Sucess: 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 left 8 Women Dream in March of 2010 and is still working on her dream is to become an accomplished equestrian)
This content is published under the Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Comments (8)
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! It sounds like you’re just coming down from a big “high” and your body and mind just needs to chill for awhile. Sounds normal to me and I’m sure you’ll be yourself in no time.
Thanks, Kim. I’m sure you’re right. But, for this morning, I’m sitting here eating “Dirt Cake” in accordance with #2.
Mike thinks you should continue to ride your horse.
I am sorry I missed your show Sunday. Too many gradation obligations – is it July yet? I am so proud of you. I think Kim is right – you worked so hard to get in that first show – I am sure this is just the letdown following the first event. Plus you may really just be tired. This weather doesn’t help either. We need a fun meeting – I have to figure something out for us for June!
I agree with Mike….ride your horse….
Danelle – I’m with you on the sudden let down of “getting there” can provide. Go easy on yourself! Maybe a night out with just your husband! Oh and if you need summer childcare ideas, just let me know. I had to keep my son busy full time for 13 years of summers.
Thanks everyone. Forgot to mention – I cannot ride Nikki. On Monday (day after the show) I discovered two fist-sized bumps under his tummy, right where the girth goes. No riding until those go away or we figure out what they are.
Congratulations on your successful show! You and Nikki did great! I hope Nikki is OK. I can relate to the down feeling that follows a show. It always seems anti climatic after wards. I guess it’s the journey getting there that is the rush. Wendy