The Mental Game of Rodeo: Staying Confident in the Face of Setbacks

EP 663: Doug Champion In this episode, Cody sits down with Doug Champion, the founder of Champion Living Fitness, a business that trains rodeo athletes in strength and conditioning. Doug shares his fascinating journey from a professional rodeo career to running a fitness business, focusing on what it takes to excel in rodeo and in life. He dives deep into the intersection of fitness, mindset, and personal growth, discussing how staying strong physically and mentally helped him recover from a life-changing injury and pivot into a successful career. We also explore the evolution of rodeo as an industry, the importance of fundamentals, and the lessons he learned from his own experiences that can apply to everything from business to hunting. Time Stamp Chapters: 0:00 – Intro and setting the stage for the conversation 2:30 – Doug's rodeo background and the injury that changed his life 8:30 – Doug's journey into fitness and founding Champion Living Fitness 13:00 – Overcoming adversity and mindset shifts after a serious injury 22:00 – The role of fitness and recovery in rodeo and personal life 35:00 – Rodeo athletes' mindset and the importance of confidence 46:00 – Insights on how rodeo is evolving with fitness and the importance of training 55:00 – Doug's take on success, gratitude, and building a business from scratch 1:10:00 – The crossover between rodeo, business, and life lessons for hunters 1:20:00 – Advice for athletes and newcomers looking to succeed in competitive environments 1:30:00 – Conclusion and Doug's final thoughts on health, fitness, and success Three Key Takeaways: Mindset is Everything: In rodeo, hunting, and business, confidence and the ability to shake off failure are critical. Doug emphasizes the importance of a "goldfish memory" to stay mentally resilient after setbacks. The Power of Fundamentals: Success in high-performance sports like rodeo or elk hunting often comes down to executing basic skills consistently. Whether it's setting your feet properly in bull riding or maintaining a disciplined hunting approach, the small actions compound to big results. Pressure is a Privilege: Doug shares how embracing pressure and stress is essential for growth and success, whether it's in the rodeo arena, business, or personal life. The hard times often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. This episode is brought to you by two of the best names in the hunting world – OnX Maps and Stone Glacier. First up, OnX Maps – the go-to app for hunters who need to stay connected and informed while out in the field. Whether you're hunting elk, mule deer, or chasing big bulls in the mountains, OnX has you covered with topographic maps, landowner info, and the ability to mark your spots. The GPS capabilities and offline mapping make it the perfect tool to keep you on track, no matter how remote your hunt. Don't leave home without it. Head to www.onxmaps.com and use the code TRO to save 20% on your subscription. Next, we've got Stone Glacier, the brand that sets the bar for high-performance gear in the backcountry. From their lightweight, durable backpacks to their breathable, water-resistant clothing, Stone Glacier is built to help you go further and stay comfortable, no matter how tough the conditions. If you're serious about your gear and need something that won't hold you back on those long, rugged hunts, check out Stone Glacier at www.stoneglacier.com