Equestrian Challenge

Master your Mind

To Master An Equestrian Challenge, Why Do You Need a Positive Equestrian Mindset?

You hear it all the time: "success is a state of mind." There are many riders and trainers who would argue that success is a natural result of proper planning, preparation and focused action, and that viewpoint certainly holds a grain of truth - but there are also many exceptions to disprove this "rule." Have you ever wondered how two people can attempt the dressage test in the same way and only one of them gets it right? Is it sheer luck? Timing? Tenacity? More often than not, it's a rider's mind-set that determines whether they fail or succeed.

What is a mind-set, anyway? Typically, your mind-set refers to your predominant state of mind day today. It's what you think about, focus on, and expect from your riding experiences. Think negatively, expect the worst, feel pessimistic about your options and that's exactly what you'll draw into your life. Likewise, think positively, expect the best and focus on a successful outcome and you get it most of the time.

Makes sense, right? But how exactly does this work? Why is a success mind-set so important? There are three big reasons:

1) A positive mind-set boosts your confidence and self-belief.

A lack of confidence in yourself usually comes along with a sense of powerlessness and futility, which is the exact opposite of a positive mind-set. Lack of confidence means you see no point in trying to be successful because it won't happen anyway. Obviously, this type of mind-set is a recipe for failure in any endeavor.

Having a positive mind-set, on the other hand, means you believe in yourself and your horse and your capabilities. You believe you can succeed at nearly anything you try together, and you're willing to give it your best shot. Even better, the more you do try, the more confidence and self-belief you build together- until you're virtually unstoppable!

2) A positive mind-set strengthens your motivation.

Without a postive mind-set, one failure is enough to convince you that pursuing your goals is a waste of time. Tenacity and determination don't exist in your world. If you don't become a raging success the first time you try, you surmise that it simply wasn't meant to be. Unfortunately, few things worth having are obtained so easily!

A success mind-set, however, strengthens your awareness that a failure is not the end of the story - it's just one more way that didn't work out the way you planned. In fact, a true success mind-set makes it obvious that the only true failure occurs when you stop trying.

3) A postive mind-set encourages success.

With a positive mind-set, you'll always know the most effective action steps that will lead directly to your goal. As already discussed, you'll also have the inner confidence and determination to pursue them - which is a sure recipe for...you guessed it: success!

If I had to sum up how to develop a success mind-set into as few words as possible, I'd say this:

- Go for your dreams.
- Think positively.
- Believe in yourself.
- Believe you can do better.
- Learn, grow and develop yourself.
- Be willing to take chances.
- Give it your all.
- Expect the best in every situation.
- Be willing to fail.
- Use affirmations to build your confidence.

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