Ep 241: Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety
This spring has been a whirlwind of events, but each one has been immensely rewarding. From Hermosa, South Dakota, hosted by the incredible Whitney Blackwell and Kate Tiltrum, to private and public clinics in Parshall, North Dakota with my longtime friend Kristy Thorson, the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved have been inspiring. At every stop, I've been surrounded by people who share a growth mindset and habit of perpetual learning.
A recurring theme this spring has been the importance of mastering the basics. Kate Tiltrum shared a quote from Leonardo da Vinci that has become my new favorites: “Success lies in the relentless execution of the basics.” This principle applies across all disciplines. Whether in horsemanship or roping, being great at the basics forms a solid foundation for everything else. It’s easy to get bored with the basics and seek more challenging or exciting exercises, but without a firm grasp of the fundamentals, your progress will become stagnant.
I often see horses and riders struggling because the basics are overlooked. When a horse gets stiff or bracy, it's usually a sign that we need to return to the fundamentals. A horse that understands subtle cues from its rider, the signal before the signal, is a horse that can perform at its best without resistance. As trainers, we have to focus on clear, consistent signals and getting more with less effort.
Switching gears, I received a question in my inbox about performance anxiety. This is a common challenge, one that I've faced myself. Anxiety often stems from thinking about future events and possible outcomes, instead of focusing on the present moment. It’s crucial to stay in the moment and do what you’ve trained yourself to do, without worrying about the result. Gratitude can also shift your mindset, helping to alleviate anxiety by bringing your focus back to the present.
One insightful piece of advice I came across a while back was that you can’t control your first thought, but you can control your second thought. When anxiety starts to creep in, shift your thoughts to something you’re grateful for or proud of. This helps ground you in the moment and reduces anxiety.
As Lari Dee Guy mentioned in a recent podcast interview with Charly Crawford, success often comes from simply doing what you've trained yourself to do and being okay with the outcome. Focus on executing the basics, and the results will follow. Smooth is fast, and simplicity often leads to the best performance.
In conclusion, this spring has been a testament to the power of the basics and the joy of learning. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a new rider, the relentless execution of the basics is key to success. Keep it simple, stay in the moment, and never stop learning.
