I recently saw a picture of big, beautiful Clydesdale horses preparing to pull a carriage in a Christmas parade. They were an impressive team, all harnessed together to accomplish a singular goal.  As I looked closer at the picture, however, I realized those massive animals were wearing blinders, which got me curious. So, I did a little research to satisfy my curiosity. Listen to this short episode!

And it appears there are three main reasons - which can actually be applicable to us as entrepreneurs!

1 - Horses have great peripheral vision and run when they see a threat

Or, I should say more correctly, when they see a perceived threat. Even if it’s just something moving quickly off to the side and not an actual threat, it could be enough to cause them to rear up or bolt. Which is something that would, at best, negatively affect the whole team, but could also be dangerous.

2 - When a horse wears blinders, he’ll pull straight ahead

The team will move forward in a straight line, neither to the right nor to the left, unless directed by the wagon master. This ensures that they stay on the trail, keeping on track.

3 - It reduces their stress

With a somewhat limited vision, they know what their job is, and where the goal lies. It removes their stress and anxiety when they know exactly what is expected of them.

How we can apply these reasons to ourselves\

Ok, we may not actually be horses, but are you beginning to see the connection, too? Wearing blinders, so to speak, in our work, enables us to

• become oblivious to perceived threats. (Who cares, really, what whats-her-name is doing in her business?),

• move straight ahead with the mission and work that God has called us to do, and

• reduce the stress we feel when we’re constantly looking around and unsure of ourselves.

Additionally, once we’re able to admit our own involvement in the comparison trap, amazing things begin to happen. Similar to the story I shared in this episode, we can actually get to the root of our message, the goal of our work, the help and guidance, and the meaning we want to share with the world - and passionately put it out there!

What to do when you’re feeling like you’re entangled in the comparison game

1 - Be honest and say or write down what is going on

2 - Log off of social media for the day

3 - Pray and ask God for encouragement in this area

4 - Focus on what is in front of you

Get in the habit of doing this now to prepare for an amazing 2022! Share this message with someone you know who could use it! Tag me @wrenrobbinscoach on Instagram when you share it in your stories…and get those blinders on, friend, ‘cause life’s too short to wing it!