No horse is perfect in human terms and no horse is junk. There’s something wonderful about every horse, every kid, and every person. People of great character speak in positive terms. They concentrate on what’s possible, not what isn’t; intentionally finding ways to encourage others.
Rather than criticize, folks we admire and trust take care to correct, suggest, and encourage. They know that you always get more of what you reward.
Blanket your horse with affirmation, designing lessons that showcase his or her strong points. Use correction as an opportunity to fix what isn’t yet perfect, one tiny step at a time. Reward every try and be gob-smacked delighted with the smallest effort.
“The Breath of Horse Crazy – The Love Affair Between Women and Horses”
Make the World a Better Place
Another simple rule of thumb regarding positivity is leaving things better than you found them. Whether that’s the guest bathroom after a weekend visit at your in-laws or a chance meeting with a stranger you bumped into at Walmart.
Speak positive things into the world. Too many other people concentrate on what’s wrong. Don’t join that club!
10 Ways to Encourage Others
Whether the other half of the equation is a person or critter, there’s always something you can pinpoint that deserves encouragement. Identify it and go out of your way to affirm, support, or show sincere affection.
What you can offer:
- A pat or hug.
- Time to soak in the problem.
- Smaller steps.
- Listen and observe as if you’ll learn something fabulous. (You may.)
- Togetherness without expectation.
- Build him/her up, don’t tear him/her down.
- Say, “Good job!” and mean it.
- Display trust. Let him/her lead or teach you something.
- Positivity is a critical skill for all teaching and horse training success.
- Make it about your horse (spouse, child, student, friend) and everyone wins.
Replace Criticism with Compliment
Do whatever you can to balance things out. Wash away criticism with a compliment. Horses are like kids. Like you. Like me. We love people who love us. Those who tell us how wonderful we are hold special places in our hearts as long as it’s done honestly. When something needs improvement, they deliver the news in positive terms along with a helpful suggestion or two.
If you’re not helping, don’t speak. If your horse messes up, don’t blame him. Stay positive and offer something beneficial, no matter how small. What can you do to help him?
Relationships that bless you are mutually beneficial.
Related post: Encourage Your Horse to Disconnect – (You read that right)
This article from another author dovetails beautifully with the post above: How to Encourage People – 11 Suggestions with Illustrations
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