For yourself. Hey this is a tough road some of us are on. Some of us are not only dealing with the issues with the horse, but also weight, emotional, self esteem, and other personal issues. I sometimes think that the horse is just the symptom. We need to actually take time to acknowledge when we have done well. Something that we really don't do enough as adults is reward ourselves.Trotting was a major accomplishment for me. I have not really ridden in 4 years. Before this year, Jan. or so, I have not even been on a horse in 2.5 years. I had a short stint, maybe 6 months, that I was riding then. Before that it has been 2 or 3 years. So getting up there after that fall and starting to really ride again was a big accomplishment.
So tonight I made a special dinner of hamburgers, spinch soufflé, and an apple dumpling. Now that is not an every day meal. I bought apple dumplings off of a student for a school fund raiser and Stoffer's spinch soufflé is one of my favorites. I thought it was the perfect time to fix them. It is was so good and I am so proud of myself that I really deserved it. This was a big triumph for me.
Rewards don't always have to be a meal. A new pair of breeches, a video or book you have really been wanting, a new bridle, or even halter. Heck even an extra 15 or 20 min with your horse works. Just something that is going to make you happy. They can be as little as a gold star in your planner, hey adults like to get gold stars. In Weight Watchers you get a star sticker for every 5 pounds. Just match it to the goal you accomplishment. Little rewards for little accomplishment and big rewards for big triumphs.
Ideally you should have a reward in mind for every goal. I'll have to think about that. If it turns out that I am able to get on Kinsey, I think I will get myself a new pair of breeches. I don't have a pair of summer breeches.
I need to stop eating so much junk. Hmm what should I reward myself with?
ReplyDeleteStory~Get it! :)
ReplyDeleteSydney~ You can start by making a list of things you find enjoyable. For example: down load a song off iTunes, take a hot bath, do something that you normally feel guilty about taking time to do. Junk food actually might be the ticket for you. You stop eating it any other time and only have 1 serving for as reward for a meeting a goal.
Could not agree more! Hey that is why I am transitioning to reward based training for my horse and dog. We work for a pay check so why shouldn't they? Breaking up goals into reward able chunks is so much more productive. For everybody!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good system! I need to start doing this...
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I need to do as you suggested and write up a list of things to use as rewards. I have trouble coming up with things.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...and so true. I know this may sound corny, but I worked so hard at reaching my goal of riding in my first ACTHA even last month. There was so much leading up to it...moving past my fears, rebuilding confidence, strength, skills, etc.....that when it was finally over and my horse was back home I decided to reward myself with a couple day of just lounging in bed, recalling and enjoying all the special moments and details of the weekend and ride...and then reading a few books and favorite blogs. I basically did nothing but lay in bed for two days. It was bliss! lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on buying myself some riding tights in the next day or two, as well. I've never bought any before, but riding in jeans is so uncomfortable for me now. And I've got several riding opportunities coming up, including a weekend horse camping trip in July....that I'm ging to reward myself in preparation for them early. lol!
What are your favorite brands of breeches and riding pants, by the way?
~Lisa
Lisa that is awesome!! And I really enjoyed reading your blogs about that trip.
ReplyDeleteAchive~ Just like Lisa did, just whatever is motivating. For me sometimes it is as little has reading a chapter in a book, I have a non horse related, goal this week but if I reach it I am going to buy my much needed shafts for my cart.