How to Make the Decision
I wish someone told me sooner that one of the hardest thing we can do is make a decision. It is easier to set goals, dream big, and hope it all works out… but that only gets us so far.
At some point, you have to start taking action towards your goal. Yes, those steps are going to be challenging, but stepping into your power and deciding to go for it is harder.
From one over-thinker to another, if there is a “what if” “how if” or “who if”, it’ll take that as an opportunity to run for the hills (even if it would benefit me and my horse)
Doubt and your Goal
It is 100% normal to experience, doubt, fear, and uncertainty when you think about making a decision. You are closing the door to all other paths and setting out on the one that you feel is the best for you in this moment.
But if we want to feel confident in our decision, we have to let go of the uncertainties and step into our power as equestrians. There will always be some part of the equestrian sport that is uncertain. We ride 1,000 pound prey animals and communicate with the slightest of movements… yet that shouldn’t stop you from making the decision.
From one rider to another, I know how scary it can be to commit to a riding goal. You can think about all of the things that can go wrong with you, your horse, where you ride, how you ride, and the list can go on and on. I used to be so scared to step outside of my comfort zone, and as a result, my riding grew stagnant, I hated the barn, and I eventually took a break from the sport.
Having doubt and uncertainty is a completely normal feeling to have as an equestrian, so let me share one of my favorite ways to crush those doubts and feel empowered in the saddle.
How to Crush Doubt and Make a Decision
When the time comes to start making the decision, there are three things you can do: freeze, flee, or go for it. It sounds easier than it is to “go for it”. Even with all of the plans in the world, there are going to be hard things that have to happen for you to work towards your goal.
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know all of the plotting, planning, and dreaming that you have done to reach for your goal. Honestly, when it comes to making the decision, here is my favorite method to banish doubts and finally take back the reins.
Clearly Establish your Goal
If you’ve been following along on the podcast, than we learned what a SMART goal was. By clearly establishing your goal and determining if it is something within your scope to achieve, we are slowly climbing the mountain that is your goal. From one equestrian to another, I know how easy it is to set a big goal and have no idea how to move forwards to it. Establish what success means to you and what metrics you will use to track it.
2. Give all of your doubts fears and “what ifs” a name
We are all going to struggle with doubt, fear, and “what if” in our goals. It is to remember that success is going to challenge you. When those feelings come up, give them a name! By identifying when your doubts and fears are entering into your goal, we can move forwards with a confident decision.
3. For each doubt, refute it
Let’s be honest, sometimes you just have to look in the mirror and pick yourself up. For each doubt and fear that comes into your riding journey, refute it. This may be through a mantra, a training exercise you can practice, or taking the time to do the inner-work to become the person that accomplishes your goal.
Making the decision to pursue your goal and take inspired action isn’t always an easy choice. You may have to navigate doubt, uncertainty, and narrowing down your goal. But by making the decision to move forwards, you can step into the rider you want to become.