Believe

An open and positive mind is not only open to ideas on how to improve his or her life, he or she is actually using the mind to control his or her decision so that he or she can achieve better results in life. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and success. When the mind anticipates these things, that person will make decisions based on these expectations. ~ Goal Setting Guide, Step 3

It's more than just a little bit of "I think I can, I think I can."  It's throwing self - heart, mind, soul and body - into the fray.

I took a few lessons from a natural classical dressage instructor.  He would explain what he wanted to do and I would often reply, "I'll try."  His response, "Don't try, just do it."

Of course, with the horse, we reward the slightest try. But horses are more honest than people.  Often, when we use the word "try," it's with a hint of premeditated failure.   What do I mean?  Think about it.  When you try to do something, you've set up an "out" if it doesn't work.  "I tried to ride three hours a week but life got in the way."  "I tried to learn to trim my horse's feet but I just don't have the knack."

In some ways it stops us from being honest and up-front with the excuses, exceptions and little things we allow to creep between us and the achievement of a goal.

Yesterday I threw try out the window.  I didn't try to rasp my horse's feet, I just picked up the foot and took a few swipes.  It's not perfect but I actually did it.  I didn't just try to ride Bleu bareback, I put the pad on her, tested out a few things on the ground and jumped on.

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.