Podcasts about five minute friday fmf

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today: This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self-defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self-defense while looking at our ever-changing world. Last week I went to Dallas Texas for an interview.  I’ve been there a dozen times and driven every time.  I normally don’t research what’s going on there, but because of COVID and Riots I took 20 minutes before I left to research what was going on in the city and surrounding area. Do you research where you are going before you travel?  It’s a good idea to find out what normal is before you get that.  And avoidance being the best way to defend yourself, you can find out where you don’t want to go.  This way you can avoid stopping in the worst parts of town where you are the most likely to have a problem. Check out the Video Here Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben  

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today: This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self-defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self-defense while looking at our ever-changing world. Today I had a close call in a Walmart parking lot.  It turned out to be nothing but I want to make sure I don’t end up in that spot again. The correct military term is to do an After Action Review so you can see what you could have done better, what you missed, and what you did right. I missed someone getting too close to me.  He wanted to ask a question about the church I go to, but that was beside the point.  I let him get too close and ketch me a spot where I had little to no maneuvering room.   If he had done something my only chance would have been a frontal assault.  I let him get me stuck between two cars and my car door.  There was no retreat or cover to take.  My only chance would have been deception and patience or a full out frontal attack in a little confined area.  I don’t like any of those options. I should have kept going past my parked car and doubled back to see what he was doing more.  I should have been paying more attention.  I thought he had gotten to his car and wrote him off. Turns out, his car was the one parked behind mine and I was right about that.  But I was wrong about him getting into his car.   So I learned something the easy way.  I hope you learn things the easy way by doing after actions on anything that happens to you.       Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today: This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self-defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self-defense while looking at our ever-changing world. When is the last time you practiced true empathy for someone outside your circle?  Did you feel for George Floyd and his family when you watched him die on camera?  I did… and it was horrible.  I got sad, I got scared, and I got mad! I’m sure most people felt the same thing.  But what about his family?  What about him?  What do you think he felt laying there blacking out with a “peace officer” sitting on his neck? Little different feelings? Now we have protests that turn into riots.  I can understand people’s anger.  I’m there. It's not about doing and being with them, it's about feeling what they feel. I don’t understand racism… really.  I’m a white male that grew up in a white middle-class neighborhood in southern California.  I knew a lot of Hispanic people growing up, but no black people.  I saw racism on both sides of white versus Hispanic but what do I know of black racism? What got me on the empathy kick was hearing a message from about a black man teaching his preteen son that the son cannot go to a police officer in America for help when something happens because most cops will assume he did it. What a horrible thing.  It’s something I have empathy for.  I teach you as a self-defense person who carries a gun, to have no doubt, that if you have an official interaction with a police officer and you do it wrong, your life is in danger.  A misunderstanding can get you killed. I have empathy and can understand that fear.  I took that and looked at my own son.  I don’t want to teach him that he is in danger if he has an interaction with a police officer.  Just think about doing that and how much it would suck.  Now you have empathy for someone. Take that into de-escalation techniques and you have something you can use to keep yourself safe. Like any self-defense strategy, you need to practice. Practice every day when you are interacting with other people.  You will get better at it and it will make you a better person because you will care about more people and be able to help them out. When you help other people, you make the world a better place.  Simple. When you can have empathy for people you can use it to your advantage in a dangerous situation.  Cops call it Verbal Judo and it’s been around since 1980 something. Now go practice every chance you get. Check out the Video here. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben   Announcements: Upcoming Courses: http://modernselfprotection.com/courses Need Ammo: Check out Luckygunner through my affiliate link:  http://modernselfprotection.com/ammo Sign up for Shooters Club to get great online training: http://shootersclubmembers.com Stay Safe, Ben  

