Matthew Gay - Quiet Eye, Finding the Zone & Understanding Spatial Intelligence in Clay Target Shooting - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights

The Clay Lab Network Podcast

The Clay Lab Network Podcast
Matthew Gay - Quiet Eye, Finding the Zone & Understanding Spatial Intelligence in Clay Target Shooting - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights
Apr 24, 2025 Season 2 Episode 17
Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights

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In this conversation, Dawn Grant and Matt Gay discuss various topics related to health, wellness, and the shooting sports industry. They explore Matt's journey from competitive shooting to his career in construction codes, the mental aspects of shooting, and the importance of training the mind for peak performance. The discussion also touches on the concept of 'Quiet Eye' training and how it can help shooters achieve a state of flow or 'the zone' during competitions. In this conversation, Dawn Grant discusses her journey into mental training, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental skills with athletic performance. She highlights the significance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, the ongoing debate of nature versus nurture in performance, and the necessity of mindfulness and emotional management for peak performance. Dawn also shares insights on finding joy in the process of competition and the importance of a holistic approach to performance, which encompasses mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In this conversation, Matthew Gay and Dawn Grant explore the importance of mental performance in sports, particularly in clay shooting. They discuss how to optimize brain function for success, the significance of learning from mistakes, and the balance between ego and confidence. The conversation also touches on the role of hard work in achieving improvement and the goals of various shooting publications.

 

Matthew Gay

Outdoorpursuitsmedia.com

Clayshootingusa.com

Wingandclay.life

Email: Editor@clayshootingusa.com

 

Dawn Grant Links 

https://dawngrant.com/

https://mindmastered.com/ 

https://ameliashotgunsports.com/

 

Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery

 

Takeaways

 

-Mental training is crucial for performance in shooting sports.

-Quiet Eye training helps improve focus and performance.

-Spatial intelligence plays a role in shooting accuracy.

-Overthinking can hinder performance in shooting.

-The subconscious mind can enhance shooting performance.

-A holistic approach considers all aspects of an athlete's life.

-Mistakes in shooting can provide valuable learning opportunities.

-Ego can be beneficial if guided by confidence.

-Consistent success requires managing one's ego.

-Hard work is essential for personal improvement in any field.

-Athletes often seek quick fixes instead of committing to the process.

 

Shotkam Discount Code Link: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

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Episode Artwork Matthew Gay - Quiet Eye, Finding the Zone & Understanding Spatial Intelligence in Clay Target Shooting - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 1:21:53 Episode Artwork Michael Biore - Manifesting Success in Sporting Clays, Life, and Quail Creek Sporting Ranch + A New Concurrent - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 55:17 Episode Artwork Owen Haas - Breaking Out in Master Class Through Practice Meditation & Focus in Sporting Clays - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 56:55 Episode Artwork Carson Lingle – Focusing During Shooting, Recovering from a Miss & Shooting Preparations - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 48:07 Episode Artwork Blaize Whitehead - Prep for Competition, Trusting the Process, Confidence & Faith - Clay Mastermind 57:50 Episode Artwork Isobel Ziluca - Sporting Clays Mechanics vs Mental Game, Challenges, Growth and Respect for All - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 55:55 Episode Artwork Dominic Bethel - Everyone Needs a Coach, Shoot Payouts, Gamebore US, Club Management & Gun Industry Marketing Challenges - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 1:03:35 Episode Artwork Brandy Elrod - Paralympic Shotgun Shooting, Youth Shooter Challenges, Coaching, & Lady Outdoor Lifestyles Magazine - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 1:04:52 Episode Artwork Jim Lowery - Sporting Clays as a Legacy Vet, Shooting Fundamentals & Mindset- Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 1:10:40 Episode Artwork Nick Hendrick - World Level Competition vs Social Shooting & A Sporting Clays Champion’s Wisdom - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 1:23:23 Episode Artwork TJ Hawk – Transformation To Being A Master Class Shooter, Target Setting & Coaching - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 58:08 Episode Artwork Dr. Anthony Capasso – Shooting Focus & Mindset: Respecting Targets, Nutrition & Control - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 57:25 Episode Artwork Rylie Sass - Gun Fit, Switching Hands, Sporting Clays Goals & Still Learning - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights 49:34 Episode Artwork Andrea Seefeldt Knight - Target Focused & Subconscious Success in Sporting Clays - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 1:04:26 Episode Artwork Drew Ricketts - NSCA FITASC Chief Referee Talks Finding A Passion, Super Sporting Position & Wildlife - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Training & Industry Insight 1:00:05 Episode Artwork Derrick Mein - Olypmic & Sporting Clays Shooting Process: A Winning Process - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant 1:03:14 Episode Artwork Nathan Flanagan - Nationals Target Setter and Challenges of Major Shooting Events - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 49:00 Episode Artwork Ashleigh Alexander - NSCA Hall of Fame, Focus + Commitment & Grid Training - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 50:07 Episode Artwork Bill Elliott - Shooting with No Fear, Deliberate Training & Overthinking - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant 51:44 Episode Artwork Joseph Calabrace - Night Stalker, Supporting SCTP & Emotions in Sporting Clays - Clay Mastermind 1:04:47 Episode Artwork Kiersten Sales - Talking Sponsorships, The Zone-State & Challenges - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant 1:03:26 Episode Artwork Neil Chadwick - Challenges with FITASC, Nationals & Evolution of Target Setting - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 1:00:19 Episode Artwork Jona Cole - Future Gunsmithing Outlook & Authenticity in Business - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 1:02:35 Episode Artwork David Young - Transitioning from Mechanics to the Mental Aspect - Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight 55:31 Episode Artwork Diane Sorantino – Confidence, Managing Fear & Balance – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant 1:01:36