Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals are D.U.M.B. and we Should Learn to W.O.O.P. Instead!

The Magic of Horsecraft

Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals are D.U.M.B.

1×

0:00

Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:19:48

-1:19:48

Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals are D.U.M.B.

Darci Ecker-Popiel from E-Pops Performance Coaching Shares Better Ways to Set Ourselves Up For Success With Horses ... and BEYOUND!

Paige Lockton

Sep 16, 2024

Transcript

Join me in a lively discussion with mental performance coach Darci Ecker-Popiel as we dive into the secrets of building strong connections with horses and fostering courage in life.

In this episode I talk with my old friend Darci from 'E-Pops Mental Performance Coaching' about the evolution of coaching in equestrian sports. Listen-in while we share funny stories about hard-asses like Jack LeGoff who coached us ‘back in the day’ ... and learn how things are done differently now.

Things have changed …

We discuss shifting from traditional SMART goals to the WOOP approach, and how understanding neurological processes can enhance rider and horse interactions.

This episode provides practical tools for building resilience and connection with horses, including stress management techniques like the physiological sigh and peripheral vision.
Learn how to overcome mental barriers, and use practical tools to enhance your performance and resilience.
Discover the importance of regulating your nervous system, and the role of journaling and present-moment focus, in self-improvement.

Additionally, Darcy highlights her programs, the Empowered Equestrian Program and Resilient Rider group coaching, aimed at developing mental resilience and skills in equestrians. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Darcy's content and courses available on The Magic of Horsecraft platform.

This episode is filled with valuable insights for horse enthusiasts and aspiring resilient equestrians.

Take a chance,

Paige Lockton

P.S. ANYTHING is possible!

Learn more and get in touch at: www.themagicofhorsecraft.com

Download our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.com

Get to know us on our socials:

https://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/

https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/

https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraft

Time stamps/chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Magic of Horsecraft

00:47 Meet Darcy Ecker Popiel

02:27 Old School Coaching vs. Modern Techniques

07:59 Mental Performance and Resilience

20:19 The WHOOP Method for Goal Setting

41:15 Effective Communication Strategies

41:49 Setting and Achieving Goals

42:26 Tools for Overcoming Adversity

44:37 The Power of Curiosity

46:55 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

49:24 The Importance of Self-Regulation

54:39 Building Resilience and Tolerance

57:04 Practical Exercises for Equestrians

01:05:08 Handling Regret and Learning from Mistakes

01:10:09 Mastering Focus and Meditation

01:15:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discussion about this podcast

The Magic of Horsecraft

As the daughter of a veterinarian and a prodigy in international equestrian sport, it seemed like I was dipped in the Magic Sauce at birth, that allows ALL Wizards in the world of Horsecraft - no matter which discipline they practice - to connect with their horses like some kind of voo-doo Magic.

In my career as a coach, try as I might, I could NOT transmit this Magic to the beautiful 'Muggles' of the horse world (Humans not born into generations of Horsecraft who couldn’t access the ‘magic’ they were after with horses), no matter how much time and money they threw at me. Something was missing.

My father - an Equine Veterinarian and old time Horseman - argued that 'feel', or horsemanship, was something that could. not. be. taught. It was something passed down generation-to-generation that you were either born with ... or you weren't.

I say, "Neigh! Neigh!"

And who am I to argue that the Magic is teachable? That others can transform from ‘Muggle’ to Magician in the Magical art of Horsecraft and Life?

Long story short - I found out because I LOST the Magic!

Through bankruptcy, divorce, homelessness, breast cancer, chemo, radiation, and isolation during the covid 19 lockdown; I went from Magician to Muggle and I am working my way back again, day-by-day.

How did I do that? In studying the ingredients I needed to pull my life out of the shitstorm I found myself in, I developed a cool new super power. Turns out, I can find joy in a shitstorm! And YOU CAN TOO!

It also turns out that the ingredients to make the Magic Sauce for finding joy in your shitstorms ... are THE SAME ingredients needed to connect with horses like a true Wizard. Who knew?

I cracked the code! And now I am on a mission to share! Through my social media posts, podcast, workshops and courses, I aim to save YOU from the heartache of miscommunication and the pain of mechanical riding. As a bonus, this will also allow you to develop the remarkable resilience you need to thrive in the midst of chaos and to find joy in the shitstorms of your life.

Hang on to your hats folks! The Magic is learnable, practice-able and teachable. It is even MEASURABLE with a handy dandy little device that monitors your nervous system state. Pretty cool, eh?

So buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times; it's is going to be a Wilde and raucous ride! I hope you will join me as I share conversations with old friends and mentors; some of the most powerful Wizards in the World of Horsecraft who are also the most resilient bunch of humans you will find on the planet.

Take a chance,

Paige

xoxox

ANYTHING is possible (together!)

Stories to help you move from Muggle to Magician in the art of Horsecraft ... and LIFE! Join me and my peers - veritable Magicians in the world of Horsecraft - to explore what it takes to develop resilience, to overcome fear, and to connect with horses. As the daughter of a veterinarian and a prodigy in international equestrian sport, it seemed like I was dipped in the Magic Sauce at birth, that allows ALL Wizards in the world of Horsecraft - no matter which discipline they practice - to connect with their horses like some kind of voo-doo Magic. In my career as a coach, try as I might, I could NOT transmit this Magic to the beautiful 'Muggles' of the horse world (Humans not born into generations of Horsecraft who couldn’t access the ‘magic’ they were after with horses), no matter how much time and money they threw at me. Something was missing. My father - an Equine Veterinarian and old time Horseman - argued that 'feel', or horsemanship, was something that could. not. be. taught. It was something passed down generation-to-generation that you were either born with ... or you weren't. I say, "Neigh! Neigh!" And who am I to argue that the Magic is teachable? That others can transform from ‘Muggle’ to Magician in the Magical art of Horsecraft and Life? Long story short - I found out because I LOST the Magic! Through bankruptcy, divorce, homelessness, breast cancer, chemo, radiation, and isolation during the covid 19 lockdown; I went from Magician to Muggle and I am working my way back again, day-by-day. How did I do that? In studying the ingredients I needed to pull my life out of the shitstorm I found myself in, I developed a cool new super power. Turns out, I can find joy in a shitstorm! And YOU CAN TOO! It also turns out that the ingredients to make the Magic Sauce for finding joy in your shitstorms ... are THE SAME ingredients needed to connect with horses like a true Wizard. Who knew? I cracked the code! And now I am on a mission to share! Through my social media posts, podcast, workshops and courses, I aim to save YOU from the heartache of miscommunication and the pain of mechanical riding. As a bonus, this will also allow you to develop the remarkable resilience you need to thrive in the midst of chaos and to find joy in the shitstorms of your life. Hang on to your hats folks! The Magic is learnable, practice-able and teachable. It is even MEASURABLE with a handy dandy little device that monitors your nervous system state. Pretty cool, eh? So buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times; it's is going to be a Wilde and raucous ride! I hope you will join me as I share conversations with old friends and mentors; some of the most powerful Wizards in the World of Horsecraft who are also the most resilient bunch of humans you will find on the planet. Take a chance, Paige xoxox ANYTHING is possible (together!)

Listen on