Monday Mindset: How to Handle Feeling Behind in the Sport

Agility can feel like a race you’re already losing. You scroll online and see handlers your age smashing podiums, people who started after you now running champ, dogs flying over courses like it’s nothing. And suddenly that little voice creeps in: I’m behind. I’ll never catch up.

Let me stop you right there. You are not behind. You are on your timeline.

This sport is a marathon of growth, not a sprint to the finish. Every dog, every handler, every journey looks different. Some people have the money, the time, the facilities, the support. Good for them. But none of that takes away from the path you’re on. None of it defines what you and your dog are capable of.

Here’s the truth: the only way to “fall behind” is to stop moving forward. If you’re still training, still learning, still showing up for your dog—you’re exactly where you need to be.

Feeling behind usually comes from comparison. And comparison steals the joy of progress. Instead of measuring yourself against someone else’s chapter 10, measure yourself against last month’s you. Did your dog turn tighter? Did you commit to that session even when you were tired? Did you learn something new about handling? That’s growth. That’s winning.

This week, shift the mindset:

• From scarcity to abundance. There’s not a limited supply of success—you chasing yours doesn’t block anyone else.

• From “I’m behind” to “I’m building.” Every repetition is stacking the foundation you’ll stand on later.

• From comparison to clarity. Focus on the team you’re creating, not the team next to you.

So, if you’re feeling like you’re miles back, breathe. You’re not late. You’re not less. You’re just on a different track—and your finish line is still waiting for you.

And when you get there? It’ll be all the sweeter knowing you ran it your way.