ACTHA Monthly | August 2015 | 37
Get your goals straight
Write them down, BIG. Post them somewhere visible so you focus on them every day in some way, and add some steps to achieving those goals, such as self-assessments, play days, lessons, clinics or courses. For me, having sessions with Walter every two months sure helped keep me on track!
Consider timelines
It may or may not help you to have timelines. Do what works for you. Personally, I don’t like having them, but I’m motivated enough by feeling success in some small way every day.
Solve problems quickly
There’s nothing worse than feeling stuck. That alone can be terribly de-motivating, so remember all the resources that are available to you. At Parelli, for example, we have a worldwide network of licensed Parelli Professionals who are available for lessons, clinics, and video coaching, along with our Savvy Club, which features an online Learning Library with thousands of educational articles, videos, and more!
Celebrate!
Make sure you celebrate your smallest achievements, not just the big ones. Think of ways to do this that would be meaningful for you. Let your friends know, get together with like-minded people to make sure you have support—that sure does help!
DEFINE YOUR HORSEMANSHIP GOALS
Here are some ideas, to help you define your horsemanship goals. Grab a pen and circle the ones that apply to you, and fill in additional ones you can think of.
1. Pick one thing that is the most important for you in your horsemanship (you can only pick one!):
a. Fun
b. Harmony & trust
2. Circle what is most important to you right now:
a. Safety & overcoming fear
b. Fun
c. Excellence
3. What Level of horsemanship skill would you like to have:
a. Level 1
b. Level 2
c. Level 3
4. What are some things you believe get in the way of you achieving these goals?
a. Work
b. Time
c. Money
d. Lack of support (friends, family)
e. Other____________________
d. Level 4
e. Professional
f. Performance
c. Study & learning
d. Achievement
Photo by Scott Teigen