Setting goals for yourself can seem like a very daunting task at times, even scary. I have to admit that I struggle with it myself. Sure, I have hopes and dreams like almost everyone does, but how do you turn those dreams into a reality?
One of the first things you see or learn about when it comes to setting goals is the S.M.A.R.T. method. But what is it and how do you use it to makes goals?
Let's break it down:
S.- Specific
M.- Measurable
A.- Achievable
R.- Realistic/ Relevant
T.- Timely
Specific- It means exactly that. Be as specific as possible. Try answering these three things about your goal:
Who is involved?
What are you trying to achieve?
Why do you want to achieve this goal?
How are you going to do this?
For example, say you want to become more efficient during a jumper course, barrel pattern, or even pulling a cart. You can apply this to method to any discipline you ride. Start with a broad goal like the one I gave and then break it down.
For this case we'll use becoming more efficient during a jumper course. Now, what's one thing you can focus on that you can improve upon during your course? Easy, turns. So...
Who is involved? - You and your horse.
What are you trying to achieve? - Improve your ability to turn more easily during your course.
Why are you trying to do this? - To improve handiness and improve your time during the course.
How are you going to achieve this? - By focusing first on improving your turns.
Next up we have Measurable. Make sure your goal is something that you can measure progress and know that you achieved it in the end. Again, break it down. For improving turns what do you need to focus on?
Your horse's lateral flexion (their ability to bend left and right around your leg)
Your horse's hind end strength.
Your correct contact through the outside rein.
Your core to help balance yourself and assist your horse with their balance.
Now, are you able to track your progress along the way with these specific mini goals, and how would you do so?
Our next step is Achievable. Is your goal obtainable? Does it make sense?
Are you able to achieve these goals? Do you have the skill/ knowledge it takes to get you to the end game? Is there someone who can help you along the way (ex. A trainer, or an equine bodyworker!)? Does your horse know the proper aides?
Realistic/ relevant:
Is this goal something you can actually see you and your horse achieving? Are you and your horse actually able to improve on this skill? Is this something that will actually help you and your horse? Maybe there are other things you need to address first, such as a mild lameness that your horse might have in their hind end. Maybe you aren't fully prepared to jump a full course yet due to lack of education or nerves.
Lastly, we have Timely.
Set yourself a deadline to reach this goal. I personally would give myself 4 months to fully improve my turns to help me become more efficient during my course. Within those 4 months I would give myself 2 weeks to complete each mini goal. Along the way tracking my progress and seeing if I need to make changes and adapt to what is happening.
Having a timeline to complete each task will cause you to become more focused and make it easier to track your progress.
Using this method is a game changer!
It makes you think about what it is that you want, and the steps to achieve it.
When I'm treating patients (human or equine) I ask what the patient's or owner's goals are. It doesn't matter whether they are small or big goals. What they might not realize is that I am then going through this process in my head to help them achieve their goals. I'm focusing on what needs to happen and how we can do it.
You don't have to follow these steps in that exact manner. You can change each tweak each step to make more sense to you and meet your needs.
After you do all the steps and put it all in motion, hopefully you will have achieved your goal! This is now the perfect time to take a step back and reflect. Maybe you even need to take a step back and reflect on your progress and change your plan accordingly. Modification is normal and expected. If I have learned anything in life is that not everything will go as smoothly and perfectly as we would like.
To help you break down all the steps and process your thoughts, I created a simple worksheet that you can use to help you along the way. As always, feel free to comment or reach out if you need any help along the way!
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