Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. Jenny Susser: From Overwhelmed to Confident With Better Goal Setting

Name: Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. Jenny Susser: From Overwhelmed to Confident With Better Goal Setting
Uploaded: 2025-01-07T08:00:41.000Z
Duration: 3 h 6 min 29 s

Goal Setting in Equestrian Sports

The Challenge of Goal Setting

In equestrian culture, goal setting is often seen as a necessary task, but many struggle with it. Dr. Jenny Suser suggests that if you are only succeeding at half of your goals, it may indicate that your goals are set correctly.

Goal setting is not just a buzzword; it's an intentional process that encourages reflection and purposeful action. It benefits all riders, whether they ride for joy or competition.

Introduction to Dr. Jenny Suser

Dr. Jenny Suser is introduced as a sports psychologist with extensive experience, including work at four Olympic Games and serving as the team sports psychologist for the 2012 US Olympic Dressage Team.

She specializes in helping athletes overcome fear and build confidence while unlocking their potential through actionable strategies.

New Year Reflections on Goals

The discussion highlights the common practice of making New Year's resolutions, which can lead to self-reflection during this time of year.

Many people feel pressured by cultural expectations surrounding resolutions, leading to temporary enthusiasm followed by loss of motivation by mid-February.

Structuring Goals Effectively

Dr. Suser emphasizes the importance of structured goal setting rather than simply writing down goals in list form without intention or support.

She compares goal setting to using a saddle: each rider has different needs and styles, suggesting that personalizing goals is crucial for effectiveness.

Personalization in Goal Setting

Just like saddles vary among riders and horses, so too should individual approaches to goal setting be tailored based on personal experiences and preferences.

Trainers are encouraged to first master their own goal-setting techniques before assisting their students in developing theirs.

Psychological Insights into Goal Engagement

Despite the popularity of goal setting, many individuals lose interest after initially establishing their goals due to psychological factors related to success and failure.

Understanding why people disengage from their goals can help improve engagement strategies moving forward.

Goal Setting and the Myth of Success

Understanding Goal Achievement

The speaker challenges the notion that achieving 100% of your goals is necessary for success, suggesting that succeeding at half indicates proper goal-setting.

Introduces the concept of "stretch goals," emphasizing that while they can motivate, it's essential to have smaller, achievable goals alongside them.

Highlights the importance of recognizing the gray areas in goal setting rather than viewing it as a black-and-white scenario.

The Importance of Mini Goals

Discusses the idea of "big hairy goals" but stresses the necessity for smaller, manageable objectives to avoid intimidation and measure progress effectively.

Shares a personal anecdote about aiming for the Olympic team in swimming, illustrating how focusing solely on one large goal can lead to feelings of failure if not achieved.

Reflecting on Personal Experiences

The speaker reflects on their swimming career and how they initially viewed it as a failure due to not making the Olympic team.

They recount how friends helped them recognize numerous achievements along their journey, such as being an All-American swimmer and competing internationally.

Cultural Perspectives on Success and Failure

Questions societal views on success and failure, particularly in competitive environments like sports, where outcomes are often seen in absolutes.

Suggests that understanding incremental steps toward larger goals could enhance enjoyment and fulfillment during one's journey.

The Journey vs. Destination: Understanding Goals

The Importance of the Journey

The speaker emphasizes that the journey is as significant as the destination, a concept often acknowledged but challenging to fully embrace.

A distinction is made between dreams and goals, particularly in sports psychology, highlighting how aspirations evolve into actionable objectives.

Transitioning from Dream to Goal

The speaker reflects on their swimming career, questioning whether their Olympic aspirations were merely dreams due to their initial unrealistic nature.

Achieving milestones like reaching Olympic trials is noted as an impressive feat, underscoring the importance of context in evaluating one's progress.

The Role of Dreams

Personal anecdotes about dreaming of riding at high levels with a horse illustrate how some dreams remain unpursued yet provide joy without pressure.

Indulging in beautiful visions for life is described as a healthy part of being human, allowing individuals to enjoy aspirations without the burden of expectation.

