Discover Strength in Your Weaknesses

Identifying our weaknesses is an act of courage. More than that, it’s the first step toward a true revolution in our lives. Today, I want to share a personal story that has been transformative and full of valuable lessons.

After more than 20 years in law enforcement, I realized something unsettling last year: I didn’t feel confident using my firearm. Not because I didn’t know how to shoot or lacked knowledge of safety rules, but because I doubted whether, in a critical situation, I would be able to neutralize a threat with precision and effectiveness. It was a moment of deep reflection.

Acknowledging this weakness was fundamental. Shooting is something many can do; hitting the target is a different story. I decided to seek knowledge. As a self-taught individual in everything I’m passionate about, I started with free resources: YouTube videos where great shooters shared grip techniques and solutions for malfunctions. Gradually, I gained more solid insights into the safe and effective handling of a firearm.

But I knew I needed more. I enrolled in a firearms and shooting certification course. Pedro, my instructor, is an extraordinary person with vast knowledge and a teaching style that left a profound impression on me. Thanks to his teachings, I passed and am now a certified firearms instructor. I hope, in the future, to receive Federal Police accreditation to train students in security schools, contributing the knowledge I’ve acquired on this journey.

This saga lasted less than a year but was intense. It involved over 1,000 shots fired—a significant investment, especially in Brazil, where costs are high. I had to give up leisure moments to pursue this goal, but I never considered quitting. This process was bigger than me; it was about preparation, safety, and peace of mind.

Firearms, to me, have one main purpose: defense. They will never be used to attack unless it’s to neutralize an imminent threat. This principle guides my commitment to training and responsibility.

In today’s society, there’s a tendency to seek instant results. Mass communication bombards us with promises of quick fixes: self-help books, day trading courses, miraculous diets. It’s a market that preys on our urgency and anxiety.

The truth is simple: it won’t work. There are no shortcuts to success. Who hasn’t heard the saying: 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration? Effort always surpasses empty promises.

Here, I share a photo from a shooting session at the Association of Investigators of the State of S?o Paulo. It involved 36 shots at a realistic distance for police confrontations. Beyond that range, the option is to seek cover. Safety always comes first.

Effort always pays off. We can be better today than we were yesterday, even if the progress is small and slow. Consistency is key, even if it’s not always perfect. The important thing is not to give up.

And please, forget cheap psychology. Don’t be fooled by the idea of improving 1% daily. If you manage to improve 0.1%, that’s already extraordinary. Remember: even Usain Bolt, at his peak, didn’t improve 1% daily.

Be persistent. Work hard. And celebrate every small victory. The journey may be long, but it’s along the way that we find our true potential.

#PersonalDevelopment #OvercomingChallenges #Discipline #Training #Safety #Learning #Persistence #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #EffortPaysOff