I’m going to talk about the myth that certain types of people have an ability for higher levels of success. The relationship between personality and performance is often misunderstood.
The truth is your beliefs about yourself determine if you give yourself the gift of unlimited learning and growth.
Your ability to have a vision, feel the right emotions and do your job are what determine if you continue to improve.
Some people believe that if you are shy, you have to change your personality to be successful. To throw that idea out the window, look at the different personalities in any sport. You don’t have to change who you are to be successful. In fact, if you try to change who you really are … that never ever works.
If you tend to be the quiet type, you may need to get more aggressive at some point or let go of things you can’t control, but it’s not about changing your personality.
And what if people tell you that you aren’t aggressive enough and that you don’t have that killer instinct?
Here’s what I know. Being aggressive is a concept. It means different things to different people. If you do need to be more aggressive, first you need to understand when to be aggressive and under what conditions. Ask for concrete examples and clear ideas. Try it. If it works, yah! If it doesn’t work, evaluate whether you should try it again … or not.
And what about the ‘ole killer instinct idea?
Some people think it’s good to want to ‘beat’ other people. I understand that competitive spirit drive. But I would say, that the only thing you have control of is reaching for and exceeding your own personal best … not beating others. When you compete, measure your success against your own scorecard. And know that when you reach the level of excellence of those at the top of the division of your sport, results take care of themselves.
Other people think of killer instinct as an ability to be unaffected by the emotions of those around you. That’s a good thing when it comes to doing your job with your horse. You have your own work to do. It’s ok to feel empathy for other people but don’t let it affect your own mental and emotional state. Work on your own concentration skills. In order to ride at your best, you must be able to do your job with your horse … and your job takes concentration and positive emotions.
The personality traits of highly successful riders are not some special gift from above that they have … and maybe you have them … or maybe you don’t. Excellent riders are not born. All of the skills you need to be successful are made with hard work, excellent instruction, patience, focus, and persistence. They are not inherited.
We all have the potential for greatness. And so do you. True greatness is measured by you … not the outside world.
I have an amazing instructor, an amazing horse, and I have the desire and the passion to work hard and to push through the tough lessons. However, my biggest problem is relaxing, breathing. Any tips, strategies, suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Love your instructions. Some day I hope to be able to come to one of your clinics
Being the “quiet type” definitely describes me. Thank you for your vote of confidence. I appreciate your words of wisdom. Carieo
WOW! Something that I have tried to instill in my students for years…some get it, some don’t…you have just given me more tools for my toolbox to help guide them on their own path! Thank you (again) so very much!
Great message to spread, thanks for sharing. I found in the past when I focus on winning (beating others) rather than doing better than my last run, I get nervous in a competition! Whereas when I think more of my horse and myself and our job, I am more focused and relaxed. I find it best if I try not to look at scoreboards when there are points being calculated throughout the day/competition/year – and if we do the best we can and win that’s great. If we do the best we can/ improve on last time and come third… Read more »
I agree totally, since I focus more on me and my horse and not what others think of me or us, it is much easier to work on Progress and having fun. That’s very important and feeling that the horse is a Partner, friend . Greatings Vera from Switzerland
This is an absolutely good read. Positive thoughts positive actions. I so enjoy the articles you publish. I read all of them. Thanks
Best one yet! Really hit home. Thanks for the inspiration!