At my daughter Olivia’s sixth birthday party she unwrapped a Barbie Doll, said the obligatory thank you to her friend that brought it and then tossed it aside. Her toys of choice were ponies, not Barbies. She had her own herd of 24 My Little Ponies and knew all their names. She drew horses on her notebooks and in art class. She collected horse stickers and made horseshoe art. The only thing she talked about was wanting a horse of her own, so the next Christmas we bought her a Fur Real pony that she could sit on and “practice” riding. She named it Chauncy Chauncy. She could feed the huge stuffed toy a plastic carrot and it even whinnied. We thought it was everything she wanted and more. But about a month later, Olivia was back to pleading for a REAL horse. Each year her pleas became more fervent so when she turned eight instead of plastic ponies, we gave her paddock boots and riding lessons. From the first lesson and the look in her eyes when she felt the motion of the horse beneath her, I knew she was in love. Taking riding lessons satisfied her for a couple of years before begging resumed for a horse to call her own. On her tenth birthday, instead of gifts she asked for money to buy her own horse. Now I know what you’re probably thinking, how could a 10 year-old girl get enough money from one birthday party to pay for a horse? Believe it or not, it happened–not enough to buy a fancy show horse, but just enough to pay the three hundred dollar adoption fee at Habitat for Horses to rescue a lifelong friend.
Olivia named her rescue horse Glory. After school, as soon as the bus dropped her off, Olivia threw her backpack on the porch and headed for the barn. She would stay out there with Glory until I MADE her come in. Glory was not a finished horse and needed a lot of guidance. Olivia was also still learning, so they grew together. Olivia’s trainer used to always say, “You’re not a real rider until you fall off a horse at least three times.” And by that standard, I would say Olivia did pretty well! In spite of some bumps and bruises, Olivia worked hard and learned something new every time she got on Glory’s back. Over the course of eight years Olivia and Glory trained together in Western and English disciplines including barrels & poles, Western horsemanship, English showmanship, trail riding, hunter, jumper, and cross country. She rode Glory competitively in all those areas, earning a wall full of ribbons, buckles & banners. But she didn’t stop there. She applied and was selected to be a Texas Equine ambassador, where, for four years she and Glory led many horse-related workshops for Texas youth. Her service and learning opened more doors and she even traveled nationally and internationally promoting the equine industry. Glory taught Olivia many lessons, and I learned too. I learned Olivia’s motivation to learn about, love, and care for horses was not something I could have ever forced to happen. It was inside of her (intrinsic) and that is what made it so powerful.
What is your Life’s Passion & Purpose?
External motivation burns fast and hot, and while you may achieve a lot in a short period of time, this source snuffs out quickly and usually will not withstand the trials and turbulence that life will certainly present you. On the other hand, having passion and purpose fuels internal motivation. If I ask you to tell me what your life’s passion and purpose is, could you tell me?
Answer the following questions to start the process:
- Assume that you are living your perfect life right now. What does this world look like if it is operating perfectly according to you? (Answer in the present tense).
- What makes you happy or lights you up?
- What are you good at?
- Aside from spiritual purposes, what do you feel is your true purpose in life?
By honestly answering these 4 questions, you will identify your purpose and passion in life. When your vision aligns with your passion and purpose and when you create a vision for reasons that are truly your own, you have a much greater chance of success!
Creating a vision is not just a one time thing. You should have a specific vision for any goal you want to accomplish, no matter how small. For example, if your goal is to have a relaxing weekend, your vision should take over as you identify what that would specifically look like. Training your mind to see (VISION) what you want (your WHAT) then ask yourself “What are my authentic reasons for wanting what I want? Will I be genuinely fulfilled when I achieve what I set out to achieve? Or, are my reasons for achievement based on pleasing others or satisfying what other people want of me and for me?” The answers to those questions (your WHY) help you tap into your internal motivation and best prepare you to start planning the way to make it happen.
Olivia’s story is a great framework for success. Even at 6, 8 or 10 years of age she knew exactly what she wanted, and she went for it. She took what she could get at first and built on it. She was relentless in the pursuit of her vision. It didn’t happen overnight; it took time. When she finally got her first horse (vision), she made the most of every moment. She did not simply “arrive.” She continued to grow & develop until she and her horse met their potential 8 years later. Glory is 21 now, and still going strong. Olivia is a junior at Texas A&M, studying Animal Science. She still rides Glory every chance she gets.