In this episode, I'm recapping my recent clinic in Stephenville, TX and sharing some important conversations we had around embracing opportunities for growth. Tune in to learn more about how a growth mindset can impact your training journey and some common opportunities for growth that you can look for in your day-to-day training.

Recognizing opportunities to learn

In the world of horsemanship, no two horses and no two trainers are exactly the same. We each are equipped with our own unique set of experiences, thoughts, ideas, skills and gifts, which gives us each a distinct perspective on how we approach our training. When we come together in a group setting like a clinic, the conversations and opportunities for observation are some of the most information-rich experiences you can be a part of. Hearing from others’ successes–and more importantly, their challenges–can provide some of the most eye-opening moments for trainers. Sometimes, seeing what someone else is going through can shed light on the direction we need to go with our own training journey. Or, it can simply reaffirm that we are already headed in the right direction. Having the ability to see these experiences as an opportunity for continuous learning and growth rather than an opportunity for comparison and self-doubt is something that I believe sets some of the top trainers apart.

Embracing the opportunities that each day presents

As I kickstart my mornings, one thing I reflect on daily is acknowledging the opportunities and challenges each day presents. It's a mindset that keeps me grounded because, let's face it, growth doesn't happen in the comfort zone. The folks attending my events understand this. They possess a growth mindset–a shared belief that there's always another step and another level to grow into. Nobody steps into my clinics thinking, "I've got it all figured out, and I just want to stay where I'm at." Everyone is there to improve, to learn, and to evolve continuously.

Maintaining forward momentum

The saying “if you’re not growing, you’re dying” is one that pops into my mind frequently, especially when I’m immersed in a group clinic setting. Seeing each of the trainers who have committed their time and resources to spend a few days actively working on their growth is a reminder to always keep pushing yourself forward, no matter how big or small your next step is. Just like my clinic students, I’m always looking to push myself forward as well. If you attend two clinics that are exactly the same, that means I haven’t done my job correctly. If every clinic I present isn’t even better than the last one, I’m moving backwards. If your life today is a mirror image of where you were last year, it’s time to reconsider. Growth demands change, consistency and a commitment to perpetual learning.

Committing to continuous improvement

I'll be the first to admit—I don't have it all figured out. The day I stop learning is the day I hang up my spurs, and that day is nowhere in sight. Every encounter with a horse is an opportunity to enhance my skills, to refine my communication, and improve my relationship with the horse I am on at that moment. Every horse presents a unique opportunity to refine your skills, because each horse comes with its own unique set of challenges. The ones that test your patience and skills are often the ones that will end up teaching you the most.

Don’t shrink to fit places you’ve outgrown

I recently heard a powerful quote in a conversation with another trainer: “Don’t shrink to fit the places you’ve outgrown.” To me, this is a perfect representation of the idea of continuous growth. It’s a reminder to resist the urge to revert to old patterns and to stay in our comfort zones. It’s a nudge to always keep moving forward, growing, and becoming better versions of ourselves.