles many small business owners face. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when things don’t go according to plan. You might compare yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out, just like I did at the shooting range. But remember, every expert was once a beginner.
If you’re in a similar boat—struggling with your business and feeling like you’re missing the mark—consider this your call to action. Embrace the learning curve. Schedule an appointment today to explore new strategies and find your target. Let’s figure out together how to transform your struggles into stepping stones for success.
After all, every time you miss, you’re one step closer to hitting your goal. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Take that shot!