“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful.” - Eric Thomas

The most successful people in life, regardless of their vision, have one big trait in common. They set themselves up for success. There are a billion ways to do this but I would like to share with you some steps to help you set yourself up for success.

BRAINSTORM - Sit down and compile all this dreams into one area. Remember there is no dream to small. Write them down. Study them and meditate on them.

NARROW THEM DOWN - Choose your top three to five dreams to pursue and focus on them.

VISUALIZE - I am that person who needs to be able to see things with my eyes. So I suggest creating a vision board of your dreams. I always include motivational words and images. Get those creative juices flowing.

SET GOALS - I like to divide my goals into small steps and set a timeline for them. Make them reasonable and reachable. If you set a goal for winning the American but never enter a qualifier, you aren’t going to win it. Break them down.  Tell someone that makes them real. Write them down and read them daily.

CHOOSE HABITS - Think about what habits you can develop that will best serve your goals. One habit that I have implemented has been applying DiO after each horses’ workout. I personally prefer using the DiO GEL for this but you could also mix DiO concentrate and spray it on. I do this because it works to cool the legs. Heat in a leg during a workout is normal and beneficial because it keeps muscles, tendons and ligaments pliable. However residual heat can damage the tissues and is associated with inflammation. Now the heat will eventually leave but I would much rather speed up that process. DiO also increases the blood flow preventing soreness. 95 percent of my goals include my equine partners and their health and well being is a huge priority. Make sure that your habits are beneficial to your goals.

ACCOUNTABILITY - Pick a few people that support your goals and want to see you succeed. Talk to them, bounce thoughts and ideas off of them and be prepared to take some criticism. Always share the good and the bad with them.

 NETWORK - I have always been told to find someone successful and ask questions. The only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask. Learn from them and collaborate with them. Use their knowledge and experience to advance your own.

 OVERCOME - Negative beliefs from yourself and others must be defeated. There will always be someone who has negative perspective. Let their thoughts and views roll off your back like water on a duck.

TAKE ACTION - Once you have a plan in place and a support system GO FOR IT!!!

REFLECT - Always learn from failures and celebrate wins.

REPEAT - Don’t ever give up! No matter what is thrown at you, keep pushing.

Now get out there and make your dreams come true. Be excited for all things to come and work hard for it.