I joined Coach Dennis Rousseau, the founder of Force Solutions, on the range yesterday. This session marked one of the many range days we’ve planned for this year. Each month, we’ve dedicated an entire day to refining our skills and elevating our proficiency in firearms training. I had a goal for the year to push for a new level, and Coach Dennis was so kind as to help me out. Access to an advanced coach is truly remarkable, and its impact on improving one’s performance is significant. The guidance and expertise of a seasoned coach can make a profound difference in elevating your game to new heights. With their insights and tailored training methods, you can make substantial improvements and navigate the journey of personal and skill development with greater efficiency and effectiveness. This mentor influence is why I advocate for working with a coach or mentor, not just any coach—a good one. Unfortunately, genuinely exceptional coaches are rare to come by, making them quite challenging to find.
Just last week, Dennis sent me a text warning about the impending weather conditions for our upcoming range day. With a storm sweeping across the US, it was set to hit us directly on the day we had planned to be on the range. This was his subtle hint for me to brace myself for a day spent battling the elements, fully prepared to endure the rain throughout our training session.
As the day dawned, Dennis’s prediction proved accurate—the rain was coming down sideways, and there we were, right in the thick of it. I won’t deny it; that little voice in my head piped up numerous times, questioning my sanity: “Dude, what on earth are you doing out here in this weather?” Little did I realize this was merely the outset of the strenuous day Coach Dennis had in store for me.
Coach made some adjustments to my fundamental techniques, which, as you’re aware, can be challenging when you’ve been practicing a certain way for a significant period. Additionally, he covered the optics on the pistol with a piece of tape, depriving me of my usual sight through the optic. He then introduced a timer into the mix to add to the pressure. If you’ve ever experienced using a timer on the range, you know it’s an effective method for increasing stress levels during training.
All of these factors, coupled with the fact that my shoulder was still recovering from a strenuous jujitsu camp I attended over the weekend, made for a challenging situation. It seemed like everything was working against me.
Because of how I lead my life, I often find myself in challenging situations, particularly during training. Throughout my life, I’ve been taught to approach these situations with perspective, adjusting my attitude and approach to make the most out of them. This mindset was instilled in me from a young age by my teachers. However, it can be challenging to follow through despite knowing what we should do. Sometimes, when faced with such situations, we find ourselves engaging in an internal battle with that nagging voice in our head.
This internal struggle was exactly what I experienced on the range. I felt disappointed with my performance and frustrated by the environment, which ultimately had a negative impact on everything involved.
As the day progressed, it all boiled down to one final drill. This particular drill was a multi-target exercise, emphasizing smooth transitions between targets and firing multiple shots at each within a set time frame. Coach Dennis set the challenge: if I could complete the drill within the allotted time, he’d permit me to retreat to the shelter of the tarp—the only dry spot on the drenched range. Despite being soaked through, the prospect of even a brief respite motivated me to push through.
However, try as I might, I struggled to execute the drill as intended, repeatedly faltering. It wasn’t until Coach intervened, urging me to take a moment to breathe, that I managed to break free from the cycle of mistakes. Following his advice, I took a deep breath, allowing myself to relax and center my focus. When the timer beeped to signal the start, I executed the drill flawlessly, hitting each target with precision.
By this point, several hours had passed since we first set foot on the range, and both of us were undoubtedly feeling the fatigue. Recognizing the need for a break, we decided to call it a day and head out for lunch.
After lunch, I embarked on a two-hour journey to Tennessee to tend to some business matters. The drive stretched on for what felt like an eternity, affording me ample time to ruminate on the frustrations and disappointments of my performance earlier in the day. As I traversed the miles, my mind became a battleground, grappling with the irritation and self-doubt that lingered from the training session.
Upon reaching Tennessee, I found myself faced with the task of running errands at a local store. However, as I pulled into the parking lot, I was greeted by a worsening storm—the very same storm that had soaked us to the bone during our training. Rain lashed against the windshield, defying gravity as it cascaded sideways. Deciding it best to wait out the deluge from the shelter of my car, I settled in and continued to reflect on the day’s events.
Amidst the drumming of rain on the roof, I made a conscious effort to shift my perspective and focus on the silver linings of the training session. Recalling the challenges of the final drill, I reminded myself of the adverse conditions—shooting in a thunderstorm with a slick grip—and found solace in the realization that my performance hadn’t been as abysmal as initially perceived.
