Is it just me…
Have you ever wondered why some people achieve amazing goals and dreams, while others don’t? Now I want to clarify that having a goal of taking a short trail ride with your horse is just as important as an Olympic rider whose goal is to win the gold medal….
Amazing goals, in the context I am using them in is personal goals, that bring you fulfillment and satisfaction. They look different from person to person. Regardless of the view from those peering at them from the outside each is meaningful and important.
Mentors and Self Improvement
Most of us have mentors that we look up to… we read their books and blogs, attend seminars and events, watch online courses and DVD series. But at some point, we have to stop taking in information. We have to go apply what we have learned or really it is not helpful.
In regards to horse health, implementing new things comes easily for me. I am open to exploring, experimenting, learning, and growing. The unknown is intriguing and begs me to discover new things…
My horsemanship on the other hand is where I have struggled in the past. I find especially with my mustangs that I want to read one more article, watch one more video before I go work with them. That is precisely why I adopted them. I became aware of my avoidance behavior in this area of my life and wanted to push myself to improve.
Watch what you say… to yourself.
If you find yourself in an avoidance pattern like I shared above it is very important to watch what you say to yourself. It is likely the thoughts and things you are choosing to focus on are what you feel weak or less proficient at. So instead utilize and raise awareness of what you do know already and start there.
Then introduce or take a small action that stretches your comfort zone and brings you closer to the goal you are trying to achieve.
When Pokey first became ill (Learn more on the About Page), I felt like a failure! With all the education, experience, and contacts I had… how did we end up here?
If I had allowed my thoughts and feelings to stay in that limited space I doubt I would be writing this right now. Instead, I put my head down and looked for new perspectives and different mentors. Most of those I found were not in my area and I simply had a book, course, or maybe an article. The information was often opposite to what my background and experience taught me, I was out of my comfort zone, to say the least.
My desperation to help my horse pushed me through the fear of the unknown, stumbling along and figuring out. It was not until I came across the American Council of Animal Naturopathy and found some reassurance that what I was “doing” was a real thing… that there are principles and theory to what I share. Prior to that, I was totally reliant on the horse to let me know if I was on the right track.
Although I am grateful to have found A.C.A.N. and have now graduated their courses, I still firmly believe in allowing the horse to tell me if I am on the right track!
Takeaway Moment and Tips
When people reach out to me and share how helpful my website, courses, and content has been I feel blessed. But when I ask what they have changed or implemented from what I share and I hear things like, well I am not experienced or knowledgeable enough to (fill in the blank)… I see that I need to improve my communication and services.
There was a time that I wasn’t knowledgeable or experienced. In fact, I approach every day in search of what I can improve upon and learn… I guide people through supporting their horse’s health in situations I don’t always fully understand but I also know I can figure out what it is I need to when the time comes.
Since I focus on health, there are many conditions and labels given to the horses I work with, that I don’t know and have to research to fully understand. I instead choose to focus on health and the proper function of the body… that is what I know and understand.
Through focusing on my strength, I learn and grow every day and achieve amazing things that would not be possible if I did not step out and do what I know how to do in spite of what I don’t!
What have you been avoiding in your horsemanship and horse’s health? Comment below or share it in our private Facebook group. We want to support you and help you stay accountable to take action!
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Life is better when you’re horsin’ around!
