Time for a Goal Setting Review

Here we are at the end of May and I wonder how you’re getting on with your 2024 riding goals?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep on saying it, goal setting done effectively is a great motivator and a brilliant way to measure your progress but poorly set goals can be just the opposite.

When you set yourself goals which stretch and challenge you, but which you know you can achieve with hard work, you are setting yourself up to strive for improvement with a growing sense of self belief.

It’s well worth remembering that your goals aren’t necessarily just to do with riding skills. They can encompass many aspects of equestrian sport and remember that if you have your mind on your side all of your goals will be easier to achieve.

If you read my blogs regularly you will know that I’m a fan of writing your goals down so that you can regularly check back on them in order to measure your progress.

If you have already done that then why not check on those goals right now?

If you haven’t recorded them then now is the time to reach for your favourite notebook and ask yourself the following questions.

GOAL SETTING QUESTIONS

What exactly would I like to achieve or aim for?

Why is achieving this important to me?

How effective am I being in how I am getting there?

What makes the biggest difference towards achieving my goals?

What do I do in a certain way because I’ve always done it that way?

What am I NOT doing which would help?

What past experiences might help me?

How and when can I apply these experiences ?

It’s well worth allocating some time to answering the above questions as it will allow you to really clarify what you are aiming for and how you are going to get from where you are now to where you want to be.

If, after answering these questions you realise that your goals need to be changed, or revised, then don’t be afraid to do just that. This is the whole point of the exercise.

When you are setting yourself challenging, but achievable, goals it’s well worth remembering that you may need some support along the way.

Support comes from all sorts of people from partners, trusted friends, encouraging groups, experienced coaches as well as people like myself who can help you work out the best way to fulfil your goals. Never be afraid to reach out for help.