Moreover, the memory of Coach Dennis taping over the optic resurfaced, reminding me of the difficulty of relying solely on instinct and muscle memory. With this in mind, I reassured myself that perhaps my performance hadn’t been as lackluster as I had feared.
Furthermore, the overhaul of my fundamental techniques came to mind. Coach Dennis’s insistence on refining my draw and presentation techniques necessitated a significant adjustment, disrupting years of ingrained habits and muscle memory.
And as if these challenges weren’t enough, the lingering discomfort from a weekend of intense Jiu-Jitsu training added another layer of difficulty. The strain on my shoulder made it difficult to maintain proper form, further complicating an already demanding day.
Then, it dawned on me… Despite the myriad obstacles stacked against me, I had performed admirably in that final drill. It sparked a thought: what if I could strip away all those challenges? How much more could I achieve? In that moment, I recognized the brilliance behind Coach’s approach. Memories flooded back of the demanding environments my teachers had deliberately placed me in over the years, all designed to propel me beyond my current limitations.
With this realization crystallizing in my mind, I felt a surge of determination. I was ready to step back onto the rain-soaked range and resume my training. The truth became clear: we thrive on challenge. It’s through adversity that we grow, and it’s in the face of difficulty that we achieve remarkable transformation in any area we seek to advance.
What aspirations drive you forward? How do you actively cultivate challenging circumstances to propel yourself beyond your current capabilities? Is this a sporadic endeavor, or do you actively seek out such environments consistently? Have you made it a practice to intentionally immerse yourself in challenging situations at least once a week? Are you striving to embrace discomfort as a means to personal growth?
As Warriors, it is ingrained in our code to seek out adversity and challenges as pathways to personal growth. A true warrior actively pursues challenges to propel themselves further along their journey. By embracing these obstacles, we cultivate resilience and grit, preparing ourselves for whatever lies beyond the horizon.
As Warriors, we dedicate ourselves to rigorous training and preparation, ensuring that we are equipped to confront adversity head-on. My mission is to expedite the development of the warrior’s mindset, fostering widespread adoption of the fighter’s mentality worldwide. Through innovative training methods and the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge, I aspire to empower individuals to confront life’s challenges and the potential for conflict with confidence and competence.
Moreover, I am committed to instilling a sense of personal responsibility in others, urging them to take ownership of every aspect of their lives. I aim to inspire individuals to elevate themselves to new heights, free from reliance on external sources. By fostering self-reliance and empowerment, I seek to foster a community of resilient and self-sufficient individuals capable of navigating life’s trials with unwavering strength and determination.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
~ Sifu Alan
The Warriors Path Podcast With Sifu Alan Baker
Civilian Tactical Training Association Instructors Program
Alan Baker is celebrated for his exceptional skill in creating customized Defensive Tactics Programs and his prowess in high-performance coaching. Tailoring his expertise to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies, military groups, and security companies, Alan crafts training curriculums that are grounded in practical techniques, adaptability to real-life scenarios, and intensive, situation-specific exercises. His training methodologies are meticulously designed to elevate the operational effectiveness and situational preparedness of individuals in high-stakes environments. Learn more about Alan’s distinctive programs here.
Beyond his tactical acumen, Alan is also a foremost “mindset” coach, adept at tapping into the untapped potential within individuals. He is particularly attuned to the current societal trend that often overlooks traditional masculinity and the cultivation of strength. Addressing this, Alan champions the development of a warrior spirit — the readiness to confront chaos and take decisive action when necessary. He passionately mentors professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals on their personal development journeys, focusing on fostering a mindset dedicated to excellence. His coaching is anchored in pragmatic strategies that fortify mental resilience, enhance focus, and stimulate drive. Engaging with Alan sets you on a transformative journey where mental obstacles are overcome, innate strengths are recognized and honed, and your objectives become distinctly attainable. His insights are key in boosting performance and developing a mindset geared for victorious accomplishments.
For a deeper exploration of Alan’s mindset philosophy and his approach to empowering especially men to embrace their strength and resilience, delve into his insightful collection of books. If you’re ready to accelerate your personal and professional growth under Alan’s expert guidance, connect through his official website.