There's a pattern most athletes know all too well.

You miss a day. Maybe two. Life gets busy, travel stacks up, something throws you off your routine. And somewhere in that moment, a decision gets made—whether you realize it or not.

"I'll start again Monday." "I need to get back on track." "I messed it up."

And just like that, one missed day turns into a full reset.

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion breaks down why this cycle keeps happening—and why the problem isn't the missed workout, the skipped session, or the imperfect week.

It's the story you tell yourself after.

Most people aren't lacking discipline. They're not lazy. They're operating under a standard that doesn't hold up in real life. A belief that if it isn't done perfectly, it doesn't count. That progress only exists under ideal conditions. And when those conditions break, so does the routine.

But consistency isn't built in perfect weeks.

It's built in the ones that don't go as planned.

Doug walks through a different approach—one that removes the idea of "starting over" entirely. One that replaces perfection with momentum. Where a missed day is just that: a day. Not a failure. Not a reason to reset. Just part of the process.

He introduces simple, practical rules that shift everything. Never miss two days in a row. Shrink your plan until it fits your real life, not the version of it you wish existed. Remove the "restart button" and continue forward, even if it's not perfect.

Because the athletes who improve aren't the ones who execute flawlessly.

They're the ones who stay in motion.

Along the way, Doug also shares updates on upcoming Optimal Performance Academy opportunities, including limited availability in bull riding and bullfighting, and discusses options for individualized coaching through Champion Living Fitness and the HooeyFIT app.

If you've ever felt stuck in the cycle of stopping and restarting, this episode offers a different way forward—one built on consistency, not perfection.

If you're ready to build a plan that actually works with your schedule, your travel, and your season, you can apply for a free consultation here: Schedule Now!

Big thank you to our sponsors:

Barstow Pro Rodeo — if you're serious about your gear, this is where you need to be looking. Use code Barstowchamp26 at checkout to save.

And the Rodeo Now App — your go-to for staying up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

We appreciate the support from brands that are pushing the industry forward.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome and Mindset Focus 00:24 OPA Camp Spots Update 01:22 Back on Track Trap 02:53 Missed Day Self Talk 04:50 Perfectionism Causes Restarts 07:42 Rule Never Miss Two 08:18 Shrink Standards Minimums 09:34 Remove the Restart Button 10:50 Coaching and App Resources 12:29 Wrap Up and Call to Action

If you've ever felt like pressure, nerves, or expectations are holding you back in competition… this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Doug Champion breaks down one of the most overlooked aspects of rodeo performance: how your mindset, expectations, and internal narrative directly impact your results.

Most athletes think it's a physical issue, but more often than not, it's how they're interpreting the moment.

Doug dives into the concepts of pre-framing and reframing, showing you how to take control of your thoughts before and during competition so you can perform at your highest level when it matters most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why pressure affects your performance (and how to fix it)
• The difference between pre-framing vs. reframing
• How your expectations shape your results in rodeo
• Why athletes struggle with interpretation—not ability
• How to control what you can and let go of what you can't
• The importance of preparation, fundamentals, and self-talk
• Why you should expect resistance—and how to handle it
• How to challenge limiting beliefs that are holding you back

Doug also shares updates on the upcoming Optimal Performance Academy (OPA) event, including limited remaining spots, and the return of VALD Athletic Performance Testing in partnership with the PBR Rider Development Group—designed to evaluate rodeo athletes beyond just their event performance.

Plus, a recap of a recent bear hunting trip with Mason Clements that sparked deeper insights into mental performance and mindset under pressure.

Big thank you to our sponsors:

Barstow Pro Rodeo — if you're serious about your gear, this is where you need to be looking. Use code Barstowchamp26 at checkout to save.

And the Rodeo Now App — your go-to for staying up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

We appreciate the support from brands that are pushing the industry forward.

If you're serious about becoming a more consistent, confident competitor, this episode will give you a new lens on how to approach your next ride or run.

👉 Want help improving your performance, mindset, and physical preparation as a rodeo athlete?

Apply for a FREE consultation with our coaching team here: Schedule Call Here

Inside Champion Living Fitness, we help rodeo athletes: ✔ Build strength that transfers to competition ✔ Improve mindset and consistency ✔ Stay healthy through long seasons ✔ Perform at their highest level when it counts

Listen on all platforms & watch full episodes on YouTube Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/champion.living Learn more: https://www.championlivingfitness.com

00:00 Welcome and Updates 00:08 OPA Camp and VOL Testing 01:08 Bear Hunt Reflections 01:45 Why Mindset Matters 04:25 Reframing Your Story 06:01 Hidden Beliefs and Lies 06:59 Preframing Expectations 07:55 Execution Over Winning 09:10 Expect Resistance 10:27 Questions and Next Steps 11:39 Sponsors and Wrap Up

This one was a damn good conversation.

