The Hard Truth: Got to Get Your Mind Right First
The hard truth was hit home to me years ago by James Yeager, founder of Tactical Response. It was truth was hard because, will, I'm a gear junkie. I didn't like hearing that gear shouldn't be my highest priority. Even then I did know deep down inside that buying proficiency was really not a reality. No matter how much I spent.
The below video can be painful to watch. But, it is the hard truth.
I am a very firm believer in the priorities listed in Jame Yeager's video is in the correct order. Without the right mindset, your gear will never live up to its true potential. No matter how high end, top of the line your gear is.
What's More Important, Showing Up Looking Good or Showing Up Good?
I know a few ARES ARES/RACES groups in the area that, well, have their hearts in the right place but not their minds. Their talk always circles around getting matching shirts and patches, getting stickers for their vehicles, etc. But none of them discuss completing ARES training, practicing radio skills, networking with county emergency services, etc.
Buying new cool stuff is fun. Defining your purpose, goal and direction is not so fun. Building your skills is even less fun. But without mindset, tactics and skill; your gear will always be lacking.