How do you define that “winning feeling”? Is it measured by the accomplishment of goals or do you count up your physical hardware earned after each competition? Do you walk away from a weekend with your hands full of ribbons feeling satisfied or do you walk away with checks next to some goals and a new list of “to do’s”?
There has been a lot of talk recently about AKC adding a “c class” or something along those lines. This would give the option to compete in a class with a more “Europeanized” or international style course. Personally, I’m all for it. The last time I was truly competitive and running at a national level was back in 2008. That’s quite a time for things to change. And change they have…in other parts of the world. As a competitor who has had a long break away from the competitive agility scene, I’ve returned to shows and have found that very little has changed around here. What bothers me about this is that the rest of the world has taken change by the horns and are excelling beautifully. Watching their runs and handling styles is truly an inspiration. I believe it is time for us to embrace change for the evolution of the sport.
So, how does this relate to success- especially, if you are satisfied with gathering up your ribbons every weekend ,collecting MAChs and have no need for that to change anytime soon? I challenge those of you who contempt in your 90-100% qualifying weekends to add challenge to your runs. Try out a new handling move, add distance, or get ahead of your dog. See if the high you receive after your run is greater when accomplishing something challenging (pushing yourself) than falling back into old comfortable habits and just getting the job done. I know we all not only feel more pride but also remember those runs in which we pushed ourselves beyond our comfort zones.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 6 rules of success inspired me to write this. I believe they are inspiring words to live by and are encouraging to dream big and make those dreams into a reality.
Rule number 1: Trust yourself. You can rise to the challenge. Make big goals and break them down into smaller ones. Work your way up and don’t be afraid to take a step back, take a break and reroute your plan. Never give up on a dream.
Rule number 2: Break some rules. Dare to make your own decisions out there. Break away from the mass and do what feels right to you. Be the only one to do a blind cross. Push the limits.
Rule number 3: Don’t be afraid to fail. When you’re on the edge of losing control that’s when the most incredible things happen. Failure isn’t at all a bad thing. Failure gives you something to build off of. Failure makes you stronger. Trial and error my friends: failure is the key to success.
Rule number 4: Ignore the Naysayers. Don’t be brought down by negativity. Rise above it; you’ll be a better competitor because of it. ALSO don’t be one! Only positive and supportive comments ever. Negative comments to those around you bring you down. Keep a clear and positive mindset. Focus on your goals, not everyone else’s.
Rule number 5: Work like hell. No goal is worth achieving if you didn’t work your ass of for it.
Rule number 6: Give something back. Set a bar, come early, stay late, run scribe sheets. You’re in the ring 30 sec to a minute per run and you spend 5-8 hours at the trial. This sport owes you nothing. You owe it. Give back to the sport for giving you a hobby and game to play with your dogs.
Don’t be afraid to embrace growth and challenge. It’ll make you a better person, competitor, and goal setter.
When you hear “It’s too hard” you’re close to doing something amazing.
Lookout Agility 
Great.
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