Visualization and Goal Setting

The speaker discusses using Pinterest for vision boards as a method for visual goal setting rather than traditional writing methods.

Different approaches to goal setting are highlighted; some prefer visual representations while others find clarity through written goals.

Individual Learning Styles and Adaptation

An exercise called "best self vision" illustrates how people can express goals differently—some through drawing instead of writing.

Emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in goal setting or learning styles encourages adaptability based on individual preferences.

Understanding Goal Setting and Its Context in Performance Psychology

The Challenge of Information Overload

The speaker discusses the difficulty of interpreting information, noting that even with similar tools (like hammers), individuals will use them differently. This highlights the challenge of misinformation and varying interpretations.

Confidence in delivering information can mislead people into believing it is accurate, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of sources.

The speaker values a strong relationship with science and seeks foundational understanding behind claims encountered in research.

Contextualizing Goal Setting

The discussion shifts to goal setting as a sport psychology intervention, likening it to a bicycle wheel where pressure serves as the hub influencing performance.

The metaphor illustrates that while only a small part of a tire touches the road (10% depending on speed), this does not represent the entire system's complexity.

Insights from Personal Experience

Anecdotes about working with race car drivers at BMW reveal insights into how seemingly simple phrases like "where the rubber meets the road" have deeper meanings related to performance.

The speaker reflects on learning bike maintenance from Uncle Buddy, using this experience to draw parallels between adjusting spokes and modifying goals.

Adjusting Goals: A Metaphor for Performance

Truing a bicycle wheel becomes an important metaphor for goal setting; adjustments made in one area necessitate changes elsewhere within one's performance framework.

Each spoke represents different aspects of goal setting, indicating that altering one goal requires reevaluation of others.

Methodologies in Goal Setting

SMART goals are introduced as a well-known methodology originating from business practices aimed at improving organizational effectiveness before KPIs became prevalent.

Critique of SMART Goals

Overview of SMART Goals

The speaker discusses criticism surrounding SMART goals, questioning their value and effectiveness in goal-setting.

They emphasize that viewing SMART goals one-dimensionally limits understanding; they advocate for a broader perspective on goal-setting.

Personal Approach to Goal Setting

The speaker introduces an expanded version of the acronym, adding "Support" to make it "SMaRTS": Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic but Challenging, Time-sensitive, and Supportive.

They liken good goals to precise driving directions, stressing the importance of specificity in setting effective goals.

Breakdown of SMaRTS Components

Specificity

A specific goal example is provided: qualifying for regional championships at third level in 2025. This illustrates how clarity enhances focus.

Measurability

The importance of measurable outcomes is highlighted; success can be quantified (e.g., qualifying or not).

Action Orientation

The speaker explains that actionable steps should emerge from well-defined goals. They use a metaphor involving a character from "Happy Days" to illustrate this point.

Realism vs. Challenge

Discussing the balance between realistic and challenging goals, the speaker notes that motivation thrives when there’s a blend—goals should push boundaries without being unattainable.

Finding Balance in Goal Setting

Advice is given on personalizing goals rather than conforming to external pressures from trainers or peers. This emphasizes individual motivation over societal expectations.

Understanding Personal Goals and Self-Compassion in Competitive Sports

The Transition from Competitive Swimming to Coaching

After retiring from competitive swimming at UCLA, the speaker engaged in Master's swimming, which is a significant community in the U.S. They also coached to earn money while still being involved with the sport.

Despite encouragement to race again, the speaker emphasizes that not all goals need to reflect one's full potential, highlighting a shift in personal priorities post-retirement.

Balancing Personal Goals with Life Changes

The speaker discusses how life changes, such as becoming a new mom, can lead to re-evaluating personal goals. Family needs often take precedence over individual aspirations.

Acknowledging their competitive nature, the speaker reflects on how they have adjusted their goals downwards due to time constraints and other commitments.

Finding Self-Compassion Amidst Compromise

The challenge of setting intentional goals while managing business responsibilities and personal life is addressed. The speaker seeks advice on maintaining motivation despite lower goal expectations.

