As I was building my confidence back after my accident, I realized how much anxiety and confidence are intertwined. I would get on and ride and feel so good and then my horse would spook at a deer, and I would have anxiety flood back in again. The two danced back and forth like doing the Tango! The one thing it forced me to realize is that I could not give up on gaining confidence. I had to keep working through the anxiety to get the confidence back or I was going to lose my joy for riding, forever.
Here are my top three tips for playing with this balance and helping Confidence get the upper hand:
Self-Discovery - Recognize Your Unique Strengths
What makes you unique? Understand and embrace your strengths. It’s time to shine a spotlight on your skills. Take a few moments and actually put pen to paper and write down your skills, the things about you that allow you to accomplish your goals and enjoy your life. This will help you see where confidence plays a role in your life.
Mastery - The Path to Excellence
How did you become skilled? Reflect on your journey, the hours of practice, and the dedication that got you here. It didn't happen overnight. It was a journey, a journey worth celebrating!
Confidence - Thriving Beyond Doubt
Take steps even when anxiety is present. It isn't always easy but it is extremely rewarding. By taking a few steps, in spite of the anxiety, you are showing your mind that you are worthy of confidence. The focus on taking the steps will help to bring more confidence along for the next time anxiety starts to creep in. Embrace your fears, and let’s turn them into steppingstones towards your success.
Ready for a deeper dive into overcoming riding fears? Let's have a complimentary chat and see if a hypnotherapy session could help you gain confidence and shrink the anxiety much faster than traditional techniques!
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