Riding lessons for life #14

No shortcuts!

While teaching a lesson last night, my student and I were discussing how riding just takes practice, practice, practice!  My student commented that in each lesson she could feel her body growing more and more used to performing all of the particular demands of riding.  She  stated that nothing else made her a better rider besides riding!  Becoming a better requires climbing in the saddle and riding, riding, riding!  There are no shortcuts and no tricks that can expedite the process.

Afterward, I realized that most things in life should be approached like learning to ride.  Reaching lofty goals, like learning to ride a horse, require a long journey to accomplish it.  It’s like Malcolm Gladwell’s rule of 10,000 hours.  The world’s most successful individuals, like The Beatles, Bill Gates, and world class athletes, did not become great by happenstance, or by taking a shortcuts, or by tricking anyone.  They logged in over 10,000 hours of practice, practice, practice before “catching their big break.”

I am not telling you this to scare you off from accomplishing your goals; 10,000 hours does seem a bit daunting, doesn’t it?  I am telling you this so you can be excited about accomplishing your goals! It can be done! You already have the passion for it or you wouldn’t be pursuing this goal in the first place, now you just have to remain positive and persistent and you WILL reach your goal!

Maintaining a positive outlook is key.  The journey is long, but it is meant to be enjoyed!  Take pleasure in the process, in each step along the way and be happy that there are no shortcuts.  Whether you are going to back to school to get a degree, building a new home, or pursuing an athletic goal, relish in each triumph along the way. 

All of the tiny steps along the way do add up!

Enjoy the long journey in life. 

Your big dreams WILL come true when you keep a positive mental outlook and practice, practice, practice!

Claire Affleck
Claire Affleck Training website
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