Emphasizing sacrifice and compromise, the speaker notes that even high-performing individuals must give up something to achieve their goals. This introspection helps clarify what one is willing to sacrifice for success.

Understanding Costs vs. Benefits of Goal Setting

The importance of recognizing both costs and benefits when setting goals is discussed. Many focus solely on benefits without considering what they may lose or how it affects relationships with horses or others.

SMART Goals: Accountability and Support Systems

Introducing SMART criteria for goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-sensitive (T). Accountability through deadlines enhances commitment towards achieving these goals.

Real-life challenges like injuries or financial issues are acknowledged as factors that can derail progress; thus accountability becomes crucial for staying committed.

Community Support in Achieving Goals

The value of community support in goal-setting is highlighted. Working within a team fosters accountability and shared objectives among members.

Identifying who supports your journey versus those who do not is essential. Ensuring alignment between your horse's capabilities and your ambitions prevents setting unrealistic expectations for both parties involved.

Understanding Fear and Support in Equestrian Goals

The Journey of a Horse with Perception Issues

A horse initially failed on the track but showed promise as a jumper, only to struggle due to a visual perception issue that made jumping challenging.

Personal Experiences with Fear and Anxiety

The speaker reflects on their own experiences with fear and anxiety during competitions, describing it as an invisible weight that overshadowed their joy in riding.

Tackling Fear in Equestrian Sports

Dr. Jenny Suser, a sports psychologist, offers strategies for managing fear and anxiety through her master class aimed at building confidence and creating lasting habits.

The course focuses on understanding fear rather than simply overcoming it, teaching riders how to control their fears effectively.

Importance of Support Systems

When setting goals, it's crucial to assess alignment between the rider's aspirations and the support from trainers or others involved in their equestrian journey.

Trainers may subconsciously hold back riders if they doubt their ability to help them achieve their goals; this introspection is vital for both parties.

Dynamics of Support Teams

Trainers often face challenges when pulled into the psychological aspects of their clients' lives, which can complicate goal achievement.

Identifying supportive relationships extends beyond trainers to include family members and other professionals involved in horse care.

Setting SMART Goals

Effective goal-setting requires understanding that not all approaches fit every individual; it's about creating a structural framework (scaffolding) tailored to personal needs.

The concept of SMART goals emphasizes adaptability based on individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Achieving Goals

The Motivation Behind Goal Setting

The speaker reflects on how goal-setting frameworks can be motivating and personally relevant, prompting questions about the psychological effects of achieving goals.

They describe reaching a goal as an exhilarating experience, likening it to a high that is fleeting, leading to further contemplation on the nature of goals.

The Process of Closing Gaps

A metaphor is introduced where goals create gaps; achieving one goal allows for the visibility of the next. This illustrates a continuous cycle in personal development.

In competitive swimming, time is emphasized as a critical metric for success, with various milestones like qualifying for Nationals or Olympic trials being highlighted.

The Psychological Aftermath of Achievement

Upon achieving their best times in swimming, the speaker notes an immediate tendency to focus on what could have been improved rather than celebrating success.

They discuss the chemical responses (dopamine and adrenaline) associated with achievement but emphasize that personal meaning behind goals is crucial.

Overcoming Obstacles and Health Considerations

Achieving goals amidst numerous obstacles can be particularly rewarding; maintaining health during this process is deemed essential for long-term success.

The speaker references a philosophy that suggests obstacles are integral to growth and achievement.

Navigating Post-Achievement Challenges

Questions arise regarding how athletes cope after reaching significant milestones like competing in the Olympics.

There’s acknowledgment of a common "hangover" period following major achievements where athletes may feel lost or depleted.

Recovery and Normalization Post-Achievement

Athletes often experience a letdown after intense competitions due to expended energy and focus; this transition can feel abrupt.

Public figures like Michael Phelps exemplify these challenges post-Olympics, highlighting the need for recovery time after peak performance events.

Energy Management After Major Events

Following high-stakes competitions, athletes must replenish their energy reserves and adjust back to lower intensity training environments.