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today: This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self-defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self-defense while looking at our ever-changing world. Have you noticed is harder to figure out what people are doing when they are wearing a mask?  The eyes are supposed to be the windows to the soul, but I never realized how much I used other facial cues to interact with the people around me.  When someone is wearing a mask you will need to look at different body language to see what their intent is. Here are a couple of body language things you can look for: Target Glance When someone stares at something but doesn’t want to get caught looking, or they keep subconsciously looking back and forth from what they are pretending to do and what they are actually thinking about. This could be a clue in what the person is really thinking about and his subconscious mind has him looking at it. This could be a problem when someone is supposedly shopping but is really there to victimize someone.  If they keep looking at you, you may be their next victim. Toes Facing Away We subconsciously point our feet at what we are thinking about.  If someone is thinking about the ice cream on the top shelf in front of them, their toes will be pointed towards the ice cream. If the person is looking at ice cream but thinking about victimizing you, their toes may be pointed at you. Something to look for and if you see it, it will look out of place and you should probably leave. Fingers doing odd things Yes, we talk with our hands and count on our fingers.  Even when it is self-dialog.  But, if you see a nervous twitch or the person’s hands shaking, it could be an indication of an adrenaline dump.  If someone is on the ice cream aisle getting sherbet, they shouldn’t be having an adrenaline dump.  Something might be about to go down, now would be a good time for you to leave. Unusual Energy Level Are they as excited or as calm as everyone else there?  If their energy level is extremely calm this could be a criminal that has practiced putting himself at ease before an attack.  Right now, during covid crazy, everyone is a little on edge and has some nervous energy they are moving around with.  If someone is calmer then everyone else, that could be the indication of a problem and it might be time for you to leave. On the other side, if everyone is calming moving about their everyday lives and find someone that looks like they are bounding with energy like a kid you just told is going to Disney Land, this might be an indication the person in question just had an adrenaline dump and is not handling it well. Probably a good time to leave. Why is that person here? Always my go-to question.  If you can answer that, then you will know if someone is there to hurt you.  Practice when you are out with other people.  People watch and try to figure out what they are doing at that location at that time. As a practice, don’t just figure out that they are shopping like you, try and figure out a little of that person’s back story for being there. The more you practice and observe people to see if they are right, the better you will get at the game, and the easier it will be to spot people that are up to no good. Watch the video here Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today: This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self-defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self-defense while looking at our ever-changing world. What will your new normal look like? After going through any major life event there will always be a new normal.  Ask any military member that has deployed for any length of time.  You go overseas and come back and things are not the same We look at it the same way.  We want to “normal” to return after Covid Crazy, but it won’t. You will have a new normal.  And you can make it good or bad.  This is your chance to reinvent yourself.  Reinvent how you work, where you work, when you work, who you work with, where you go, who you go with, how you act, what self-defense measures you take.  Everything you can think of, this is your chance to make it different and better. Are you going to take this chance or are you going to let government tell you what your “new normal” will be?  The only thing I trust government to do is put their boot on my neck.  No thank you. I’m going to figure out what my new normal is and I’m going for it.  I want to work in gun sales again.  I’m going for it and working on it. Figure out what you want your normal to be and go for it.  This is a great opportunity if you take it.   Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever-changing world. We are still stuck at home.  What will you do with the time you have?  Will you take advantage of it and learn something, read a book, make yourself better?  Or will you just let this opportunity slip away?  Do something productive with your time for your sanity.  Read a book, learn something new, try something new, or spend extra time with your family.  Do something productive for the long term and you will come out of this better.  If you don’t, then you will be the same place once we get through this. Check out the video on Vimeo here. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben  

