Ep 238: Investing Your Time and Energy in the Right Places
As I get to stick around longer, life constantly reminds me of what is important in life. Over Mother's Day weekend while I was surrounded by family, I found myself reflecting on the importance of investing your time and energy in the right places. Join me as I share some insights on how to make the most of the time you have available and maximizing your efficiency as a trainer.
Mother's Day is always a time of reflection for me, and it’s an occasion that I always like to dedicate part of an episode to on this podcast. It’s a time when I think deeply about my own mom and all the incredible mothers out there, especially the female trainers I work with, many of whom juggle many other personal and professional dreams alongside their roles as mothers.
My wife Bridget, for instance, is an outstanding mom who exemplifies hard work and dedication. She has been a phenomenal example for Wade and Hannah, demonstrating that despite her own goals often taking a backseat, the love and care for her children come first. This is a reality for many mothers who selflessly put their children ahead of their aspirations. It’s not that they can’t have their own dreams and goals, but we all know that our kids come first.
Reflecting on my own mom, I realize how much she did for us. She ran a daycare from home for 22 years, essentially raising other people's children, too. I lost my mom in 2017. She had dementia in her final days, and although she couldn't speak, she pulled the phone closer when I called, showing she wanted to hear my voice one last time. Moments like these remind us to cherish today and invest our time wisely.
My mom’s life revolved around our family, ensuring everything was in order, from washing clothes to paying bills. She had a more than full-time job that didn’t come with a paycheck but was invaluable in shaping who we are. Similarly, Bridget and Wade handle everything at home while I’m on the road. They manage the horses and everything else in my absence. It’s a collective effort to keep things running smoothly.
For those of us with limited time due to our careers, it’s essential to be efficient with the time we have. Whether it's training a horse, working on personal development, or managing the business side of things, consistency with the time available is key. Even if you only have a few hours a week, make the most of it. Progress might be slower compared to someone with more time, but that’s okay. It's about making steady progress and not letting the chaos of life derail your plans.
Switching gears, we have a lot coming up this summer and fall. We’re working on programs to launch next year, including a new certification program. The mentorships we've been running for the last four years have shown tremendous growth, not just in horsemanship but in personal development and business. Our goal is to help trainers elevate their businesses by focusing on all aspects, from horsemanship to personal and business development.
On a personal note, I never learned about investing money growing up. My parents provided what we needed but didn't have any extra. Wade, on the other hand, is far ahead of where I was at his age, understanding the importance of investments. This conversation with him got me thinking about our mentorship program. Just like investing money, investing in your horsemanship, personal development, and business growth is crucial.
Starting in November, we’ll have our first Colt Starting Mentorship week, that will count for our certification program based on accumulated hours. These certification program and mentorship opportunities are designed to help trainers reach new heights, offering a structured path to success and sustainability in their careers.
In closing, especially on Mother’s Day, I want to acknowledge the immense value and irreplaceable role mothers play. Your job is the most important in the world. And to all the trainers and horse enthusiasts out there, keep pushing forward with whatever time you have. Your consistency, dedication, and growth will pave the way for a successful future.
