It is widely known that visualization is a key mental skills tool. That’s because we tend to get what we think about.
I bet you’ve heard this a lot.
However, sometimes riders tell me they feel frustrated, “I’m so disappointed. My rides don’t turn out the way I see them in my mind. What’s the point? Now, what?”
Perhaps you don’t know a secret about visualizing.
Let me explain.
The role of visualization is not to ensure that everything turns out exactly as you imagine it (although it might!).
The role of consistently seeing and feeling the good that we so desire in our riding is to provide a consistent exercise for moving toward our dreams.
No one can control outcomes. And no one can control the exact road they will travel in pursuit of skills and excellence.
So here’s the secret. The role of visualization is not to control outcomes. It’s to give you a disciplined and consistent routine during which you see and believe in possibilities.
Consistently seeing awesomeness with your horse in your mind is your job.
The job of life (or God, or the Universe) is to determine how that unfolds.
Your job is to keep feeling it and seeing what you love about riding … and know that what you so love will come to pass in some form.
Your job is also to take action. Go to a trainer, or study, etc. BUT, you don’t have to figure out EXACTLY how it will all unfold.
Will the results be the exact expression of what you dream about/see inyour mind?
Maybe … but probably not.
Who knows? They might be better!
People and opportunities might come out of the woodwork when you least expect it to take you to great outcomes beyond what you can imagine.
So, keep visualizing. Trust the process.
Give gratitude for all you do have now.
Turn over the need to figure out and control exactly how it will all happen. Those things are not your job.
Your job is to believe and love your own unique adventure with your horse … frustrations and all … and take the actions that ring true to you.
Be patient. Great things are coming … and … when you look around, so many are already here.
Love this and it is so true!
Thanks for these words. I’ve learned and grown so much from your articles and videos. Its a journey, sometimes yet, a frustrating one, but I’ve come to learn from each experience and each ride. I’ve learned to stay more positive, see the good in the ride and what needs to improve. Patient and gratitude is a work in process for me! Thanks again Barbara and Sandy!
I just LOVE what you wrote about “visualization”. What you said seems very true and exciting and doable. Just today I was out on my tractor for 4 hours grooming the weeds away to make my yearly “Cloverleaf” pattern that I, and some friends who come to ride every so often, use to train our horses. It is a neat pattern to ride. But it was a lot of work and I had to get on and off my tractor a lot to pull the weeds off of the grooming rods and there were stickers, etc. But I had to… Read more »
Visualization or Anticipation, Insanity is redundantly making the same mistakes, while expecting the same results…..Mistakes offer great insight.
Such a timely message! Thank you!
You nailed it as always!! The key word here for me is “process”. It is not the outcome but the daily exercise. Trust me, I am an example of this process. I could not have improved my riding without it! Thank you again Sandy and Barbara!!