Looks like we have all survived another lovely Maritime winter and Spring is wiggling its way into our thoughts of the upcoming 2009 season.

HTNB members who attended the 2009 AGM were able to hear a brief presentation by Dr David Scott on sports psychology. It was reflective of our own mental chattering that we so often engage in. “I can’t do this” “He is going to stop” “He’s not going to take the correct lead” Dr Scott reflected that this negative chattering reflects in our performance in the competition. We need to revise our way of thinking and clear away the negative thoughts and images and truly focus on the positive accomplished events.

Our performances are also reflective of our home work! If we do mediocre practice sessions at home, we will have mediocre performances in the ring. It’s no good hoping that the lack luster practical work we do at home in going to result is a truly astonishing performance in the show ring! Doesn’t happen!

It’s early in the spring. Sit down. Get out a piece of paper. WRITE your goals for this season. By writing it on a piece of paper it has more personal meaning and personal commitment than just saying “This is what I’m gonna do…” to ourselves. Be specific in what you want to accomplish, and be SPECIFIC in how you intend to accomplish your goal. Talk to your coaches and mentors, get their feedback and input. Set about making time lines and achieving stepping stones to accomplishing your goals.

Remember… no one is going to accomplish these goals for you. These are YOUR goals! Own them!

Donna Lee Cole
President HTNB