Koper Equine

This post is a little different than what I usually put up, but I’d like to share it anyway. This exercise has had such a positive effect on me; perhaps it might do the same for one of you…

Years ago, I read an article about a sports psychologist who worked with several members of the female Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnastics team. In it, he described one of his favorite exercises. I liked it so much that I decided to put it to work and see what it could help me achieve in my life.

Here’s what he said to do:

Part 1:

Before you start your day, in a dedicated notebook, write down your 3 intentions for the day. These intentions can be a specific activity that you intend to accomplish that day (I plan to complete that article), it can be something you’d like to practice that day (I want to work on my turn to that 1st pole) or it could be about taking a special moment that day (I plan to take at least one moment of the day, to really be “in it”, and experience it with all my senses, and appreciate how special it is that this is where I am and what I’m doing right now). The more specific, the better.

Part 2:

Just before you go to sleep, in your dedicated notebook, write down 3 things you are grateful for that day. It may be an accomplishment (finished that article) an experience (we nailed that turn) or a person (my husband is the best) or a moment (I am so lucky to be riding this awesome horse on this beautiful day). Whatever it is, if you’re grateful for it, it counts. Again, the more specific, the better.

This exercise has helped me to understand what’s most important to me, and then focus on it, to find moments of joy in every day, and to find balance when the days are hard and things aren’t going how I wish they would.

This chance encounter of an article in a borrowed magazine has had a huge impact on me. After many years actively working this exercise, I still set my intentions every morning, and before I go to sleep, I remember the good things that have happened that day and take a few moments to find joy in them. And it still helps me find balance. If it can do the same for one of you, it would be a wonderful thing to have passed on.

I’d love to hear about your favorite Sports Psychology exercise.
Leave a comment or send me a message about it.