Power of Positive Thinking — What’s Your Shooting Mantra?
“Shoot Like a Champion”. Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting, says he often sees notes like this tucked in shooter’s gear (or taped to an ammo box) at matches. What “marksmanship mantras” do you use? Do you have a favorite quote that you keep in mind during competition?
On the Applied Ballistics Facebook Page, Bryan invites other shooters to post the motivating words (and little reminders) they use in competition. Here are some of the best responses:
“Shoot 10s and No One Can Catch You…” — James Crofts
“You Can’t Miss Fast Enough to Win.” — G. Smith
“Forget the last shot. Shoot what you see!” — P. Kelley
“Breathe, relax, you’ve got this, just don’t [mess] up.” — S. Wolf
“It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.” — J. McEwen
“Keep calm and shoot V-Bull.” — R. Fortier
“Be still and know that I am God[.]” (PS 46:10) — D.J. Meyer
“Work Hard, Stay Humble.” — J. Snyder
“Shoot with your mind.” — K. Skarphedinsson
“The flags are lying.” — R. Cumbus
“Relax and Breathe.” — T. Fox
“Zero Excuses.” — M. Johnson
“SLOW DOWN!” — T. Shelton
“Aim Small.” — K. Buster
“Don’t Forget the Ammo!” (Taped on Gun Case) — Anonymous
PARTING SHOT: It’s not really a mantra, but Rick Jensen said his favorite quote was by gunsmith Stick Starks: “Them boys drove a long ways to suck”. Rick adds: “I don’t want to be that guy”, i.e. the subject of that remark.
One of my favourites is –
Chance favours the prepared mind. Louis Pasteur
“Center, center, center,…”
The less my concious mind is used when shooting and the more my subconcious mind is used the better I shoot. I find ” Mantras ” counter productive because they keep my concious thoughts active, and also tend to put pressure on myself instead of relaxing me.
A 3D “MANTRA”: “TOBY”, the “Pot Plant” ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/762_photo/5959080837/
Relax, slow down, and NEVER,I mean EVER let a single negative thought enter your mind throughout the entire day. Avoid those that try to get in your head.Get in the ‘zone’ and stay there.
Favorite: That wasn’t me, when this is over I’m going to raise hell with the guy that loaded my ammo.
/of course I AM that guy…….
Seriously, the ONLY shot is the next one so give it your best effort.
Also- My damn spotter is missing the call! A well like quote from shooters.
Lanny Basham has some books, seminars even gives seminars to special forces type folks on the power of positive thinking, with winning in mind.