Sucess!! And How to Fail to Build on It

Three days before our first show of the season, my focus was simply staying on Nikki.  Bucking, bolting, spooking – he threw it all at me.  Unbelievable!  He was just getting it all out of his system, right?

Right.  We did great at the show!  Nikki was a little stressed at first but never really lost focus and settled down quickly.  I felt pretty relaxed throughout and only had to resort to singing for a few moments.  The judge seemed to really like us.  In the end, we earned one first place ribbon and one second place ribbon.  Unfortunately, the show started late so we had to pack up and go home after only two classes.  Overall, it was a huge confidence builder.

Since then, though, I’ve been in a serious funk.  Just ask my husband – he’ll tell you all about it.  Here’s how to fail to build upon a recent success (i.e., what not to do):

1.  Fail to give yourself much credit for working hard and realizing a success.

2.  Eat junk food.  Lots of it.  Much more than is reasonable to “reward” yourself for your recent hard work and resulting success.

3.  Be super, super lazy.  Let the laundry and dishes pile up.  Let the kids watch TV all afternoon so you don’t have to deal with them.

4.  Do not return e-mails or phone calls to supportive friends.

5.  Complain to your nice husband about how tired and unmotivated you are.

6.  Do not look at the horse show calendar to plan your next show.

7.  Focus on all the things you’re not doing.

8.  Let everyone’s little comments and criticism really get to you.  Take it all personally and feel bad about yourself.

I don’t know what’s wrong.  Maybe I’m stressed about taking on some more work and having to learn a new kind of law.  Perhaps its trying to figure out childcare and our schedule for the summer.  I think I could benefit from a vacation.  Maybe its simply that my knee has been aching ever since the show on Sunday.

Anyway, until next week.

Danelle

(Danelle’s dream is to become an accomplished horse rider, something she put on hold when she went to college, then got married, had her lovely children and managing a successful career.  She has started riding again and is well on her way to achieving her first dream with 8 Women Dream. You can read more about Danelle’s family and the farm at http://storilines.pnn.com)

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