It’s my absolute favorite time of year again. Don’t judge me if you think it’s lame… it’s time for my Annual Review! Every year since 2011 I have used this goal setting template and roadmap of intentions (introduced to me by a favorite blogger of mine – Chris Guillebeau at The Art of Non-Conformity) to conduct my own personal Annual Review. This year, I’m also completing a slightly adapted version focused on my horse-girl life, equestrian goals and what I want this experience to be. And of course – I’m sharing it with you!

*Spoiler alert* Not only am I sharing my altered template for your own reflection and review, I’m also sharing my completed personal review with you!

In crafting this equestrian edition of my Annual Review, I delved into the distinctive challenges that resonate with most equestrians. Undoubtedly, this sport demands a substantial investment of time, unwavering commitment, and, let’s not forget, a considerable financial commitment.

So to kick things off, I want to explore the intangible rewards that come with having horses in your life. Unpacking the unique ways in which horses yield returns on your investment serves as an anchor during challenging times—whether they be emotional, financial, or otherwise. Clearly defining the priceless elements of this experience not only helps in justifying the expenses, commitments, and sacrifices but also forms the bedrock for your motivation and resilience in the equestrian journey.

From there, you’ll reflect on the year and focus on two simple, but important questions;

• What Went Well
• What Went Wrong

Then the intention planning an looking ahead part, two more very simple but powerful questions:

• What Will I Do More Of
• What Will I Stop Doing

Finally, you’ll create 3 goals for yourself and my favorite part of the whole process, you’ll set a theme for the year.

Just for laughs, I thought I would go back and look at some of my themes in years past.

The Year of Action (2012)

The Year of Vulnerability (2013)

The Year of BIG Steps (2014)

The Year of Self Confidence (2015)

The Year of Enjoying The Ride (2016)

The Year of Transition (2017) (this is the year my son was born)

The Year I Lean In (2018)

The Year I Have The Courage To Grow (2019)

The Year I of ‘Heck-Yeah’ Energy (2023)

In 2020 my review was pretty bleak thanks in part to the pandemic, and while I kept on with my Annual Review tradition, I didn’t set a theme for a few years. In 2023, I reset and crafted a theme, and it over-delivered in so many ways.

2023’s theme deserves an explanation.

Side note: My actual theme wasn’t “heck-yeah” but rather another four letter explicative that I didn’t want to include here (this is a PG blog), but I bet you could guess what I really meant.

Time to get a little personal.

I’ve long struggled with anxiety that at times could get really intense. I’m a serial overthinker, I worry, I catastrophize, I tell myself all kinds of wild stories about things and scenarios that in reality, I know nothing about. I’ve worked really hard to overcome a lot of social anxiety specifically and at the beginning of 2023 I decided enough was enough. I was finally going to get out of my own way.

*I also had professional help and don’t mean to oversimplify a very complicated issue by implying that I ‘just stopped having anxiety’. However, I did decide that time was up on it having control over me.*

With this theme; I wanted to start saying with confidence;

Heck-yeah I want to go there (and stop caring if anyone else wanted to come, or if it would be weird if I showed up alone)

Heck-yeah I want to do that (and stop wondering if I should or shouldn’t based on what people might think)

Heck-yeah I’ll give it a try (and stop overthinking everything into smithereens stopping me from ever starting)

and I wanted that outward energy to also attract like-minded people to me. I wanted that energy to draw people into me that would create a community of ‘heck-yeah’ minded people that wanted to do cool stuff, go cool places and cheer each other on as we each took on life.  

Without spending more time getting into the details here, what I do want to tell you is this; if you’re not a believer in this process yet, I URGE, in fact, I BEG you to give it a try.

Looking back at my reviews of years past, including how my life shifted in 2023 it’s undeniable (and even a bit eerie) how much power lies in goal setting and writing out your intentions for the year.

From career, to relationships, family and health, things I have written in theses reviews and themes I have set for the year have aligned themselves with my life in such a powerful way that I CAN’T let myself not go through this process each year. It’s a must-do, never-miss, don’t-pass-go, kind of tradition that I hold sacred.

Like I said, I’ve included my personal review (Equestrian Edition) and goals in the template as an example and for motivation, but here is a little more about the theme I chose for myself this year;

My theme for 2024 will be: Why Not Me?

Whether its my maturing age where years now seem fleeting, or perspective gained from being a Mom where sometimes you just have to take the small wins where you get them, I’ve found myself being more present, appreciating happiness when it’s happening, and seeing success in the moments even if the big picture isn’t all coming together as I thought it would.

Since my return to the saddle in 2015, ending a lengthy riding hiatus, I navigated the world of leasing horses, was teaching riding for a period of time, and finally realized my dream of owning a horse as an adult in 2022. Now, the time is ripe to check off some bigger boxes of my horse-girl dreams.

I’m not chasing any titles, or a career or a ‘name’ for myself in this industry. Instead, I’m in pursuit of those defining moments that swell with pride, spark joy, and will undoubtedly make me reflect one day, saying, ‘I did that’. Why shouldn’t I claim those moments? Why not me?

Out of the saddle, as I venture down a new path with So You’re Going To Buy A Horse? I’m examining the tools at my disposal to be of service to others. My valuable experiences, the passion for teaching and connecting with people, and the realization that I can genuinely offer something transformative to guide individuals through an experience—horses—that has brought boundless joy to my life.

I’ve got the skills to propel this new venture into the world, and I’m more than capable of acquiring the knowledge I haven’t yet when it comes to promoting a book and a business. After all, why shouldn’t this venture, born out of my sincere love for horses and appreciation for this expereince, be anything but successful?

On the heels of my 2023 ‘Heck-Yeah’ energy, in 2024 I’m saying, why not me?

So now it’s your turn. Click here for the Excel template of my Annual Review, and click here for the Mane Intentions template (including my own review).

I’m wishing you an abundance of success – whatever goals you may have for yourself in 2024. May you attract all that your heart desires, find fulfillment in the journey, and absolutely CRUSH your goals this year. Here’s to victories, growth and the joy we find in the moments in between.

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