I purchased my first handgun (a G17 gen 5) in mid 2022, ran ~1200 rounds of ammo through it to assess and get trigger time, and after that got my Michigan CPL in early 2023. I've also done a lot of internet reading, watched a lot of YouTube videos, and studied the relevant laws for my part of the country... I think I have a better understanding of the moral and legal aspects and consequences of concealed carry than the average citizen. I've also discovered the benefits of dry-fire practice, bought a MantisX X10, and have nearly maxed out all the "awards" in that app. I'm still fine tuning my holster as I settle into EDC. And I have responsible and safe means of storing firearms when not on my person.
At this point I'm dry firing, holster drawing, and running reload drills nearly every day. I don't shoot very many live rounds (maybe ~100/mo but I go in spurts) because of time and money.
I think I have the proper mindset and an adequate toolset. But I'd like to continue developing my skillset. I don't care about winning trophies, instead I want to be a more effective EDC'ing private citizen. The problem is, "effective" is kind of a muddy definition in my mind. What should my goal be, and what's the best way to get there?
Is now a good time to plan some formal training into the budget? I see tons of classes available across the country but I don't know how to pick out the best class and instructor for me in Southwest Michigan.
Should I not worry about that yet and instead spend the money on ammo until I can pass some metric? Should I start going to the gym? Gain some social skills? Befriend some IDPA and USPSA champs on Facebook? Learn unarmed combat? Eat Wheaties every morning? Buy an LTT 92 Elite Compact with RDO?