What if the only thing holding you back in the saddle is your own mind?

If you’ve ever walked away from a competition thinking, “I’m just not good enough,” then this quick mindset tool could be the game-changer you need. Let’s dive into the ABCDE Model from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help you shift from self-doubt to confidence.

The ABCDE Breakdown

1. A - Activating Event 
   Identify what triggered your emotional reaction. For example, finishing a show-jumping round with three poles down might cause frustration.

2. B - Belief 
   Recognize the belief that came up. After a tough round, thoughts like “I’m a terrible rider” or “I’ll never improve” may pop up. Acknowledge these limiting beliefs.

3. C - Consequence 
   Notice the impact of these beliefs. Feeling discouraged could lead to skipping events or training sessions, creating a negative cycle.

4. D - Dispute 
   Challenge those limiting beliefs. Ask yourself:

   • Is it a fact that I’m a terrible rider?
   • What evidence contradicts this?
     Imagine yourself in court, defending your skills with actual achievements.

5. E - Effective New Belief 
   Replace old beliefs with new ones. Shift from “I’m terrible” to “I’m improving, and setbacks don’t define me.” This new mindset fuels positive actions like continued training and growth.

For more tips and insights on the ABCDE Model, listen to the full podcast episode ‘Conquer Your Limiting Beliefs with the ABCDE Model’:

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LISTEN ON SPOTIFY 

Next time you face a setback, jot down each step (A, B, C, D, E). With practice, this model can help you break the cycle of negative thinking and build resilience in your riding! 

Do you have questions? Send us an email at [email protected]