How do we change the mindset?

[Bruenor]

When looking at my friends who are gun owners, most spend a lot of time talking about their guns (or the ones they want to buy), going shooting, or talking about the politics around gun ownership and gun rights. They like to go shooting because "it's fun", or "it's my right", or something else along the same lines. What I rarely see is my friends talking about taking a training class, or doing anything to improve their personal safety.

Up until recently, I also fell into that category. Then I took the Intro to Force on Force class at Mindset Labs, and I came away with an understanding of the importance of training. Now, as I listen to my friends, and I wonder how I can change their mindset and convince them of the importance of training.

It is my goal for the rest of the year to get at least one of my friends to take a firearms training class (preferably one from a site supporter ). What do you think is the best way to convince someone to take a training class?

 

[Davis0023]

Good luck, most guys think they already "know." Or they learned how to shoot back in the military in boot camp, Or etc etc etc ... I wish you luck in quest.. Just remeber you can lead a horse to water but you cant make it drink.

 

[bwframe]

Aren't all "real men" born knowing how to drive, fight, shoot and screw?

 

[joshualee49]

It's a noble cause. I plan on signing up for a couple myself.

Ego will be your number one obstacle, IMO. Best of luck.

 

[Soonerdoggy]

Wont be long before you will be thinking of ways you could kill all of them while you are sitting listening to all their Bull Crap !

 

[Que]

I think the only way is the same process that changed you. It's like anything else we value (church, fraternal orgainzations, etc.), we take our friends so they can take part and realize the added value found in the activity. Some will listen and some won't, but they can't say you didn't try.

 

[MTC]

Aren't all "real men" born knowing how to drive, fight, shoot and screw?

Poor OP. He's about to find out - if he hasn't already - that the average (male) gun owner thinks he popped out of the womb with the automatic ability to drive like Mario Andretti, **** like a porn star, and shoot like Wyatt Earp. And for you to suggest that he might benefit from professional training is (in his mind) the same as if you'd handed him a sex manual.

 

[the1kidd03]

I've wondered about this as well. I haven't analyzed it too much, but IME it takes a dramatic event or in some way showing them that they don't know as much as they think they do. This is difficult to varying degrees depending on the person. Some require more than others. Demonstrations often help. Perhaps you should get a couple of airsofts, and place them in similar scenarios to that which you learned in your recent class and put them to the test. Demonstrate to them where they are lacking and how little they actually know, and MOST IME usually realize it and become willing to take a class.

 

[Shay]

Everyone that I have ever tried to convince to come train with me has taken several months if not years to show up. And everyone that finally comes and trains with me has said that they waited too long.

The sad reality is that most gun owners will never take a class. Even the ones who claim to own guns for self defense will not put the time, money and energy to make themselves more effective in defensive situations.

I can appreciate your passion.

 

[esrice]

What do you think is the best way to convince someone to take a training class?

Step 1: Identify obstacles keeping person from training
Step 2: Remove those obstacles

Sounds easy, right?

Unfortunately some folks have many obstacles in their way, or the removal of such obstacles is just not feasible.

Some common obstacles and ways one could help with their removal:

"I don't need training" -- good luck removing this ego-driven obstacle. Until that person has an experience that changes their mindset, they're not gonna train.

"Training is too expensive" -- pay their first class tuition as a gift.

"I don't have the time to train" -- babysit their kids so they can get into a class.

"I'm uncertain of what to expect" -- write up a clear and concise AAR detailing your experiences in hopes that others will feel more comfortable to join in (sound familiar? ).

"I don't have all the right gear yet" -- let them borrow yours.

I have personally benefited from such obstacle removal in the past and I've been very grateful to those who have helped me along my own training path.

Everyone that I have ever tried to convince to come train with me has taken several months if not years to show up. And everyone that finally comes and trains with me has said that they waited too long.

 

[esrice]

I think I typed "obstacle" too many times-- now it sounds funny in my head.

 

[Bunnykid68]

I think I typed "obstacle" too many times-- now it sounds funny in my head.

You made that comment, now it just looks funny. I googled it just to make sure

 

[MTC]

You are one of the most helpful and constructive people on this topic of interest. I'll keep this in mind whenever seized by moments of cynicism.

Years ago, tried on occasion to share the enthusiasm with acquaintances or coworkers about a course (or more), and how much we learned while having fun doing it. Without listing all the negative comments and excuses, one can easily get the impression in some cases that that particular individual wouldn't get training if it were offered absolutely free, ten minutes from his door.

What I've tried to do, without being pushy, is to describe or show how the product will directly benefit them, regardless of their background or previous experience. One thing that came up (and I believe to be true in most cases), is that if you can just get them in that first course, they are on their way. Reactions are nearly always the same after having attended the course(s) of their choosing. Whether a beginner, or an old hand who thinks he knows it all, or lazy and unmotivated, or meant to, yet for various reasons simply didn't have (or make) the time to attend, verbal and written comments afterward indicate not only that they did not know what they did not know, but (sometimes) also that they did not know that they did not know.