This adjustment requires recognizing shifts in energy levels and mental focus necessary for everyday training versus competition preparation.

Importance of Recovery Period

Emphasizing recovery as not just acceptable but necessary post-goal achievement helps normalize experiences among athletes.

Understanding the Journey of Competitive Athletes

The Challenge of Competition

Discussion on the difficulty of competing for a spot in events, highlighting that there are multiple heats with many participants aiming for limited positions.

Reflection on the emotional toll of not making a team or missing out by a narrow margin, emphasizing the common experience of "missing the cut."

Importance of Reflection and Recovery

Emphasis on the necessity of reflecting on past performances to understand what went wrong and how to improve for future competitions.

Acknowledgment that while recovery and reflection can be uncomfortable, they are crucial for setting oneself up for future success.

Learning from Experience

Insight into how competitive athletes learn from their failures; recognizing mistakes during races helps them improve in subsequent attempts.

Personal anecdote about reliving past experiences if introspection is neglected, suggesting that unresolved feelings can resurface later.

The Role of Self-Worth in Achievement

Exploration of how past achievements and failures shape one's identity and motivation, questioning whether these reflections lead to self-torture or constructive growth.

Discussion on intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation; both types are necessary for a balanced approach to competition.

Valuing All Levels of Competitors

Commentary on how self-worth is often tied to achievements; acknowledgment that everyone has different motivations regardless of their competitive level.

Anecdote about an Olympic coach preferring to teach lower-level riders because they exhibit eagerness to learn, reinforcing that commitment matters more than skill level.

Commitment vs. Cost

Final thoughts on evaluating what one is willing to sacrifice in pursuit of goals; questioning if the effort put forth justifies the outcomes achieved.

Goal Setting for Trail Riders

The Importance of Goal Setting

Discusses the significance of setting goals, even for trail riders, emphasizing that everyone has aspirations, no matter how small.

Highlights that personal goals can bring joy and excitement, such as observing new birds while riding.

Structure in Goal Setting

Introduces SMART goals as a framework to provide structure and a roadmap for improvement in various aspects of horse riding.

Acknowledges the constant challenges faced by horse riders, whether it's skills in the saddle or issues outside the arena.

Balancing Hard and Soft Goals

Explains the concept of hard (outcome-based) and soft (process-oriented) goals using sports psychology terminology.

Defines hard goals as specific achievements (e.g., qualifying for championships), while soft goals focus on personal development needed to achieve those outcomes.

Integrating Character into Goals

References Dr. Jim La's book on performance character versus moral character, stressing the need for both in achieving success.

Warns against focusing solely on hard goals at the expense of moral integrity; emphasizes balance between achievement and ethical behavior.

Navigating Performance Pressure

Discusses societal pressures to win at all costs and questions if individuals are comfortable with who they become during their pursuit of success.

Emphasizes learning from mistakes and correcting one's course to maintain integrity while striving for excellence.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Goal Setting

Suggests that effective goal setting requires a blend of hard and soft objectives, creating a balanced approach to personal growth in equestrian pursuits.

Goal Setting Strategies for Athletes

Understanding Long-term and Short-term Goals

The speaker emphasizes the importance of a healthy blend of long-term and short-term goals, suggesting that athletes should set one seasonal goal as their long-term objective.

The top of the staircase metaphor is introduced to illustrate how long-term goals serve as endpoints, with variations depending on the athlete's aspirations (e.g., making an Olympic team).

Each step towards a significant long-term goal can be viewed as its own mini-goal, creating a structured approach to achieving larger objectives.

Overcoming Motivation Challenges

The speaker discusses how motivation can wane during difficult months, particularly in winter when conditions are less favorable for training.

A framework is suggested for maintaining motivation by having visual reminders of goals placed in accessible locations like bedside tables or mirrors.

Structuring Goals Effectively

The process begins with establishing a seasonal goal at the top step, followed by specific measurable actions that lead up to it.

Goals should be categorized into hard and soft targets; both types are necessary to reach the overarching seasonal goal.

