Setting goals keeps us focused. Whether they are short term or long term, they encourage us to work harder. They bring us to new situations and to new people. Without goals, we wouldn't get very far.

Picture taken by me

  But even though goals keep us focused; we need to stay focused to obtain our goals.

  It can be hard sometimes to stay focused on what you want. Obligations, events, people, finances; they can all get in your way. You can get off track, get distracted or forget your dreams all together. Sometimes it's doubt that prevents you from taking your next step. Sometimes it's the lack of support from the people around you. Sometimes it feels like it's almost too big a task that you start to wonder if it's worth it.

  No matter what the case, the only true thing in your way is you. You can keep making excuses. You can keep pointing the finger. But in the end, you decide what you do.

  This is the hurdle I've been struggling with for a while. These are all things that I know, but that I can't seem to deal with myself.

  See, my passion has been and always will be horses. I've made it my goal to try to improve myself as a horse person and to learn as much as I can. I love horsemanship and show jumping and I want to better myself in both areas.

  Just like most beginner riders, I wanted to ride professionally when I grew up. I'd still love to do that. I know how unrealistic that is and I know that it's almost impossible to do. So, I've decided that I'll try to get myself as far as I can and see where it takes me.

  The problem is, I've now found myself facing yet another mental road block. One where I feel almost paralysed to make the next decisions to move me one more step closer to my goal. I know that I'll need to compete this season. Which means money for shows. Which means I need more cash. And for some reason, even though I know what I need to do, I can't do it. Instead of fighting for what I want, I keep myself distracted with watching tv shows on Netflix or shopping or whatever else instead of what I should be doing in my free time.

  It's a behaviour of mine that I know all too well. One that I am fighting with every day. I don't like that I'm this way. I'm hoping that with time and determination, I'll be able to get rid of this problem once and for all. For now, I'll keep fighting and keep myself focused. I'll keep reminding myself of what my goals are and that they are worth striving for.

  I hope this post gives you a little bit of encouragement. It's a frustrating cycle. So if you're facing the same issues, you're not alone. Somehow, some way, we'll make it to our goals. We just need to stay focused and never give up.

  Life never gets easier and it'll never wait for you. If you want something or if you want to go somewhere, you need to make it happen for yourself. No one's going to get you to your goals for you.

  Until next time, happy riding!