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My 2018 New Year’s Resolutions | ‘Dreams don’t work unless you do…’

December 31, 2017

2018 New Year’s Resolutions

I want to make some changes for 2018 and in order to do so I’m doing something I’ve never done before; I’m setting New Year’s Resolutions.

2017 didn’t go to plan

2017 was not my year and frankly I will be glad to see the back of it from an equestrian perspective.

My 6yo who I had from a 3yo (for whom I was super excited about) was diagnosed with kissing spine at the start of the year. I then had to search for another horse, which in itself was super-difficult with a very limited budget.

After months of searching I purchased a smart little chestnut mare at the end of August and I’ve been riding her on these last few months in preparation for our first show in the New Year.

What I’ve mostly struggled with this past year is my mindset. Specifically, being able to keep a positive mindset when things are not going to plan.

It’s almost been a year to the day since I last competed and I’ve found that really frustrating as I am someone who has the competitive bug. So, with New Year around the corner, I am determined that I’m not going to let another year pass without progression. To help me do this I’m setting some resolutions.

A positive 2018

Here’s my New Year’s Resolutions for 2018:

1. To set goals

I’ve never really formally set goals. I’ve set them in my head but I’ve decided to cement them by writing them down and also speaking about them on the blog. I feel that will really help me stick to them.

I’m going to set a combination of small goals and bigger ones. I’m also going to put together a competition diary so that I know what I’m working to. In the past I’ve just looked at what’s coming up competition-wise but I’ve never really thought and planned things strategically. This year it’s going to be different.

2. Keep a positive mindset

I always try and maintain a positive mindset however this can be very difficult at times. This year if things are not working, I’m going to make changes quicker. What I’ve learnt is that when horses break or things are not working out, then you should be quick to make a change. I’ve spent months and months praying horses would come sound etc and what I’ve learnt is that you need to keep moving forward and not waiting too long for things to sort themselves out.

3. Exercise; Socialise; Eat Well

There’s several other things which ensure I maintain a positive mindset and I am going to make sure I do them all to put me in the best position to achieve my goals:

Exercise – I’m loving CrossFit at the moment and plan to continue it. It’s great for body and mind.
Eat well – I really notice that eating rubbish food affects my mood so I’m going to ensure I eat well.
Socialise – I feel like I know myself very well now. I am someone who loves to socialise. In 2018 I’m going to make more effort to see friends and be social as much as possible.

4. Reflect & be grateful

It’s so easy to focus on the negative things in life. I can often be guilty of this. I really want to try hard this year to keep focusing on all the positive amazing things in life and to not think about ‘What I don’t have’ or ‘What I can’t do’.