Mindset
As equestrians, we like to control things. Why else would we choose to ride animals that are multiple times our size with a mind of their own? If you've been around horses long enough, you understand that as much as we try, there are many things that we can't control, like a cool, windy day that has your horse feeling extra fresh or your horse losing a shoe which means they can't work that day. In a world that can feel out of control at times, the one thing you have authority over is your outlook and response to a situation. So in a sport with countless variables, we encourage you to take charge of the most essential thing, which is your mindset.
"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." -Henry Ford
Be Mindful
Do you ever have days where you are non-stop busy, but by the end of the day you can't quite remember what you did? Our hands are up. Bringing awareness into your everyday life in small ways can give you moments to reflect on what's happening in and around you. Allowing yourself to pause and observe without judgement can be incredibly helpful in your personal growth. We are big fans of meditating and our favorite way to do it is with the Insight Timer App. It's free, and they have an enormous library of meditations of any length and variety. Start small and see where it takes you.
Open to Growth
On the podcast, one book that tends to come up repeatedly in our conversations is Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. In this book she explains the difference between a growth and fixed mindset. In short, people with a growth mindset believe that skills can be learned where people with a fixed mindset think that what they have is what they've got and can't be changed. People tend to have a mix of these mindsets regarding different areas in their life, but being aware is the first step. If you are open to learning and growing like we are at The Whole Equestrian tune into our podcast for conversations that will help grow your mindset.
Ask for Help
Changing the way you think is easier said than done and can seem overwhelming if you don't have the right tools. Luckily, Tyler is here to help you on your journey to a more positive mindset in and out of the saddle. Tyler is a Doctor of Sport and Performance Psychology, open for business with virtual sessions to fit the busy Equestrian lifestyle. Tyler's passion for lifelong learning has given her a wealth of knowledge that she shares with her clients and gives them actionable advice so they can apply it to their life.