This No-Resistance to Challenges Mindset

Today, I want to tell you something that came up this week in our cutting class: I shared a mindset that is one of my favorites because it is so empowering. Inherent within it is a growth and resiliency mindset.

It’s about challenges and about not resisting them but embracing them.


VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

First, we acknowledge them. Then we can ask ourselves, “What do I have control over? What do I not have control over?” The answer to “What I have control of” is always the same – my response to the situation.

Hand in hand with this is the idea that nothing is ever happening TO me; it’s happening FOR me.

I’ll give you some examples.

Okay? Let’s say the weather is funky – cold, hot, rainy, windy – whatever, and you are getting ready to go to a clinic, a horse show, or a trail ride.

You’ll be able to decide on your response. Either you go or not go. And if you go, what you don’t want to do is get in the funk of complaining about it.

It’s just – What’s my job? And what do I have control over? I love that.

Another example that would be similar is the judge.

If you are into horse shows and haven’t agreed with the judge, it’s either don’t show or show, and do your job. Know that you have no control over the judge and are in it to be excellent and gain experience. You’re there for whatever reason, but you have no control over the judge. So that’s another one that you let go of and focus on your job.

The same idea would be with poor ground. You either decide to stay and ride and have a strategy, or you decide you won’t stay. You may or may not get through it with the ‘external success’ you want, but you will have learned.

Examples of that would be in cow classes. You can strategize and learn how to handle the cattle when they’re bad and difficult to navigate. You can think, “This is part of riding a cutting horse and showing. If I can do it now, I can do it anytime. I’m going to give it all I’ve got. I’ll get grounded and focused and see how it turns out. This is an opportunity for me to grow stronger and wiser, knowing that I will always run into these types of situations.”

It’s the same way with late draws or if you’re in a pattern class. It could be that you don’t like the obstacles or think there’s too much stuff in such a small arena – or whatever it is. You use these challenges as opportunities to grow wiser, stronger, more confident, and courageous.

This no-resistance challenge mindset is a massive benefit because in our situations with horses, things that are not ideal always come up.

One fun thing you can remember to do is when something challenging and unexpected comes up, you can say, “I love this!” That’s one of my favorite things to do. First, saying that makes you laugh, takes away the sting of it, and puts you in the mindset of “What do I have control of, what’s my job, and how can I navigate this?”

For example, somebody tells you this huge thunderstorm will move through right about when your class starts, and you think, “No problem! I love this!” Then, figure out how you will help yourself and your horse navigate the storm.

That’s what I wanted to share with you today.

Have a great week, and I’ll talk to you soon. Leave a comment. You know I love that.

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Comments

22 Comments on This No-Resistance to Challenges Mindset

  1. Anonymous please on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 12:58 pm

    2. I’m thinking there might be a way to work this strategy into grief recovery, but I guess I’m too down and out to think of how to do right now. Do you have any examples you could give? Thank you.

  2. Dicki on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 1:05 pm

    3. I loved this. Putting into practice in other disciplines today!!!

  3. Barbara Williams, MD on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 2:46 pm

    4. You’re coming to Georgia? When, where and what clinic? Would love to see you!

  4. Anne on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 2:49 pm

    5. Such great strategies! May I share with my riding pals?

  5. Renée Racine on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 2:54 pm

    6. Another great suggestion to help with my mindset! Thanks

  6. karen bladergroen on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 3:29 pm

    7. I really thought the comment at the end was terrific!
    The idea of responding out loud to a challenging situation that might hit your last nerve with, “I love this”really brought the whole idea of the power of our mindset home to me.
    thank you

  7. Carol Ingram on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 3:41 pm

    8. I love that mindset! Something I really need to work on.

  8. Linda L Clavel on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 4:27 pm

    9. Mindset!! I needed the reminder. Soooo good to “hear” your voice!!

  9. Camille Abbott on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 4:35 pm

    10. Love this and so true!

  10. Shawn Smith on Sun, 30th Mar 2025 10:19 pm

    11. I love that! Its my favorite thing!!!
    Thanks for sharing.

  11. Ann on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 4:51 am

    12. Sounds like the cup half full idea. This has helped me often!

  12. Lala on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 5:33 am

    13. Safe travels to you and Tom!

    I had an opportunity with hubby working on flag yesterday…

    I loved it!

  13. Brenda Brown on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 6:36 am

    14. Boy, did I need this! Have 3 day clinic going to this weekend with new horse.
    “I love it!”will be remembered and repeated. And yes, thunderstorms predicted! Thank you Barb!

  14. Karen M on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 6:59 am

    15. I sometimes forget that the mindset is one of the most important aspects to riding. Today’s video resonated well with me!
    Blessings & Safe Travels!

  15. Susan Pooley on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 8:14 am

    16. Great advice, as usual. Thank you.

  16. Christy Agan on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 9:22 am

    17. What a great Monday morning motivation message to start the week! Thanks Barb, this is just what I needed as I head to new challenges Tues & Wed with my young cow horse.

  17. Mary Kay Russell on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 11:16 am

    18. Thanks Barb, I needed that little pep talk.

  18. Susan Kumer on Mon, 31st Mar 2025 12:47 pm

    19. I love the idea that the challenge is “for me”. What a great way to use it as an opportunity attitude.

  19. Caroline Mackinnon on Tue, 1st Apr 2025 3:45 am

    20. Thanks Bsrb,
    It’s so easy to get caught up in negativity and not focus on the positives.
    This is a great reminder to appreciate every moment for what it is.

  20. Michelle on Tue, 1st Apr 2025 8:10 am

    21. The timing for this reminder this spring of this reminder is perfect.
    Thank you for a great reminder to focus on FOR me.

  21. Schellie Blochberger on Tue, 1st Apr 2025 8:36 am

    22. This was a great one!(Video) Wise words for all situations on and off the horse. The more you practice this the more relaxed you’ll be.

  22. Luanne Abegglen on Tue, 1st Apr 2025 7:53 pm

    23. Oh how I love this! Thank you so much

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