Competition versus Fun

[m25operator]

I have competed now for over 25 years, and I wonder if any of you other competitors have experienced the same thing I have.

In the beginning everything was new, learning, applying and getting better all the time. Finally your doing good, going up in classes, D then C, then B, then A class, then master etc... After achieving high status, it began not to be fun in the same way anymore, to be competitive, I had to show up with my game face on, and win. It is a lot like a job. What used to be fun just in the sake of doing it took on another face.  I would hang around after the match, if I could and do some fun stuff, like shooting long range handgun, 100 meters plus, or shooting small targets that most people would think should not be hit with a handgun, and instructing newbies. Sometimes some of us salty dogs would do what we call trick shots, not really tricks, just different forms of shooting, with our pistols upside down, using our little finger to pull the trigger, or splitting playing cards etc...

Now after 8 years of laying off, I'm getting back into it, and the match I shot last Sunday, had me back into the same mindset, I came in X place, I made these mistakes, I can correct this amount and come in X place. This many seconds off the pace and if I practice really hard, I can come this close this fast. Shooting is becoming work all over. I don't intend to stop, but what makes us do this.

My condition is not burnout, not apathy, I just want the fun back. I just cannot compete, unless I'm competitive.

Any thoughts???

[TAB]

Thats very common in all "games".

Its also what seperates the good "players" from the great "players"

you need to have the that drive to push thru the boredom and do what you need to do in order to win.

[ellis4538]

Never been there.  The highest I got was very high C.  Compete twice a month (1 USPSA and 1 IDPA) and still enjoy every minute after 30 years.  I have helped to start 3 or 4 clubs and got burned out doing that so now I help where and when I can but make no permanent comittment.

Richard

[DonWorsham]

I came into competition late in life...2004. I did it to have more opportunity to shoot my carry guns. Had alot fun, enjoyed it. I was never really competitive (ie, no one worried I'd beat them). But then I thought why not win...I become more competitive but it was less fun. I don't compete any longer.

Having said that, this weekend I travel to Camp Perry, Ohio where I will attend the Small Arms Shooting School. They are going to "teach" me to shoot the M16. 200 yards standing, sitting and prone. This will be fun.

[ellis4538]

Don, have fun at CP.  I hope the weather is moderate and the winds are down.  The weather gets pretty hairy in Northern Ohio sometimes especially around the lake.

Richard

[Sponsor]

[DonWorsham]

The weather gets pretty hairy in Northern Ohio sometimes especially around the lake.

I was up there last November for the "Snowflake Shoot". 50-300 meters. It was 32 degrees, slight wind from the rear, misting rain. Cold is what it was.

http://www.friendsofcampperry.org/111707PopupMatch.html

[ellis4538]

It can get COLD in July/August or hotter that H..L in that same time frame.  Be prepared and have a great time.

Richard

[m25operator]

The little mouse gun rules at that range 200 meters, you should enjoy, and even with a stiff wind, you won't have to shift your sights too much. Will you be shooting issue ammo or match loads? Heavy or light bullets?

[DonWorsham]

Hornady 5.56mm match grade ammunition loaded with 75 grain HPBT bullets

[TexGun]

m25,

I know it's easy to say, but like I tell my boys as it relates to things they do for enjoyment, get out there, do it the best you can(whatever IT is), make sure its fun.  Improvement is always good, but winning is simply a bonus. 

I think a lot of people, especially those who get to earn a living by doing what they are passionate about, frequently fall into that trap.