(This applies to myself as well, though I sensed there had to be more. Have to see. Have to know. What is over that next hill?)

A few additional comments on your post, if I may.

Step 1: Identify obstacles keeping person from training
Step 2: Remove those obstacles

Sounds easy, right?

Unfortunately some folks have many obstacles in their way, or the removal of such obstacles is just not feasible.

Some common obstacles and ways one could help with their removal:

"I don't need training" -- good luck removing this ego-driven obstacle. Until that person has an experience that changes their mindset, they're not gonna train.

This one, worded in one form or another, is rampant in my area. The only thing I usually add is something like, "Hey, if you're that good, this will make you even better", and leave it at that.

"Training is too expensive" -- pay their first class tuition as a gift.

Did this at least once. The most notable being when I paid for my best friend and main shootin' buddy (LEO) to attend a multi-day rifle course with me. Not because he couldn't afford it, was unmotivated, or because I felt sorry for him (none of which applied), but as a show of appreciation for being an ideal role model, positive influence on my life, and all-around outstanding human being.

"I don't have the time to train" -- babysit their kids so they can get into a class.

Don't know 'bout that one. They'll just have to make the time somehow.

"I'm uncertain of what to expect" -- write up a clear and concise AAR detailing your experiences in hopes that others will feel more comfortable to join in (sound familiar? ).

Talk to them in person and reassure them they'll be fine.

"I don't have all the right gear yet" -- let them borrow yours.

That, and/or look over what they do have on hand. In some cases, they already have minimum equipment that will see them through the course. If anything, this will save them $$ in the long run, since they will be able to determine for themselves afterward what specific gear - if any - they may wish to acquire, instead of blowing a bunch of money beforehand on items they might not like or need for that purpose.

Some training outfits also offer loaners or rentals.

I have personally benefited from such obstacle removal in the past and I've been very grateful to those who have helped me along my own training path.

You go, (M)Adman.

 

[Bruenor]

Well, I may have my first chance to change someone's mindset tomorrow. I'm spending the afternoon making beer with a friend. He lives about a quarter of a mile from where the shooting in Pendleton happened the other week, and it shook him up a bit. He told me he didn't like feeling helpless in his house. I'm thinking that he is at the tipping point where I can influence him.

Wish me luck.

 

[indiucky]

Poor OP. He's about to find out - if he hasn't already - that the average (male) gun owner thinks he popped out of the womb with the automatic ability to drive like Mario Andretti, **** like a porn star, and shoot like Wyatt Earp. And for you to suggest that he might benefit from professional training is (in his mind) the same as if you'd handed him a sex manual.

Yes Sir. That is me to a T...But with one caveat...It takes five shots of bourbon before I realize all of those things about me....Five more and I realize it's all a lie and sleep it off...

 

[.45kohnACP]

Good luck. Fear of the unknown, this is is why most people will not try new things even if they know it is something they should do. Myself included.

 

[VERT]

Aren't all "real men" born knowing how to drive, fight, shoot and screw?

I looked all over the training forum and did not see any upcoming classes that would teach me how to screw.

My only limitation to how many classes I can attend is Mrs. VERT. Oh and too many choices. There are a several good trainers out there. My suggestion would be to set a yearly budget and do your best to attend at least one class every six months. ( I am referring to shooting related classes now. I can't speak to the quality of INGO sex instructors that might be giving private lessons. )

 

[U.S. Patriot]

You can lead a horse to water, but you can not make them drink.

 

[Bruenor]

Can you make the horse drink? No. But you can convince the horse that the water is safe and is necessary for its survival. I understand that I can't force my friends to take training seriously. What I am looking for is ways to help encourage them to change their mindset about their personal protection.

After reading some of the suggestions in this thread, I'm going to start budgeting some money each month and will be putting it into a training fund for my friends. Once I have enough saved up to send someone through a training class, I'll approach one of my friends with the suggestion. Hopefully I will get to see the light turn on in their eyes, and then I can convince that person to start their own training fund. Kind of a "pass it on" approach to training.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Can you make the horse drink? No. But you can convince the horse that the water is safe and is necessary for its survival. I understand that I can't force my friends to take training seriously. What I am looking for is ways to help encourage them to change their mindset about their personal protection.

After reading some of the suggestions in this thread, I'm going to start budgeting some money each month and will be putting it into a training fund for my friends. Once I have enough saved up to send someone through a training class, I'll approach one of my friends with the suggestion. Hopefully I will get to see the light turn on in their eyes, and then I can convince that person to start their own training fund. Kind of a "pass it on" approach to training.

You can talk to them, but in the end it's their decesion. I still try to explian why I carry a gun every day to my Mom. It's the same question and answer every time. Some people just don't see certain things as important as others. I'm not saying throw in the tall either. Just remember not be to pushy about it.