Getting Back in the Saddle
We grew up riding horses, teaching horseback lessons, and even taking care of miniature horses. We loved days at the barn, being around and riding these beautiful animals.
Sometimes we would have students who were afraid of horses—either because of the animal’s sheer size or they worried about falling off.
After teaching them how to move safely around the horses, we would then introduce them to the basics of riding.
Falling and/or failing is part of the learning process, so one of the most crucial lessons we had to impart to our students was the importance of getting back into the saddle if you ever were to fall off.
Why is this so essential?
Anytime we have a setback like that, fear can creep in. If people let that take root, it can keep them from ever wanting to ride again in an effort to avoid repeating that experience.
If, however, you choose to get up and get back in the saddle, you don’t allow that fear to have power over you because the action of doing the activity againsolidifies in your mind that you’re ok; you are stronger than the fear. This gives you the willingness to try again and allows you to enjoy the fun experience.
In life, it can be easy to give into fear and let a bad experience be our final one.
When we do that, it solidifies our impression of that activity in our minds as something negative. Whether it was a bad presentation, a bumpy flight, or poor service, if we refuse to try again, we might be closing the door on an opportunity, a new skill, or an incredible success.
There’s a Japanese proverb that says, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
The person who succeeds isn’t necessarily the one who has the most talent, but rather the one who is willing to get up and keep going even in the face of fear or adversity.
Pro-Surfer, Bethany Hamilton, is an excellent example of someone who did not allow fear to have the final say in her life.
After surviving a shark attack that took one of her arms, she could have easily hung up the surfboard for good…and no one would have questioned her decision.
Instead, Bethany knew there was more for her on the waves and she was stronger than any fears that might try to keep her from it.
Today, she continues to rank as one of the world’s best surfers, even charging monster waves measuring upwards of 40 feet!
What about you? Is there any area in your life where you need to get back in the saddle?
Have you been letting fear or a bad experience from your past keep you from what you are capable of?
As Olympian, Nastia Liukin, says, “Never quit on a bad day.”
Don’t let fear or failure have the final word.
It’s time to dust yourself off and get back in the saddle.