Change. Boldness at its Best - with Dr Amanda Jefferys

This article is from the July 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

I, like many others continue to work from a home base, hooray home on the farm is my welcome motto. In amongst the number of confronting changes for all of us this year I remain truly humbled by the incredible effort of all who have contributed to our being well: health, emergency services, and all of you who have remained committed to keeping our world safe and moving forward with respect for our humanness, we have all certainly been witness to a challenged world.

The impacts of these events created a shift in our psyche, of how many of us are seeing the world, and how to be inclusive of all of its experiences, even when we have experienced shock and distress. Many will note a shift in yourselves, a change in mood, a distinct lack of impetus, and motivation, perhaps even an underpinning of sadness. Some will have noticed an underlying edginess to our approaches, an expression of the anxiety and change our world has been experiencing.

Change and Innovation

Our need for a shift is glaringly evident as shifts to the horse industry are not immune to the required response. Big sky thinking will require the innovators to foster shifts that will benefit the industry and this thinking will challenge many.

The horse industry has the capacity for incredible inclusiveness not previously witnessed.

Indeed, we are sitting on the precipice of potential change, of leadership and connection, of inclusiveness, and intrinsic joy.

Many of us have been witness to an industry falling from grace: failing to represent the riders, horses, members, and broader community ­— disturbing splintering within our cohorts forgetting the premise of whom we are: a collective interest and passion to enjoy this great industry. There is greatness that can come from the hardships, a new focus, where ego is overshadowed by compassion for our fellow human and horse friendships.

Just as COVID-19 changed my plans I was off to see the incredible Simon Sinek and his perspectives on leadership. He envisages “a world in which the vast majority of people wake up inspired…”. Simon introduces the capacity for leaders to embrace an infinite mindset and thus have the capacity to build strong, innovative, and inspired organisations, such clear direction for our industry to grow and evolve. The capacity for thought leaders to encapsulate growth within our horse industry and sports is paramount to our future success and enjoyment.

We are able to evaluate our personal need and create a world with new direction, to shift gears, pivot to the experiences that bring us momentum, and joy. A window to consider a world where we respond and explore a new space of inclusiveness and connection. Of support and concern, or expression of our unique creativity and talent. For me, our horses provide snapshots of life, of living a valued existence in amongst our family and friends, a common interest to pursue with verve.

Collective Intelligence

The community has been strengthened, the human need to offer support for each other is evident, the awareness of those who are struggling, and the kindness of offering a hand, nicely demonstrated by the empathy and support witnessed post the bushfire events.

There is indeed a silver lining if we look for it, the power to manage what we can well and creatively. In the face of these changes, certain elements come to the fore, namely how we make personal choices to vest in life, live through our values, enjoy our sport, and plan for our future.

Choices for a Future

We all are all responsible and choosing our path forward. THINK and plan, reach out to others, offer your expertise and give freely, a new way of operating is within reach and bears the promise of growing all of us. We can accept the numerous changes, grow together and embrace a new future, equipped to encompass a new potential. Bring it on I say. My wish for all is your brighter future.

Dr Amanda Jefferys www.willowcroft-stud.com.au
Registered Clinical and Health Psychologist. B. Psych (Hons). M Health Psych. Doctorate of Clinical and Health Psych. FCCLP, FCHP, MAPS. Registered Fitness Professional.

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