Be A Pro: Why do we think it’s ok to train or prep like amateurs?

Image from GBRS Group

Often I’m seeing dudes say things like:

1: “This isn't my job”

2: “I have other responsibilities in life, I can’t focus that much on this”

3: “The chances of needing these skills is so slim”

4: “By doing anything I’m already doing better than most”

Think what you will about GBRS Group, I don’t have strong feelings about them one way or another. BUT, this one slogan they have made is actually something worth talking about. The idea behind “Be A Pro” is something I agree with whole-heartedly.

1: What does being a “Pro” mean?

To me it doesn’t mean you are getting paid to do it, or that it is your occupation. It’s the manner in which you approach the task. You strive to achieve a mastery of the skills in which you train. “Good enough” is not a part of your vocabulary. Yes, you need to prioritize your time, and allocate resources responsibly, but that doesnt mean when something is “done” you just leave it. Always seek a way to improve.

2: Your other responsibilities are very important.

But they are not keeping you from having the mindset of a Pro. 10 minutes of dry fire a day can be in anyone’s schedule. Buying 2-3 extra cans of food per grocery trip is attainable for 99% of people. Being a pro doesn't mean you have to neglect the rest of your life, it means you take what resources you do have and invest them in bettering yourself.

3: The chances the skills you train will be required are slim.

But understand the consequences of failing in that moment are monumental and potentially life ending for you and those you love. We call this a risk matrix. Unlikely or seldom occurrence, but catastrophic severity. Why would you half-ass your preparedness for that kind of situation? You, your family, and your community deserve better out of someone who purports to be a defender of them.

4: Sure, by training/prepping at all you are better off than most.

Smartest kid on the short bus I guess. But clearing a low bar is not an achievement, nor is it good enough. Again, I have to ask why is it ok to be mediocre at a task or skill that you and your loved ones life may depend upon? You have already decided this is important and is something you should be ready for. Why would you not dedicate a part of your life to that pursuit?

Being a Pro starts with a mindset, which takes root in actions, and becomes a lifestyle. Strive for better. “Good enough”, isn’t. Stop making excuses.

Be a Pro.

Whats one step you can make starting right now? Master the basics. Delta, The Unit, whatever they are called these days are known for being the best shooters in all of SOCOM. Why? They master the basics. Not get good enough, or pretty good. MASTER. How do they do it? Dryfire. Purposeful, mindful, focused, structured dry fire. Not pointing the gun at the TV and going click. I am not an expert on this, but I am doing my best to learn every day.