We can’t really control the thoughts that come into our heads, right? Wrong. Practicing empowering self-talk and working on your mindset is actually just as important as practicing the technical aspects of riding (e.g., lead changes, counter-canters, and half passes). Movements in riding need practice and so do the mental aspects of your riding.

Your Internal Dialogue

Self-talk is exactly what it sounds like. It’s your internal dialogue. It’s the words you use when you talk to yourself either in your own mind or aloud. Most self-talk consists of the mundane, routine, and harmless thoughts we all have. The danger for riders and other athletes is when this internal dialogue takes on a negative connotation.

Have you ever caught yourself saying things like “I’ll never be as good as she is” or “I don’t even belong riding at this level”? These are both prime examples of negative connotations. When this kind of self-talk becomes ongoing, you create limiting beliefs about yourself and about your abilities that may, if left unchecked go on to become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Self Talk Mistakes

If you think that self-talk isn’t really that big of a problem in the equestrian world, check in on any number of equestrian-competition discussion forums on the internet, you won’t need to read long before coming across a fellow rider asking for help with some technique or another while at the same time berating him or herself constantly and saying things like “I just can’t do it” or “I must be stupid”. These are many “self-talk mistakes” that riders commonly make when preparing for riding and showing… and all of them are easily dealt.

Stopping Negative Thoughts

One is through a process commonly referred to as thoughts stopping, which involves four steps.

Train Your Brain – Example Words To Avoid

The second way that you can eliminate your negative self-talk requires very little effort at all because you use your subconscious mind.

These are an example of words that you should avoid when practicing self-talk.

About Laura King

Laura King has mastered self-talk and has developed programs and tips to transform your way of thinking. If you are interested to find out more on how to achieve your personal best, please visit Laura King’s website to get started on your journey today.

No matter where you are, you can benefit from Laura King and Summit Hypnosis and Wellness Centers. Laura offers Hypnosis and Life Coaching, in person or by Skype or Phone and over 300 self-hypnosis MP3’s.

For The Power to Win online course visit: ThePowerToWin.com

For Books & self-hypnosis MP3’s with Laura King visit: LauraKing.com

For any other information and to book your appointment directly please email: Info@summithypnosisandwellness.com