The New Year is almost here, so I was thinking about what my goal for next year should be. You know, kind of a New Years resolution thing. After considerable thought - about five whole minutes worth in front of one of my gun safes - I decided on "simplification." I'm going to simplify what I carry, my gear and training, and my "threat response." I have a "carry safe." The guns I carry regularly go into this safe when I'm not using them. The safe is too full. Over the past couple of years I've gotten into the habit of shifting between multiple pistols. There are Glock 42's and 19's, J and K frames, 1911's and a pocket pistol or two. In order to simplify I'm going back to carrying a 1911 and revolver. These are the two I know best. Not only I am going to carry these type pistols, but actually just those two pistols. This means every day everything is the same. They both have XS sights. My trigger work is simple – press or stroke, depending on the pistol. The safety on the 1911 will be the same every day, never varying in size, shape or spring tension. Simple is boring, but it works. Simplifying what I carry means simplifying my gear. I can put most of my holsters, mags and pouches away. I'll need two strong side holsters for the 1911 - one I.W.B. (inside the waistband) and one outside, with a couple of mags and pouches. The revolver requires a support side holster, which is where I usually carry it. I'll also have a strong side holster for when I can't carry the 1911. Add my Renegade ankle holster, for when I can't belt carry, an El Paso Leather 6x2 pouch for singles and my Milt Sparks pouch for speed strips and I'm ready. All of it will fit into a small bag. Simplifying my training and practice means focusing on the fundamentals, concentrating on moving, communicating, using cover and shooting well. I'm going to try to attend a basic rifle course to hone my marksmanship. There will be lots of practice on moving, drawing my pistol and getting accurate hits. For good measure I'll work on engaging a couple of targets, but not getting carried away on multiple targets because I don't think we're going to experience a zombie apocalypse here in Langston, Alabama. Keeping it simple, focusing on the fundamentals will prepare me to respond to a violent attack. When it comes to my threat response things are getting simpler every day. At this stage in my life the list of things I'm willing to risk my life for is very short. This makes my "threat response" very simple. If I am forced to fight it's really simple. The only option is to defeat the threat as efficiently as possible. Or, think about it this way: The only reason I will fight is because I have to win. There are lives at stake, so there is not other acceptable outcome. My threat response is really simple: I will win. Have a great New Year -- and focus on simplifying your life. Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" - http://shootrite.org/book/book.html writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html McKee's new book, AR-15 Skills and Drills, is available off Shootrite's website: http://shootrite.org/AR15SkillsBook/AR15SkillsBook.html http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shootrite-Firearms-Academy/156608611038230?ref=ts