The new year is upon us and it will be an exciting year, especially if you are setting goals. This equestrian goal-setting guide is about setting goals instead of resolutions. I’ve always found resolutions rigid and most people don’t come close to achieving them because they don’t have a plan or once they stumble, they have trouble getting back on track. When you change your focus to goals, you start thinking of action plans to achieve them. But how?
As a project manager, I know all about goal setting. It is part and parcel of everyday life just like tasks, timelines, deadlines, and measurements of success. This Equestrian 2024 Goal Setting Guide provides the steps to effectively set goals and help you achieve them or course correct if needed throughout the year. One thing to keep in mind as you set your goals:
“Nothing worth having comes easy.”
Theodore Roosevelt
1. Choose a specific and realistic goal
Don’t set your goal to win the Olympics in equestrian vaulting if you can’t touch your toes at the moment. Choose something realistic and attainable, but just out of reach with work. However, if you do want to go big, then break it down into manageable mini-goals and map it out on a timeline throughout the next few years. Also, make sure this goal is for you and within your sphere of influence. Don’t depend on someone else’s actions, unless they are committed to your success. This is a great time to include your coach in this conversation to make sure that your goal is realistic for you and your horse and to see if your coach is on-board with helping you succeed.
2. Write out the steps
Break down your goal into mini-steps and write them out. Your coach or a trusted friend can help you out with identifying the steps and tools you need to achieve your goals.
3. Determine how you are going to measure success
Do you want a specific dressage move? Be able to jump a certain height? Ride a specific number of times a week? Maybe a number of kilometres in the year?
Have fun with this but be realistic. The key to success is breaking it down into small manageable steps.
4. Identify possible challenges
Identify the challenges and come up with action plans if they do happen. This will empower you to confront these challenges, instead of deflating you. This can include injury, your horse turning up lame, having to change barns, etc.
5. Set deadlines for your mini-goals
The best way to track your goals and work towards them is to see them daily. Add your mini-goals to your agenda, calendar or even your phone’s background, so that you make time for them and can evaluate whether you are on track or not. It is okay to push out your mini-goals if you won’t make your deadline, just make sure that you evaluate the reason you aren’t meeting this goal and address it.
6. Set up a reward system
This is the fun part. It can be anything from a budgeted trip to the tack shop or a treat. Whichever works best for you. This is an important step though because humans respond well and thrive off rewards. Create a carrot and go after it!
7. Share your goals!
Drop a comment below or share this post on social media and add your goal to your post. The more people know about your goal, the wider your support network to help you achieve it. It will also create accountability for yourself which is a powerful motivator!
8. Find a community of accountability partners
Find people who can be your cheerleaders and help you troubleshoot issues. It is also a great way to generate accountability. You can get a group of friends or join a Facebook group of likeminded equestrians.
Now, take a piece of paper and write out your goal for 2024 and pin it where you will see it every day to keep at top of mind.
I hope you enjoyed this equestrian 2024 goal-setting guide. Don’t forget to drop your goal below so that we can cheer you on!