The other day, I was reminded of how important it is to celebrate and recognize the small gains we make and not disregard them as insignificant in the big picture of striving to improve.
It’s so easy to wait to celebrate until we get a huge gain, but whether it’s with our horses or with ourselves, seeing the tiny steps is a big secret of positivity and clarity about what’s important to focus on next.
I took a ride on Nic on a gorgeous Texas winter day. (-:
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
It’s Barb, and this is our big, beautiful mushroom tree.
It’s one of my favorite places on the planet to be near. It’s about 70 degrees today, and this week has been gorgeous after a week of rain that we needed. So, I decided to go on a little ride with you and share a thought.
So often, we don’t recognize the small wins in our lives. An example of a small win that might go unnoticed would be a tiny thing a horse does that’s on the mark (like a flex at the poll) or a little something we accomplish but don’t notice or acknowledge, like sitting and lowering our heart rate after we stop.
It’s much easier to think of things in huge sweeping motions about the outcome, as in all or nothing. This is especially true when situations are challenging, and we’d rather wiggle out of them anyway! LOL.
There have been some difficult times for me recently, for sure. But my challenges made me look at them in the eye and think to buck up!
And then I heard someone mention the importance of celebrating small wins. And I thought, “Barbra Schulte, I don’t think you’re celebrating the small wins. You’re looking too much at the big picture and focusing only on whatever it is to solve.”
Celebrating small wins is one of those insights that seems obvious and straightforward but changes everything. That’s because every positive acknowledgment (or not) sets up the next move – and on – and on.
An example of a small win when we ride is when we’re aware of a horse’s anxiety and take the time to ease their fear, or we’re aware that they tried, and we release the pressure.
It can be challenging to see the subtleties of a small win in our own lives. So give yourself a high five and celebrate any success or feel-good moment. An inner voice that cheers you on is the most important coach you’ll ever have.
Today, I’ll take riding by this beautiful mushroom tree and this gorgeous day as a gift and a small win.
All is well. I’m grateful for you – and Nic.
What do you think about small wins? Leave a comment for me, please.