✨ Monday Mindset: When You’re in a Slump – How to Get Unstuck ✨

We’ve all been there. You turn up to training, and nothing clicks. The runs feel messy, the bars keep falling, your dog isn’t as focused, and suddenly you’re questioning everything. That’s what I call a slump. And the hardest part? It makes you feel like you’ll never climb out.

But here’s the truth: slumps are part of progress. They’re not proof you’re failing – they’re proof you’re trying. Every athlete, handler, and even the dogs themselves go through phases where things feel heavy.

So how do we get unstuck?
1️⃣ Shift the focus – Instead of chasing perfect runs, set one tiny goal. Maybe today it’s a solid startline, or a clean weave entry. Small wins rebuild momentum.
2️⃣ Change the environment – Run the same sequence backwards, swap obstacles, or train something new. Freshness sparks energy.
3️⃣ Celebrate effort, not outcome – Did you show up when you wanted to quit? Did your dog give you eye contact after a tricky moment? That counts. Stack up those “effort wins.”
4️⃣ Remember the bigger picture – You’re not defined by one training session or one weekend of runs. Champions are built by consistency over months and years.
5️⃣ Rest without guilt – Sometimes the best reset is stepping away for a day. You and your dog both need space to recharge.

Here’s the mindset reframe: a slump isn’t the end – it’s the pause before the breakthrough. Often, you’re closer to your next level than you think.

So if you’re in a slump right now, breathe. Strip it back to the basics, trust your training, and know that this stuck feeling is temporary. Keep showing up with patience, and soon you’ll look back and realise the slump was actually where the growth happened.

👉 Tell me – what’s one small win you can focus on this week with your dog? Drop it in the comments and let’s cheer each other on!