As the CEO of Bridl and an equestrian enthusiast, I've learned that the mindset required for success in show jumping parallels the mental discipline needed in entrepreneurship. Over the past week, I've embarked on a journey to deepen my understanding of abundance and manifestation, and I’ve come to realize that these principles are as vital in the arena as they are in the boardroom.
Week 1: Redefining Success in the Saddle and in Business
When I first thought about abundance, my mind went straight to material success—winning competitions, landing deals, and achieving financial milestones. However, as I delved into the course on abundance, I discovered that true success encompasses much more. In both show jumping and business, abundance touches every aspect of life—health, relationships, mindset, emotions, purpose, passion, contribution, and spirituality.
Action Steps: Reflecting and Reframing
In my journey, I began by examining my current beliefs about success and abundance. I reflected on how many of these beliefs were rooted in past experiences, where the fear of failure often overshadowed my aspirations. Just like in show jumping, where a rider’s mindset can be the difference between clearing a jump or taking a fall, I realized that my beliefs were either propelling me forward or holding me back.
I redefined my vision of success—not just as a CEO or an equestrian, but as a person living a balanced and fulfilled life. I imagined a world where success was not just about winning, but about the richness of relationships, the joy of pursuing passions, and the fulfillment of living with purpose.
Breaking Through Mental Barriers
In both show jumping and entrepreneurship, the limitations we set for ourselves can be our greatest obstacles. The course encouraged me to confront these limitations head-on. I wrote down all the reasons I believed I couldn’t succeed—whether in business or in the arena. This exercise was as liberating as it was challenging, forcing me to recognize the self-imposed barriers that had been holding me back.
Key Insights: Visualization and Impact
One of the most powerful tools I’ve learned is the art of visualization. Just as a rider visualizes their course before entering the ring, I began to visualize my ideal life in vivid detail. I saw myself not just as a successful CEO, but as a rider who is confident, composed, and connected with my horse. This exercise deepened my connection to my goals, making them feel more tangible and achievable.
I also reflected on the impact of my success—not just on myself, but on those around me. Whether it’s leading a team at Bridl or inspiring other equestrians, I realized that my journey towards abundance and success wasn’t just for me—it was for everyone I could inspire and support along the way.
Harnessing the Power of the Mind
Show jumping, like business, requires mental toughness. This practice introduced me to the concept of neuroplasticity and the power of the mind in shaping our reality. I learned that the mind learns through repetition and familiarity—meaning that the more I practised positive visualization and reinforced empowering beliefs, the more I could align my actions with my aspirations.
Mindset Over Mechanics
In both arenas, I’ve always believed that hard work and relentless action were the keys to success. However, this practice revealed that mindset is equally, if not more, important. In show jumping, a rider’s mindset can be the difference between a clear round and a refusal. Similarly, in business, the right mindset can turn challenges into opportunities.
I began to let go of the need to control every aspect of my journey, both in business and in the saddle. By focusing on my mindset—visualizing success, staying positive, and trusting the process—I found that my actions became more effective, and my progress more steady.
Gratitude and Setting New Standards
As I continued this journey, I made a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude for where I was—both in my career and in my equestrian pursuits. I expressed gratitude for every achievement, every lesson learned, and every obstacle overcome. This practice of gratitude not only reinforced my belief in my path but also helped me set new, higher standards for myself.
Expanding My Capacity for Success
Finally, I learned that to truly succeed—whether in show jumping or business—I needed to expand my capacity to receive abundance. This meant creating intentional space in my life for the success I desired, whether that was preparing mentally for a big competition or setting aside time to strategize for Bridl’s growth.
Conclusion: The Journey Towards a Champion Mindset
This first week of my journey has been transformative. I’ve redefined what success means to me, broken through mental barriers, and begun to cultivate a mindset that will serve me both in the ring and the boardroom. As I continue this path, I am committed to daily self-improvement, practising gratitude, and setting new standards in every area of my life.
Just like in show jumping, where the path to success is a blend of skill, strategy, and mindset, I know that by aligning my thoughts, actions, and intentions, I can achieve the abundant life I envision. This journey is not just about reaching the finish line—it’s about becoming the best version of myself, both as an entrepreneur and as an equestrian.
Stay tuned for next week’s update as I continue to explore the power of mindset in show jumping and business.