Grab a pen and notebook and use this THREE-STEP PROCESS to guide you as you
reflect, imagine, and craft meaningful outcomes for the upcoming year.
STEP ONE: Reflections on the Past Year
Conduct a constructive assessment about the year that’s behind you and what you
accomplished.
HINT: Print a one-page, 12-month calendar from the internet, for the year that is
ending. Mark the time/days you devoted to horses in the past year and list all your
accomplishments.

1. What progress did you make in your personal skills and/or confidence level?
2. What progress did your horse make?
3. How much time were you able to devote to your horse life? (Count the days)
4. What do you want to do more of? Less of?
5. What do you wish you had done but didn’t?
   STEP TWO: Imagine a Vision for Next Year—Picture yourself HERE
   In quiet introspection, mull over these questions and take notes. Take your time and
   revisit often.
   HINT: Print a one-page, 12-month calendar for the upcoming year. Make plans and
   mark it up!
6. When are you at your best? Most energized/engaged?
7. What do you love most about horses/riding?
8. What are your secret hopes and aspirations?
9. What resources/talents do you bring to the table?
10. What obstacles stand in your way?
11. What personal values guide you?
12. What is your purpose? Why do you do horses?
13. What time will you devote to your horsemanship next year?
14. This time next year, where do you see yourself in your horse life?
    STEP THREE: Craft Your New Horsemanship Goals
    As you begin to formulate your desired outcomes for next year, check that your
    stated goals are:
    ● Well-defined: Anyone could read it and picture exactly what it means
    ● Measurable: Quantifiable results
    ○ Outcome goals: Big picture; not directly controllable by you; fuel for
    your action plan
    ○ Performance goals: Steps along the way; entirely controllable; may not
    be measurable
    ● Realistic: Feasible, given your resources and capabilities
    ● Attainable: A stretch, but doable; set yourself up for success
    State your horsemanship OUTCOME GOALS for this year (could be one main goal
    or 2-3 smaller goals).
    Keep an ongoing list of your stepping stone PERFORMANCE GOALS.
    © 2023 Julie Goodnight