Gabby Franco: The Mindset of High Performance

The right mindset and mental preparation are instrumental at any level of competition. It boosts competitors’ energy, helps canalize their thoughts, and is the driving force that allows champions to succeed among other champions. 

Of course, there are evident differences between competing at local and high-level competitions, especially in the world of shooting sports. For example, the atmosphere at local matches elicits a more relaxed demeanor among competitors, who often participate to have fun and socialize with their local shooting friends. Conversely, at high-level tournaments (e.g., International Championships, Olympics), athletes tend to be more reserved and focused throughout matches, often limiting social interactions before their times to perform. However, regardless of your level of expertise, you would greatly benefit if, besides training your body, you also train your mind.

Having the proper mindset and applying mental preparation techniques is available to all; these practices require minimal effort and are practical for every aspect of life – not just the shooting sports. Unfortunately, shooters who only participate for fun at local matches do not focus on their mental preparations, believing it may take the “fun” part away. 

But that is far from the truth.

I doubt you tell yourself, “Today, I shot poorly and had many misses and mistakes at the match. I cannot wait to shoot poorly again because that is so fun!” All right, there might be one or two people who think that way, but most likely, you have the most fun when everything works well: your gun, gear and yourself! 

Mindset of High Performance

Here are some strategies you can use to help you maximize your efforts – and increase joy – when you compete:

Mindset

1. Accept mistakes and move on. We are humans and make mistakes constantly. Thus, do not be too hard on yourself when you, or your equipment, does not perform your best. Instead, learn from these mistakes and determine the steps you need to follow to avoid missteps in the future.
   
2. Accept competitive anxiety. It is normal to feel anxious before it is your turn to compete, but the moment you choose to fight and reject that emotion, the more nervous you might feel. Thus, redirect your thoughts toward something more practical, like your stage plan or technique.
   
3. Use positive self-talk. Avoid negative self-talk, such as saying, “I am an idiot,” when making a mistake. Instead, say, “That did not work well, next time I’ll do ……” Never underestimate the power of negative thinking.

Mental preparation 

1. Visualize. Multiple first-person visualizations of your performance is the best you can do to improve your results. That is imagining a perfect performance right before it is your time to compete. Here is a video of Michael Phelps explaining how he uses visualization even months before a competition. 

2. Breathing techniques. I breathe deeply two or three times before it is my time to shoot. This is a habit I developed as an air pistol shooter in preparation for “each” shot. Breathing oxygenates your blood, and it can help you lower your heart rate and help you think clearly.
   
3. Use a preshot routine. I quickly check my magazines (to make sure they are fully loaded, even though I assume they are). I check the chamber of my pistol to ensure there is a round loaded in the gun and adjust my shirt sleeves. These simple steps help me ensure everything I can take care of is good, so I am ready to start!

I hope this article helps you dabble into improving your mental game for the sport and everything you do in life. Remember that the power to achieve your goals lies between your ears!

Find your perfect gun for competition at Walther Arms.

About the Author

Gabby Franco was born and raised in Venezuela, where she began her career in Olympic shooting sports. She competed at a National and International level, earning her a spot at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Gabby retired from Olympic shooting in 2002 after she won three gold medals at the South American Games to pursue a new life in the United States, where she applied for an O1 visa (Extraordinary ability visa). Gabby is widely known for her participation and performance at the History Channel’s reality TV show “Top Shot,” where she became the only woman to advance to the final portion of the competition. She published a book called “Troubleshooting, Mastering Your Pistol Marksmanship” to help people improve their accuracy. She is a firearms instructor and a USPSA competitive shooter sponsored by Walther Arms and Primary Arms. Gabby is an Army wife, a mother of one, and a Second Amendment rights advocate. You can learn more about Gabby here.

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  The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON →