Little Victories

There are two ways to look at every performance, with a results-oriented view and a goal-oriented view. Being focused on results leads us to tear ourselves down for being the slower dog or sloppier handler. We compare ourselves to other competitors and judge the worth of our team based on other's successes. Goals, however, are personal. They have absolutely nothing to do with who else comes to the trail this weekend, or next weekend. Small, like getting the weave entry, or big, like aiming for nationals, they serve us well. Unlike pretty ribbons, goals teach us about our strengths and weaknesses. Maybe Whimzy doesn’t earn a pretty ribbon in standard, maybe S'more doesn't qualify all weekend. On paper the results show that my dogs don't always do so hot. The relevant information is that my goals weren't aimed at winning the class or even earning the Q. We were out there completing dozens of little goals from her striding efficiently between obstacles to holding our contacts and start line stay. Whim earned two standard Q’s this weekend, regardless of the placement our runs were a huge successes. As for S'more? She freaking loves agility, she's happy. Goal achieved. I can walk away overjoyed with my dogs knowing that my goals were met. We’ve made progress. 

This is not to say that competition is invaluable. It's not all happy rainbows, I'm a pretty competitive person and can be hard on myself for a shoddy performance. I am lucky to live in an area with a deep pool of talented handlers and a highly competitive 16" class. Winning may be satisfying, and there’s no wrong in taking pride in a job well done. However, it is important to remember that your competition can help tell you things about your performance you may not have considered. Perhaps competition keeps you considering alternate handling plans or simply prevents you from growing complacent with your performance. Whim was .16 of what would have been today's winning jumper’s time. While the ribbons mean little to me it shows that we clearly had room to improve. Maybe it was those three collected strides too many on a tunnel pull, or a multitude of other little moments that can change your time drastically. Maybe it goes beyond handling alone. But now I go home with some new things to consider for the future. While I keep in mind how my competition is doing, the placement of any given run matters so little on a weekly basis. As we push each other to go faster, we learn to look harder at our handling choices, training and fitness skills. Healthy competition is what keeps us moving forward in this or any sport. 

There was once a time when I did not understand the difference between results and competition. I would have rather had a small pool and an easy win. Today? Push me in the deep end. Let’s see if I can swim. If not, I'll absorb some new information, grow and find a new way to float back to the top. 

Thank you to my fellow competitors I chatted with this weekend on the small victories in the ring. Focus, feeling connected, trusting your handling and your dog are all such important goals. You people keep me in the sport. It's reassuring to know so many lovely people care about the big picture and not just the ribbons. I would have left agility already without you all spreading those good vibes.