Why Race Horses Wear Blinders

Several years ago, I had the privilege of a brief meeting with head coach and football analyst John Madden. This wasn’t a one-on-one meeting.  There were only about 10 of us in the room with Coach Madden. One member asked what he said before leading his team onto the field. The answer was “It doesn’t matter about the horse being blind, just load the wagon.” Admittedly, it made no sense to me at the time (1999 at the Cow Palace in South San Francisco) but every day it makes more sense.

The meaning was there will always be events going on around you and to the extent you are able to ignore these events you will succeed. I call it pig headed discipline. In the news today are reports on potential interest rate hikes, poor new job creation, home prices rising, inflation and the impending collapse of the free world. Okay, I made that last one up but you get the idea. The news sounds like everything is going to hell in a handcart and all anyone is doing is panicking. Panic is something we’ve become very good at!

I chose the blinder graphic because when a horse is racing there are a lot of things happening. The crowd is yelling, there are other horses, other jockeys, the horses jockey is working their body and the crop for maximum effect, there are small and large collisions when they get close to each other and the blinders help the horse focus on the task at hand… Run as fast as possible and win the race. There is nothing more important for the horse to pay attention to. All other information is only distraction.

Decisions come down to distractions and blinders. When someone proposes marriage, the absence of blinders typically brings a quick answer. In most cases removing blinders the chance for paralysis analysis comes into play. Imagine a marriage proposal taking three weeks before an answer after a two-year courtship. Sharon said yes immediately… Very good for me! If the person asking to marry someone gets delayed, they might wonder why. This delay may change their motivation along with their dedication to the eventual marriage. No decision is a clear decision. Elon Musk freely admits he’s made some very bad decisions and that’s when he makes a new decision. Life is a series of decisions and if you are on death row your last decision could be the meal you want. I’d want cereal… That could last forever!

My name is Steven Clauson.  I coach people who want help getting where they want to be.  The people I coach are typically already taking action, getting results and ask what’s next and what actions to take to make an even greater impact.  They aren't afraid to ask for help.  How can I help you?  What actions are you taking?  Those who have a plan and implement that plan lead the pack.  Planning, preparing to win and taking appropriate action means you hear the word "YES" more than ever. Only if you are one of the few willing to take action, do what's required and play full out are you likely to hear the word yes more often.  People hearing the word "YES" are winners on the playing field because they play full out and dominate.  For these people results matter.  Tired of results less than you know you can produce?  Text or Call 916-230-0176 or visit www.stevenclauson.com