I’ll admit, as the cold sets in, as I’m sure it is for a lot of people, my motivation to get to the barn declines. One thing I have on my side, though, is drive, determination and persistence. By the time I can get out of the office, it is dark and I’m jumping into the nation’s worst traffic to get to the barn. It really doesn’t matter if I get there at 4:30 or 7:30, it’s going to be dark and, we are going to be alone. But, my drive, determination and persistence (DDP) bargains with me and I move on.
Me: “Augh! It is so cold and dark out and I soooooo do not want to go out tonight.”
DDP: “Vigo always benefits from just a grooming so at least go out and do that.”
Me: “Yeah, good point, I can work on ground tying while I do it. Good idea.”
DDP: “Yeah, see how you feel after that and then maybe do some longeing around the perimeter of the ring, some changes of direction and work on backing. See if you can get him to back with just a wiggle of the line. He’s getting good at that.”
Me: “Yes, he is! Good point.”
DDP: “Tack him up first and after you do all of that, you might as well hop on and do some transitions…”
Me: “I see where you’re going with this! OK, we’ll see how things go…”
And so the conversation goes. The point is, I make up a plan. Or a goal. Even if it is just one little thing. I have to have a target. If I just go out there with no plan, I’m not nearly as productive.
Now that Vigo has settled into his new home, I’m going to start going back to working from some of my favorite books (click on the tab Bedside Table to see what they are). I’ll still continue to start my sessions with 10 minutes or so of groundwork – it is just too beneficial to not do so but Vigo really, really likes doing gymnastics and hopping over cavaletti so I need to start setting some stuff up. That gets us both really motivated. I’m sure I’ll be reporting on that soon!
I love this. I need to have those conversations with myself. Doing the whole thing seems overwhelming, and I’m sooo tiiired. But being outside energises me, and once I’ve done a little bit, doing some more is actually fun … I’m often working in the dark and alone too. I like the solitude most times, but sometimes it’s a bit lonely.
I’d love to hear more about the Build a Better Athlete book