We finally linked up with the JR Vezain, and in person, and it went exactly where it needed to... talking about the stuff most guys avoid.

Why they're not winning. Why they stay stuck. And what it actually takes to change that.

We got into mindset, preparation, and the reality that just "working hard" isn't enough if you're not honest about where you're at.

There's a difference between guys who rodeo… and guys who are trying to become elite. This episode lives right in that gap.

If you've been showing up, putting in the work, and still not getting the results you want—this is one you need to listen to.

Rodeo Now App is what makes this whole thing even more real. Track your rides, break down your film, actually learn from what you're doing instead of guessing.

Go download it.

If this hits, send it to somebody who needs to hear it.

If you want to understand what it actually takes to win at the highest level in rodeo, THIS episode is it.

We sit down with Rodeo Houston Champion and Elite Steer Wrestler Holden Meyers to break down the real work behind the scenes: how he prepares, how he trains around injury, and how his faith shapes everything from competition to life decisions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why high-quality reps beat high-volume practice for elite rodeo performance
• How Holden trains and competes while managing chronic elbow pain
• The advantage of building your own personal practice setup
• What it means to develop as a multi-sport athlete (and why it matters)
• How faith, prayer, and surrender influence performance under pressure
• The mental shift from chasing results → trusting the process and purpose
• Why your identity must go beyond rodeo if you want longevity
• Inside the Houston win and what separates top athletes in big moments
• How modern rodeo athletes need to train like complete professionals
• Details on the Optimal Performance Academy Steer Wrestling Event (Van, TX)

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Rodeo Now App (FREE performance tool for rodeo athletes) 00:42 – Welcome + introducing Holden Meyers 01:12 – Growing up in a rodeo family 03:25 – Multi-sport athlete development 04:39 – Pro rodeo prep: quality reps vs volume 05:29 – Training around elbow injuries 10:46 – Building a faith-driven mental game 13:55 – Traveling, discernment & surrender 18:27 – Obedience over outcomes 23:53 – Daily mindset: staying grounded 26:14 – The legacy of rope schools & mentorship 27:58 – Handling nerves on first runs 29:23 – Bringing prayer into coaching & clinics 31:26 – Mentorship, faith & community 34:03 – Identity beyond rodeo 34:56 – Why Holden partnered with OPA 35:43 – The demands of the modern rodeo athlete 37:26 – Breaking down the Houston win 40:40 – Upgrading the OPA curriculum 43:54 – Event registration + details 45:04 – Sponsors + Rodeo Now app 46:14 – Final thoughts

Featured Athlete: Holden Meyers

Holden Meyers is a Rodeo Houston Champion steer wrestler known for his disciplined preparation, technical precision, and strong faith. Raised in a rodeo family, Holden developed his skills early and continues to evolve as a professional by combining intentional practice, athletic development, and mental resilience.

Upcoming Event: Steer Wrestling Clinic (OPA)

We're bringing it all together in person.

📍 Van, Texas 📅 May 1–3 👥 Limited to 15 athletes

This is not your average clinic.

We're combining:

• Steer wrestling technique
• Strength & conditioning
• Mental performance
• Financial & career development

👉 Built for athletes who want to take this seriously. Register HERE: Click to register!

Tools & Resources Mentioned

Rodeo Now App (FREE)

• Record & review runs in slow motion
• Catalog your performance
• Research stock by name
• Build a smarter competition strategy

Key Takeaway

At the highest level, it's not about doing more—it's about doing what matters, better.

Holden's approach proves that:

• Precision beats volume
• Discipline beats emotion
• Faith beats fear

And if you want to last in this sport, you better build more than just your ride—you need to build yourself.

Big thank you to our sponsors:

Barstow Pro Rodeo — if you're serious about your gear, this is where you need to be looking. Use code Barstowchamp26 at checkout to save.

And the Rodeo Now App — your go-to for staying up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

We appreciate the support from brands that are pushing the industry forward.

Connect With Us

Follow for more:

• Strength & conditioning for rodeo athletes
• Mental performance
• Real conversations with elite performers

Champion Living Podcast – Helping you become a champion in sport and in life.Click to Subscribe on youtube

This week we are cross-posting with our good buddies at Squatch Juice! In this episode, we sit down with Doug Champion, founder of Champion Living, to talk about the critical role of mental and physical health in the professional rodeo world. Doug shares how he became the first to develop a program specifically designed for rodeo athletes; especially those competing at the NFR level. From performance optimization to mental resilience, this conversation dives into what it truly takes to stay at the top in one of the toughest sports on earth.

Big thank you to our sponsors:

Barstow Pro Rodeo — if you're serious about your gear, this is where you need to be looking. Use code Barstowchamp26 at checkout to save.