Click to Subscribe Subscribe Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever-changing world. With Covid-19 and all the craziness out there are you taking care of yourself both physically and mentally? What does your schedule and your stress level look like?  Have you found something to stay normal?  I’ve been working hard at it.  And it’s a full time job! Whatever it is, find a small piece of normal that you can keep your sanity and physical health. Watch the Video here on Vimeo Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click Here Get Notes by Email Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Get out and find out what your neighbors are up to and more importantly their attitude and mental state right now.  You don’t have to talk to them, or be near them to make an assessment of their attitude. Are they upset, angry, sad, sick, or hiding?  All these could be problems that could lead to more problems. Attitudes and emotions are caught faster and easier than any virus.  Watch yours and your neighbors.  A bad time like this can turn into a really bad time pretty quickly. FMF 20 Check the Attitude of Your Area from Ben Branam on Vimeo. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click Here Get Notes by Email   Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Are you prepared for crap to happen?  Sooner or later it is going to happen to you!  It happened to me today.  My boss called and said we need you to practice more social distancing by taking a lay off.  Nice! So I’m unemployed right now.  No that big a deal. My wife and have prepared for this.  We knew it was coming and have some savings, I have skills, and am already looking for another job.  I’ll have one before my severance pay runs out. What if this happened to you?  Are you prepared?  What would you do? Watch the video here on Vimeo. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click Here Get Notes by Email Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. What is an MOA? And why should anyone care?  It is very simple if you take the time to figure it out.  In this easy 5 minute video you can learn what it is and why it’s important. If you already know, everyone needs a refresher.  The simplicity can be overwhelming sometimes.  FMF 18 MOA from Ben Branam on Vimeo.   Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Five Minute Friday (FMF) is a quick tip you can use today to make your self defense better.  This week we talk about your EDC (Every Day Carry).  My everyday carry is modular.  I use the base that is on me any time I go anywhere or put on my pants.  Then I can ad other things as I go. What about you.  What's your EDC?  Do you have different things you carry for different situations? You can watch the video here on Vimeo.

How tired are you?  How does that effect your self defense?  Do you look more like food to the wolves when you are tired? You don't have to.  My simple method when this is happening to me is to take a breath.  When I'm tired, before I go into a different space, I stop and take a deep breath.  This just gives me a second to get out of my head or phone and into the real world. Watch the Five Minute Friday (FMF) video here.

Click Here Get Notes by Email Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Black Friday sales are here!  Are you going out and taking part?  If you are, remember to watch out.  Look around, get your head out of your phone and be extra careful in those transitional spaces. Consider taking the gifts home and not leaving them in your car. FMF 15 Watch out on Black Friday from Ben Branam on Vimeo. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben  

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Used guns can be a great deal and a fun way to do more in the firearms world.  But there are some things you should watch out for.  I won’t buy 2 types of used guns unless I know the person selling them:  Precision Guns – Because who knows what that person has done to that barrel and how well it shoots. And lets face it, none of us sell of our best shooters.  Guns that have lots of Gunsmithing done to them – Who knows what gun smith did the work and how good they are. It’s hard, but possible, to mess up an action job so badly that the gun is no longer safe and may fire on it’s own.  Buyer be where! Last thing I know people I don’t want to buy guns from, people like me.  I abuse and use the crap out of guns.  You probably don’t want my old hand-me-done that is shot out and needs half of everything replaced.  In fact, I have a Glock that I have shot out and replaced everything but the barrel and slide.  And the damned thing still doesn’t want to fire every time.  It was a super reliable gun for almost a decade and over 30,000 rounds.  Then I started playing with it… now I wouldn’t feel right selling it. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Get training! I'm setting up for a course I'm teaching tomorrow. I know it's scary. I know it's time consuming. I know it's expensive. I know it's hard. But going to a firearms training class is worth it! You will get to practice skills. Learn new skills. Make new friends. Help people out. And just have a lot of fun. You will get so much better going to a class then buying a new blaster.   FMF 13 from Ben Branam on Vimeo. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Making your dry fire practice more fun can keep you doing it more and make you better shooter and help you with your self defense. FMF 12 Dry Fire Practice from Ben Branam on Vimeo. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

Click Here Get Notes by Email Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Hotels can be crazy places.  Do you do extra things to help keep you safe when you stay at hotels?  Do you trust their security or lack there of?  What can you do to stay safe when you travel. Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben    

