Letter to my younger self
Or, 10 things to do differently if starting out again.
10 things we’d probably do differently if we started out again.
Learn from other people’s mistakes.
Learn from your own mistakes.
JUST ALWAYS BE LEARNING (make it a daily habit).
Celebrate your wins like it’s your birthday.
If you want something, GO GET IT! (don’t be passive)
Make plenty of NEW mistakes (cut out repeated ones)
Learn from someone ahead of you (find a mentor)
Use your fears as a compass (follow fear)
Take your mental health seriously (get therapy if needed)
Surround yourself with like-minded people (grow with a group)
This only scratches the surface of the things I wish I’d done earlier on in my journey! However, if there was one thing I learned that helped me grow the most, it would be:
Accept feedback!
Get rid of pride as fast as possible, or your growth WILL be stunted. I’m not saying confidence isn’t okay. You do need to believe in yourself. I am saying that believing that your actions are 100% absolute isn’t okay. At best, you are only 99% right at any given moment — obsess over that 1%, and you’ll go far!
The enthusiasm and eagerness to learn of my younger self?
If I could go back in time, I'd sit down with that bright-eyed, bushy-tailed version of myself and say:
Listen, kid, you're on the right track. You're passionate, and that's what's going to carry you through the tough times. But, oh, the mistakes you're going to make! And that's okay. It's all part of the process. You'll learn from them, and that's what matters.
First of all, don't be in such a rush. Take your time, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You think you know it all, but trust me, you don't - and that's a good thing! The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop learning, and in this game, you can never stop learning.
Be kind to yourself, and your horses. You're going to make mistakes, and they'll forgive you, but don't take that for granted. Treat them with respect, and they'll teach you more than you ever thought possible.
Don't get too caught up in the 'latest and greatest' techniques and fads. Stick to what works, and never compromise on quality. You know what I mean - those bloodlines, nutrition, and handling practices that have been passed down through generations. They're tried and true for a reason.
And for goodness' sake, don't be so hard on yourself! You're going to have setbacks, losses, and failures. It's part of the journey. But it's how you respond to those challenges that will define you as a breeder and a person.
Lastly, never, ever lose sight of why you started doing this in the first place. You fell in love with horses, and that love will carry you through the tough times. Keep that fire burning, and you'll be just fine.
Oh, and one more thing - take more photos and keep better records! You'll want to look back on those early days and remember the journey that brought you to where you are today.
I hope my younger self would listen, but I suspect I'd still make those mistakes - and learn from them all the same!
I would say “Go forth and create your own luck!”
Till next time, in your inboxes ~ Jeanette
Yes! To the whole of your list. 🙂