Performance Areas and Goal Action Plans

A worksheet is mentioned that includes sections for action plans, target dates, and performance areas such as physical training and mental regulation.

Regulating physiology is highlighted as crucial for many athletes; understanding how to manage stress effectively is essential for performance.

Navigating Pressure in Sports

The speaker explores how pressure affects athletes' performance, emphasizing the need to develop skills to manage this pressure effectively.

Personal experiences with high-pressure situations (like giving a TED Talk) illustrate the emotional toll pressure can take on individuals.

Reflecting on these experiences leads to insights about adjusting one's capacity thresholds under pressure—both positively and negatively.

The Pressure of Performance: Insights from a TED Talk

The Challenge of High-Pressure Situations

The speaker expresses their struggle with the pressure of delivering a talk, wishing to love the experience but feeling overwhelmed instead.

They mention that the pressure was so intense it took months to recover, highlighting the emotional toll high-stakes presentations can have.

Recalling their first corporate delivery, they describe extreme nervousness despite extensive preparation, illustrating how anxiety can overshadow readiness.

After performing well in their corporate presentation, they felt elated but noted that recovery from their TED Talk was more challenging despite its success.

Balancing Goals and Enjoyment in Equestrian Pursuits

The discussion shifts to equestrian goals, emphasizing that some riders avoid challenges altogether, leading to stagnation in personal growth and enjoyment.

The speaker shares their own experience of not competing at higher levels despite having the capability and resources, advocating for personal satisfaction over societal expectations.

Cultivating Love for the Process

It's important for riders to find joy in what they do; feelings of love should outweigh moments of doubt or dissatisfaction.

If someone finds themselves loving riding less than they used to, it's crucial to reassess goals and seek changes that could enhance satisfaction.

Embracing Curiosity Over Pressure

The conversation highlights an empowering aspect of horsemanship: individuals can achieve greater accomplishments later in life compared to traditional sports.

Non-specific goals are discussed as a way to relieve pressure; asking open-ended questions about improvement fosters curiosity rather than stress.

Focus as Key to Performance

A shift towards goal-setting is introduced; effective focus is essential for performance amidst distractions prevalent in daily life.

The speaker emphasizes that millions of stimuli compete for attention every second, making focus management critical for achieving desired outcomes.

Goal Setting in Equestrian Practices

The Importance of Goal Setting

The speaker emphasizes the significance of setting goals while riding, regardless of their nature—be it for fun or skill improvement.

A professional tennis player’s method is shared: writing down goals and placing them in a visible location (like shoes or tack trunks) to reinforce commitment.

Communicating Goals

Riders are encouraged to share their daily goals with trainers during warm-ups, fostering alignment and support in achieving those objectives.

Having a clear goal helps riders maintain focus, especially when faced with challenges during rides.

Expanding on Goal Setting Tools

The speaker expresses excitement about developing new tools and support systems for equestrians in the upcoming year, highlighting the critical nature of goal-setting practices.

Recommended Reading for Horse Enthusiasts

Essential Books for Understanding Horses

"Evidence-Based Horsemanship" is recommended as a crucial read that provides insights into horse behavior through scientific understanding.

The speaker notes a lack of scientific knowledge within the horse community and stresses the importance of understanding equine neuroscience.

Personal Favorites

"Illusions" by Richard Bach is highlighted as a personal favorite, focusing on individual magic and potential. It holds sentimental value due to its connection with the speaker's late mother.

Iconic Figures in Equestrian History

Most Iconic Horse

Secretariat is mentioned as an iconic figure due to his remarkable achievements and cultural impact on horse racing, particularly noted from childhood memories.

Influential Trainers

Meta is recognized for her brilliance and continuous desire to learn; however, she struggles to articulate her methods effectively.

Linda Parelli is also praised for her exceptional ability to read horses, showcasing deep understanding beyond conventional training techniques.

Personal Preferences in Horse Types

Favorite Types of Horses

The speaker shares personal experiences with various horse types but expresses a preference for geldings and mares. Each horse has been significant emotionally throughout their life.