My time in Project Appleseed has shaped me in many different ways. This program quite literally taught me to shoot. I am learning more every day about the incredible history of the American Revolution and the founding of our nation. And I have gained entry to a community of incredible people who are all dedicated to awakening that spirit of the Revolution in their fellow countrymen.
Recently I reflected on a more subtle gift Project Appleseed has given me: A grace in receiving feedback. Ego is a tricky thing, and I bet I am not alone in the experience of pushing back when someone has a suggestion for a way I can improve. When a teacher, boss, or family member suggests that I did something not perfectly I have felt my face flush and my heart pound. I have felt embarrassed and resentful. It's human nature, but it gets in the way of self-improvement.
Forward progress with a robust feedback loop is built into every aspect of Project Appleseed. Instructors direct shooters to adjust their body positions, breathing patterns, and mental focus. Shoot bosses help instructors fine-tune their teaching, and they fill in the gaps with details regarding marksmanship and history during an event. The community of senior leadership supports the entire organization on a national level with constant improvements to how we conduct our business at clinics and behind the scenes.
All that progress we make individually and collectively relies on embracing suggestions from others about how we can do better. Somewhere along the way from working toward my rifleman patch to transitioning to a teaching role it dawned on me that a suggestion for my own improvement is a gift, not a criticism. It didn't take long for a physical change to occur in me. I didn't sweat and clench my jaw. I didn't snap back with reasons why my way was actually correct. Instead, I found myself smiling, feeling an appreciation for the care that someone has shown to help me grow. And I said, "Thank you." That's a small shift, but a profound one. It is one key to unlock our greatest potential in all areas of our lives and to most effectively contribute to any common cause.
So to all the instructors, shoot bosses, and senior instructors who have ever patiently nudged me from my place of resistance to help me adopt a more teachable attitude, I say with sincere gratitude, "Thank you." And to all the shooters and Appleseed volunteers who show up to every event hungry for feedback and improve your own performance, you have earned my deep admiration and a hearty "Huzzah!"
Reach out any time to let me know how the North Carolina Appleseed team can continue to improve and better serve you!
My email address is NC@appleseedinfo.org.
In Liberty,
Dan Chase
North Carolina State Coordinator
Project Appleseed - a 501(c)3 Organization
