So, you've gotten comfortable, you're happy with how you're doing. But every single time you're asked to go beyond what you've been doing, you get so nervous and end up not doing it or somehow finding a way to not really do it (faking). What comes next? Do you push yourself to go further, to train harder, do something that you've never done before? Or do you stay in what you know? What you can do without having to really give 100 percent?
I just finished running my first Spartan Race, though it was only the Sprint. It was challenging, but I'm so glad I pushed myself into entering, training and then running it. I've never done anything like it, I run and workout and riding keeps me pretty fit. Yes, I'll be sore, I'm so tired, and covered in mud with some cuts that will probably turn into scars, bruises that I'm sure I'll find later. But it was so worth it! A good friend of mine just did her first long format 3 Day Event, and another one just completed her first 1*, and I'm so happy for both of them! I know Angela went through such hard work with her and her horse Buddy and her story is incredible! Coming back from an injury that you weren't even sure if you could ride again, nervous about jumping above 2', to completing your first International event is a pretty big deal! It took me awhile to make a decision and push myself to going beyond 2'6 in my riding years ago, I have a man named Harry DeLeyer to thank for lighting a fire under my butt for that. And then Hannah really supported it, because it wasn't that I wasn't ready. Or that I was scared, I had just gotten comfortable in the same old same old. I came back from the week at camp and slowly but surely raised the jumps hole by hole. Jumped each hight until I could do it in my sleep. First with verticals and then with oxers. I got to 4' vertical and oxer. That was several years ago on my little Quarter Horse. I also had to push myself in singing, I would always get so nervous whenever I had to do any high notes in my classical training, even though I knew I could do it. (All in my head). And to a certain point, trainers/coaches/bosses can help with that, but it eventually will have to be a decision that you make for yourself. And it will take time, it might take some hard deliberate work. But 9 times out of 10, it will be well worth it in the end.
Whether you're a equestrain/athlete, musician/artist or you work a normal job everyday, we're all guilty of staying complacent just because it's what we know. Afraid to push ourselves and get defensive when a good friend/boss/coach try's to push us. I'm not talking about absurd jumps that you haven't trained for or a job that you have no knoledge in, in that way it would do more harm than good. What I'm talking about is gradually pushing yourself beyond what you think you can do. You will surprise yourself more often than not. It can get increasingly terrifying as you further and further down your road. But take a leap of faith and step out of your little comfort box.
Thank for reading! I hope to write more often once competition season is over (last one and training move up starts on Friday!!) But, till next time lovely people :)
