EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE LESSONS FROM SHOOTING
Emotional Intelligence Lessons from Shooting.
I have been spending so much time at the range and while there it occurred to me that, shooting is often viewed as a test of physical skill and technical precision, but beneath the surface, it is a profound exercise in emotional intelligence. Using the acronym STAB—Steady Position, Trigger Squeeze, Aim, and Breathing we can uncover powerful lessons in self-awareness, regulation, and resilience.
Steady position is the foundation of self-awareness. A steady position is not just about physical stability; it is about achieving inner balance. In shooting, this means consciously relaxing and balancing your body before taking a shot, a process that requires deliberate thought and self-awareness. The shooter must check in with themselves, noticing tension or imbalance and correcting it through focused relaxation.
Trigger squeeze is the art of emotional regulation. The act of squeezing the trigger slowly, deliberately, without anticipation teaches the value of emotional regulation. Jerking the trigger or rushing the process often results from anxiety or impatience, leading to missed shots. The best shooters learn to manage their internal pressure, maintaining composure even when the stakes are high.
Aim means focused attention and intentionality. Aiming is more than aligning sights; it is the act of focusing all attention on a single point of intention. Distractions, doubts, and external pressures can easily pull the shooter off target. Success depends on the ability to block out noise and maintain unwavering focus.
Breathing: The power of self-regulation.
Breathing is both the literal and metaphorical lifeline in shooting. Timing your breath with your shot stabilizes the body and calms the mind. Shooters are taught to exhale, pause, and then squeeze the trigger, using breath as a tool to regulate physiological and psychological arousal. When emotions run high, conscious breathing can reset our nervous system, restore composure, and enable better decision-making. The simple act of pausing to breathe before responding is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and resilience.
The STAB principles are not just technical steps; they are a blueprint for emotional intelligence in action.
Yours in Military Intelligence,
P:SSS
I am interested in teaching the following intentional topics:
1) Emotional Intelligence Lessons from Shooting.
2) Leadership: Insights from Military case studies.
3) How to Hit Your Targets: Lessons from the Shooting Range.
4) How to Enjoy What You Hate: A Case Study in Resilience.
So I am seeking individuals, organizations and worship centers who are interested in these subjects and are able to host me for in-person or virtual sessions. If your team can afford to pay for my service, please send me a direct message and when you do, please mention you are a subscriber so you will receive some discount. If you are a PAID SUBSCRIBER, you will receive MORE discount.
Let's feast on some spiritual, emotional and military intelligence (SEM) wisdom together.
