Realistic Training: Reality Testing

[DISCLAIMER]

In common parlance, the term “realistic” relates to being able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way. For instance, it isn’t realistic to train (to make prepared, as by exercise, for a test of skill) in unrealistic settings (e.g., training to swim while lying in sand).

As well, the American Psychological Association (APA) defines “training” as systematic instruction and practice by which an individual acquires competence in a specific discipline, talent, or vocational or recreational skill or activity (e.g., training to swim in a pool of water).

Throughout my lifelong education, training, and experience with firearms—starting in elementary school, I’ve undergone realistic training, as to adequately prepare for real-world scenarios. Such training required use of “realistic thinking” which the APA thusly defines:

[T]hinking that is based or focused on the objective qualities and requirements that pertain in different situations. Realistic thinking permits adjustment of thoughts and behavior to the demands of a situation; it depends on the ability to interpret external situations in a fairly consistent, accurate manner.

See also reality testing—any means by which an individual determines and assesses their limitations in the face of biological, physiological, social, or environmental actualities or exigencies. It enables the individual to distinguish between self and nonself and between fantasy and real life. Defective reality testing is the major feature of psychosis.

Reality testing one’s abilities and inabilities is an integral component of advanced firearms training that I received in adulthood. Regarding this matter, I stated in What Is Your “Why”?:

Years ago, when employed in the field of nuclear security, I often participated in firearms training with a buddy who was my coworker. Having gone through the same Security Police Officer training class, we enjoyed plinking (recreational shooting of improvised metal targets).

While we also engaged paper targets, metal silhouettes provided instant audible feedback. That was our “why” for using metal targets which sometimes resulted in injury when bullet fragments ricocheted back in our direction. This presented us with a potentially dangerous situation.

We could’ve stood 15 to 25 yards away from the silhouettes, as to avoid injury. However, most gunfights reportedly occur within three to five yards of a shooter and a human target. Therefore, our “why” for tolerating some degree of physical danger related to realistic firearms training.

Similarly, we fired with both our dominant and subservient hands. For instance, my dominant grip relates to my right hand. As such, I also trained to fire with my left hand. After all, one never knows when one’s dominant hand may become injured in a gunfight.

That was another “why” regarding how I trained with my buddy. Additionally, we practiced stationary shooting, shooting on the move, firing from behind obstacles, and explored various other firing positions (e.g., shooting from a prone position). Why might we have done this?

One doesn’t necessarily choose the manner, location, or other details concerning how a gunfight will unfold. That was our “why” for varying our training scenarios. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’ve had a relatively large number of people ask why I opted for firearms training in the first place.

I suggest this is unsurprising, because it isn’t uncommon for people who don’t own or use firearms to remain ignorant (lacking knowledge, education, or awareness) about the threats faced within society. In short, I remain unconvinced by the thin veneer of socially-constructed safety.

That is my “why” for having put in a significant amount of time, energy, money, and other resources regarding firearms training. Now, when further contemplating this topic, I’m reminded of the psychotherapeutic modality I practice and a book that I’ve been steadily reading.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

The photo above was taken by my aforementioned buddy, as I trained to shoot stationary targets with a rifle and from an elevated position. It’s an example of realistic training, in the interest of, and with a goal for, reality testing. Of this matter, ancient philosopher Seneca stated (page 278):

Here’s a lesson to test your mind’s mettle: take part of a week in which you have only the most meager and cheap food, dress scantly in shabby clothes, and ask yourself if this is really the worst that you feared.

It is when times are good that you should gird yourself for tougher times ahead, for when Fortune is kind the soul can build defenses against her ravages. So it is that soldiers practice maneuvers in peacetime, erecting bunkers with no enemies in sight and exhausting themselves under no attack so that when it comes they won’t grow tired.

I’ve trained to know when and how a bullet impacting the windshield of a vehicle will alter its trajectory, so that I may achieve a successful headshot while eliminating a human threat. Yet, that may not be your interest and goal. Thus, authors of The Daily Stoic state to you (page 278):

What if you spent one day a month experiencing the effects of poverty, hunger, complete isolation, or any other thing you might fear? After the initial culture shock, it would start to feel normal and no longer quite so scary.

The form of realistic training for the sake of reality testing addressed by the authors is something about which I’ve previously written in regard to chosen suffering—the intentional pursuit of difficult or uncomfortable tasks, in order to build resilience, character, and strength.

I daily practice chosen suffering in one way or another. For example, this morning, I conducted physical training for my legs. Given how grueling the workout was, my body will likely ache for the next 24-48 hours or so. Good! This is precisely the point.

I conduct realistic training as a matter of reality testing, determining how I perform when intentionally suffering. That way, when experiencing unintentional suffering, I’ll know that I can at least tolerate difficult experiences. Of this, authors of The Daily Stoic conclude (page 278):

There are plenty of misfortunes one can practice, plenty of problems one can solve in advance. Pretend your hot water has been turned off. Pretend your wallet has been stolen. Pretend your cushy mattress was far away and that you have to sleep on the floor, or that your car was repossessed and you have to walk everywhere.

Pretend you lost your job and need to find a new one. Again, don’t just think about these things, but live them.

And do it now, while things are good. As Seneca reminds us: “It is precisely in times of immunity from care that the soul should toughen itself beforehand for occasions of greater stress. . . . If you would not have a man flinch when the crisis comes, train him before it comes.”

Perhaps firearms or physical training isn’t an interest or goal of yours. Fine. What is? What can you do, on a regular basis, for realistic training so that reality testing will reveal your strengths and weakness – so that you may focus on improving or being resilient regarding the latter?

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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