And the Rodeo Now App — your go-to for staying up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

We appreciate the support from brands that are pushing the industry forward.

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, we dive into the role that discipline and the right equipment play in rodeo performance and why both matter more than most athletes realize. From behind-the-chutes conversations to real-world insight, we break down how your approach to training, preparation, and gear can directly impact how you show up when it's time to compete. We also introduce one of our newest partners, Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment, the original one-stop shop for roughstock gear. For over 40 years, Barstow has been building handmade equipment trusted by bull riders and bronc riders across the country.

If you're serious about improving your performance in and out of the arena, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

• Rodeo discipline and consistency

• The importance of quality gear

• Behind-the-scenes insight from the chutes

• How preparation impacts performance

Check out Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment: BarstowProRodeo.com and use our dicsount code Barstowchamp26 to save at check out!

And, make sure to download the Rodeo Now App today in the app store, its totally free and incredible tool for athletes and fans.

🎙️ Follow & Subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast for more episodes on performance, mindset, and what it takes to become a champion — in rodeo and in life.

Your biggest opponent isn't the competition… it's the story in your head.

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion sits down with cohost Paul Lloyd to talk about the Mental Rewrite... which is the process of identifying the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that hold athletes back and learning how to replace them with a champion's mindset.

Every competitor faces mental blocks. The difference is learning how to recognize them, reset, and rewrite the script.

In this episode Doug & Paul cover:

• Why your mind can become your biggest enemy • How negative self-talk destroys performance • The simple mindset shift champions use under pressure • How to reset when things start going wrong

If you've ever felt like you're capable of more but something keeps holding you back, this episode will help you take control of the voice in your head.

Watch the full episode and start your Mental Rewrite today.

This episode is brought to you by RodeoNow. Stay up to date with rodeo athletes, rankings, and the latest rodeo news all in one place. Learn more at RodeoNow.com

This episode isn't about workouts or programming. It's about ownership.

If you're a rodeo athlete, competitor, entrepreneur, coach, or high achiever chasing excellence — this conversation will hit home.

Doug opens up about:

• Why physical discipline doesn't always translate to emotional or spiritual discipline

• The "loud" version of strength vs. the rooted version

• How high performers often build their identity around pushing — and why that can backfire

• The danger of being reactive instead of grounded

• Why slowing down may be the most elite skill you can develop

• Early morning routines, stillness, and building internal resilience

• Owning the lies we've believed about toughness

This episode challenges the traditional cowboy mindset of "just grind harder" and replaces it with something deeper — sustainable strength.

Because real strength isn't just built under a barbell. It's built in the quiet work no one sees.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Rodeo athletes wanting to improve mental toughness

• Bull riders, ropers, and competitors chasing longevity

• Christian athletes navigating faith and performance

• High achievers feeling burned out despite "doing all the right things"

• Coaches and leaders who want to build strength beyond the physical

Where in your life are you disciplined… And where are you just reacting?

There's another level available to you — but it won't come from pushing harder.

It'll come from getting rooted.

If this episode resonates, share it with a teammate or someone in the rodeo world who needs to hear it.

And as always — if you want to become stronger, more resilient, and built for longevity in and out of the arena…

Train like a champion. Live like a champion.

What does it actually take to build a great athlete?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with JC Bird to talk about athlete development, coaching philosophy, and why playing the long game matters more than chasing hype.

JC shares his perspective on raising the standard in coaching and athletics, from building grit and work ethic to developing athletes the right way instead of rushing the process. They dive into what separates long-term success from short-term flashes and why doing things differently is sometimes exactly what the sport needs.

This conversation isn't about shortcuts. It's about foundation, discipline, and creating athletes who can sustain success at the highest level.

If you care about the future of athletes, rodeo and developing the next generation the right way, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast.

What if your performance issues aren't mental weakness… but brain function?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with neurofeedback specialist Becky Lauridsen to break down how brain mapping is changing the way we understand focus, self-talk, concussions, and athlete development—especially in the sport of rodeo.

They dive into:

• Why many athletes have frontal lobes stuck in "delta" (a suppressed brain state)

• The difference between motivation and discipline from a neurological perspective

• How upbringing and self-talk create real neural pathways

• What actually happens after a concussion—and what's missing from traditional protocol

• How neurofeedback works to ignite suppressed areas of the brain

• Why alpha waves are the key to calm, locked-in focus

This conversation bridges performance, brain health, and long-term athlete development in a way most rodeo athletes have never heard before.

If you're serious about competing at a high level—and protecting your brain while you do it—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast.

A big thank you to our sponsors:

Rodeo Now App – Stay up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

Redfin Polarized – Premium eyewear built for athletes and life outdoors. Use code CHAMPION to save on your order.