Click Here Get Notes by Email   Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world. Springfield just introduced their new Hell Cat pistol.  Should you get one to carry?  Would I carry one right when they first came out? Why or why not?  Listen or watch to find out.  FMF 10 New Guns from Ben Branam on Vimeo.   Announcements Upcoming Courses Click here for current course list. Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use. ShootersClubMembers.com Get Better for only a couple bucks a month Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better. Free Video on the front page Discounts to courses and holsters Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them? Sign Up Here! $75 Annual Membership $8 Monthly Membership   Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner. Stay Safe, Ben

I'm sure you’ve all heard the saying ‘make hay while the sun shines’, which means making the most of your opportunities while you have the chance to do so or take advantage of favourable circumstances when the time is right. This phrase originated with English farmers in the 1500’s and a hundred or so years later extended into general life and quickly became a cliché. Situations Arise I’ve had a few situations over the past couple months that reminded me of the importance of this saying in our day-to-day lives, regardless of what you do. Situation #1: I was at a networking event, which was quite loud, meaning I was almost yelling for most of the night. This took its toll on my voice and the next day I was scheduled to do a podcast recording, and I couldn’t talk, so I had to reschedule the podcast for a few days later.   Situation #2: I went to Podcast Movement in Philadelphia in July and even though I was not talking loud, I was meeting a lot of people and talked a lot over the three day period and pretty much wore my voice out. While I was there I was being interviewed and fortunately, I managed to get through it.  Situation #3: I got the dreaded ‘Man flu’ last week, so as I record this I’m probably still not 100%, but I’ve recovered enough to do this podcast, plus I can edit out an odd cough if it occurs.  How Does This Relate? So what does this have to do with making hay while the sun shines? Let me explain. I produce a weekly podcast show where I interview a guest and also a short Five Minute Friday (FMF) episode each week just like this one. So far I’ve never missed uploading an episode on time, but that’s only because I’ve made hay while the sun shined. I have guest interviews recorded at least four weeks in advance and a few FMF episodes on standby in case they are needed. Podcasting has taught me that my voice is critical and without it, I’m buggered. Be Aware Of Problems  But it’s not just my voice that can prevent my podcasts being uploaded on time. It’s not uncommon to have Internet problems, computer hardware and software glitches, power outages, and last minute guest cancellations. All these events are why I must plan ahead. In addition to this, I have to prepare for holidays and other work, social and family commitments. In an earlier Five Minute Friday I talked about Creating A Disaster Folder, which is extremely important, but making hay while the sun shines is just as important, if not more so. If you make hay while the sun shines it can give you breathing space when the sun is not shining and covered by thick grey clouds. My Past Podiatry Business When I owned my podiatry businesses, we made a lot of orthotics, and we had computerised milling machines in place that could make them quickly, which is why we offered a 24-hour fitting service. Most patients loved our fast service, but some were in no hurry and didn’t mind waiting for two or three days for their fitting visit. And this is when problems occurred, not with the patients, but with the podiatrists. Because the orthotics were not due the next day, the podiatrists wouldn’t do the design straight away, instead, they would put it off to tomorrow, the day after that or the day they were due. BUT, this is why you need to make hay while the sun shines. What Could Go Wrong Instead of doing the orthotic design and having it milled out straight away, ready to be fitted (while the sun is shining and the time is perfect), they would wait. And what could go wrong? Computers can crash Software can fail  The milling machine can break a drill bit LAB TECHNICIAN CAN CALL IN SICK A simple power outage. So did this happen often? No, it didn’t, but it should never have happened.  Just Do It If you have time to do a task right now…then do it, because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. And making hay while the sun shines doesn’t just apply to work; it applies at home as well. Final Tip Start timing yourself how long it takes to do specific tasks at work and home. You may be surprised it doesn’t take you as long as you think and you can fit far more in during that 40-minute time window than you thought possible.  If you have any questions please send me an email at tf@tysonfranklin.com or visit my website tysonfranklin.com