Sometimes simple answers feel like they aren’t quite enough. I want everything done … now.
Simplicity and taking the next steps are always the keys to moving forward. Simplicity is huge. So, each time I feel overwhelmed, or feel a little anxious, I take a breath. I tell myself, “Okay … easy, Barb!” and then I take the next simple step.
Simplicity, accuracy and repetition are always the keys to moving forward on your horse. The same is true for dealing with your nerves.ride and live with increased meaning … and long-term happiness.
Here are 7 simple, easy-to-do steps you can use to kick your next nerves bout in the backside.
1. Recognize your nerves.
2. Breathe with your head up and your eyes looking forward.
3. Know (really know) that it’s ok to be imperfect. You are safe within
your heart when you realize that you, like the rest of the people of
the world, are imperfect. Make peace with your vulnerabilities. You’ll
survive this moment … and the next. (-:
4. See you and your horse doing your next small step really well in
your mind.
5. Take the next tiny step.
6. Give yourself an “atta boy or atta girl” for the good. Adjust what
needs to be adjusted.
7. Repeat … forever.
Recognize your nerves. Call up calmness and the courage to be imperfect. Just take the next tiny step.
That was simple!
7 Simple Steps
BARBRA SCHULTE
Nerves No More
Barbra Schulte is a Professional Cutting Horse Trainer, Personal Performance Coach, Author, Clinician, and Equine Consultant. In 2012 Barbra was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Barbra reside in Brenham, Texas. She and husband Tom work side-by-side in all aspects of their educational, coaching, and training businesses.
Barbra has been involved with horses her entire life. Beginning in early childhood and continuing through college, she helped market and show many of her family’s 500 head of horses. She competed in western pleasure, reining, horsemanship, and cutting.
T
his is how I look when I wake up in the morning and think about all the things I need to do. My hair’s all over the place. Try as I might to keep things simple as I view the day, I have to stop and slow down to do that.
It’s about growing your character.
Consider this. When you bring to mind the people who you admire the most, isn’t their character a huge piece of why you respect them? It’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it … and who they are as a person.
Think of a famous athlete who performed well, but then fell from grace because of character issues. I bet it was a huge letdown. And in almost every case that person’s performance took a downward spiral.
So when you grow more courageous, or positive, or determined … it’s a powerful impact on your riding results.
During my Insights interview with Dr. Jim Loehr of the Human Performance Institute he said, “… a person’s character is really at the core of one’s ability to do extraordinary things. And the stronger the person is as a human being, the more he or she is able to handle the forces of life in a really important and comfortable way. You have developed an inner kind of strength. It translates into your ability to execute (your riding skills)”.
So the stronger you are as a person, the higher the probability you can handle the slings and arrows that come your way as you pursue your riding dreams … and the more you can achieve.
Dr. Loehr went on to say: “… understand that you’re becoming something as a consequence of riding … you’re either getting more annoyed, more irritated, more angry, frustrated … or you’re deepening your love affair with your riding. For instance in riding, you’re actually deepening your sense of joy and appreciation for this opportunity and you’re learning so much about yourself, your horse … and that the whole thing is such a fabulous kind of gift in your life and if you win great championships and if you win great medals, that’s just icing on the cake.”
The key to doing extraordinary things is to do them with character and values. The real success is that you ride and live with increased meaning … and long-term happiness.
19 / Sport and Trail Magazine