When setting a goal, a way that can backfire is to set really large goals and a tight deadline. We've all heard this before. We don't realize the time it takes to train that new horse or get a new skill established before that non-moveable deadline sets in - like a horse show or a scheduled trail ride with freinds. The horse show committee isn't going to move the date for you so, What to do - What to do?
There's new research to explain this and what to do about it. I think this is very fitting in the horse world. We're always settings goals and wanting to achieve them.
Scenario:
You're ready for change, you've set a goal, and you get this euphoric feeling of 'Let's Do This! Yeah! Let's go".
You're excited and motivated. It feels so good to start a new goal. You decide to pile on the goal and make it bigger. The goal expands. We want to get lots done.
According to Dr. Caroline Leaf, (https://drleaf.com) a cognitive neuroscientist, that rush of feelings is due to a rush of endorphins or feel-good hormones. Not a bad thing.
Dr. Caroline Leaf YouTube: youtube.com/DrCarolineLeaf
What's Next: Naturally, the Hormone High Doesn't Last
This is where careful planning and understanding of the human body comes in. We will not be able to sustain the feel-good feeling indefinitely (at least not by natural means). It's inevitable. So how do we keep going when the hormone motivation fizzles out - return the tack? lol
First, we have to understand that it's not our plan or goal that has gone wrong, or that something is wrong with us. It's simply the way our body works. We don't want to ever get into the destructive habit of self-doubt, or self- criticism, or worse yet, blame the horse.
Adjust the Plan:
One easy and quick thing to do is to change or adjust the plan and goal. Perhaps by analyzing, you've found out that the plan got too grandiose or noticeably too large to complete in the time. Why not try less classes or go into a beginner class instead. Try a 1-day trail ride instead of a camp over. Things like that.
The big take-away I'm trying to say here is to be ready to make some simple yet effective changes to your plan and/or goal when your motivation naturally fizzles out and have a good realistic plan going forward. It will carry you to your goal! Good luck.
That's one of the beauties of the horse world, to learn how to set and meet non-movable dates. A great skill to have!
Putting My Spin On Goal Setting
Reinersue
@KISS reiners.
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