It should probably go without saying, but sometimes we need a reminder to just have fun.

Regardless of the context we want to improve our gunslinging skills for, it’s easy to become entirely engrossed in leveling up and forget that having fun is important too. Heck, I’d argue that having fun is far more important and only second to safe gun handling.

In my experience, forgetting to have fun is usually a result of only worrying about results. Worrying about the stage win or setting a new personal best on a classifier in competition. Worrying about getting that perfect score with some super spicy time on some drill in practice. Worrying about collecting that coveted challenge coin, achievement patch, fancy pin, or some other range pokemon in some ultra awesome trainer’s flagship course.

Perhaps I’m projecting a bit here because I’ve found myself many times shaking my head at results that didn’t meet my expectations. Dwelling on the dumb mistake I made. Being frustrated, mad, or upset over one or more disappointing details that generate negative thoughts and feelings that only tarnish the self image. This isn’t helpful.

It’s perfectly fine to have goals. It’s fine to practice with purpose. It’s undoubtedly fine to put in the work. After all, our performance is a result of what we put into it.

However, the only way to perform to the best of our ability only happens when we focus on executing the processes that allow the best results to manifest themselves. We can’t do that when we are worried about the result, because our mind is preoccupied with some future thing rather than the present. In the present, the only thing that is happening is current action that is necessary at that moment in time which is where our focus should be. That is what I understand “being process focuses” to mean. Focus on right now. Not what just happened and not what hasn’t happened yet.

The neat thing about process focus is that not only do we allow ourselves the best chance of delivering the best performance we are capable of. It also allows us to learn and grow the most. Last but not least, it allows for maximum enjoyment to take place. That’s right. It allows for fun to be part of the experience, but it also goes beyond that. It helps generate positive thoughts and emotions that improve the self image and build confidence.

Having fun matters. It fuels passion. It motivates us. It helps us grow and improve.

Set your goals. Do the work. And don’t forget to have fun. Level up and enjoy the process.