#177 Why Is It Better To Focus On Small Wins Instead Of Winning The Whole Thing?

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Have you ever walked out of the arena and thought, That wasn’t my best ride…?

Maybe you’ve felt that heavy weight of chasing the win—the score, the title, the validation—only to realize it’s pulling you away from what truly matters: being in the moment with your horse.

In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift that can completely change how you approach competition and your riding as a whole. It’s all about focusing on small wins instead of obsessing over the importance of any given run. This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about riding better. I’ll share the story of a rider who made this exact shift and saw her scores jump two full points. If you’re ready to leave the pressure to win at the gate and start riding your best, this episode is for you.

If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me on Instagram at @nicoleburnettmentalcoach and @resilientreiner to share your story. What’s one small win you’re focusing on this week? And don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes—it helps other riders find the show and start their own mental performance journey. Together, we’re building a stronger, more confident riding community.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

Why fixating on the outcome can hurt your performance—and your confidence.
The benefits of shifting your focus to small, manageable wins.
A real client’s story: How one small mental adjustment boosted her score by two points.
How focusing on what you can control leads to calmer, more confident riding.
Practical strategies to bring this mindset into your next ride.

Questions I Answer:

Why does focusing on winning actually work against you?
What does “stacking small wins” look like in practice?
How do you stay present in high-pressure situations?
What steps can you take today to ride with more clarity and confidence?

🚀 How can I help you RIGHT NOW? 🚀

🎯 5 Days to Confident Competitor. Stop ‘show nerves’ and saddle up with swagger! https://nicoleburnettcoaching.thrivecart.com/5-days-to-confident-competitor/
🎯 Resilient Reiner Academy → The confidence to win so you ride like you belong. Sign up here! https://www.nicoleburnettcoaching.com/resilientreineracademy
🎯 Mental Gym for Equestrians → Ride like a pro https://mentalgymforequestrians.com/
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