Ep 260: Why Continued Investment in Yourself is Critical to Success
I’m recording this episode on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, enjoying a moment of calm after a couple of busy but rewarding weeks. A week ago, we wrapped up one of our horsemanship mentorship weeks, and I’ve got to say, it was incredible. We had a great group of trainers and competitors from all over—Kelly Page from Washington (now spending some time in Texas), Kylie Hawes from Colorado, and Carrie Schiotz and Grace Nordick from Minnesota. They were all here for four full days, packed with close to 40 hours of one-on-one time and hands-on experience.
I love these small mentorship groups; they allow for quality one-on-one interaction and make everything that much more impactful. Everyone in this group was already familiar with my program, and each of them had been to a clinic or previous mentorships, so they were well-tuned into my approach. One of the things I always emphasize, whether it’s at a clinic or during these mentorships, is that everyone’s program is unique. We all have our own way of doing things, but there’s always room for improvement. Sometimes you find a tweak or a technique that makes things just a bit more efficient or effective.
For me, those little adjustments are what it’s all about. In training, competing, or even running a business, it’s the one-percent gains that make all the difference. We’re after progress, not perfection, and that mindset was clear throughout the week. Alongside horsemanship, we dove into personal development and brand-building sessions because growth in one area feeds into the others. If you’re not growing in your horsemanship and your personal life, your brand or business will eventually plateau. These mentorship weeks are about keeping that momentum, making sure each of those areas gets the attention it needs.
Looking forward, we have two colt-starting mentorship weeks coming up in November. We’re excited about the groups coming in for those, and I’ve got some young colts lined up that are barely started. Some of them have only seen a handler at the sale barn, so participants will get a real taste of what it’s like to work with horses that are essentially blank slates. With colt starting, reading and listening to the horse is everything. Even with an experienced horse, you’ve got to be attentive to what they’re showing you and understand the “why” behind their actions. It’s the same in life—if you understand why something’s working (or not), you can course-correct and keep moving forward.
Something that came up this past week—and I get asked a lot—is how to get in touch or get feedback. The best way to reach me is through our website. Social media messages stack up fast, and I just don’t have the time to answer each one thoughtfully. If you need detailed advice, consider joining our membership group where we do monthly calls, or even try our virtual mentorship. With that, you get consulting time you can use as needed. It’s been a fantastic resource for people, especially if you need a bit of guidance but can’t come in person.
Reflecting on this past mentorship week, each trainer brought so much dedication and discipline to the table, and I expect these mentorships to be life-changing. That may sound like a big promise, but when you go home with new tools and routines that make you and your horse more successful, that’s transformative. For me, a piece of advice from Martin Black years ago was exactly that. He said, “The release is what you teach.” That simple concept shifted everything for me. It was a game-changer, and it came from just one article. My goal is that each of our mentorship weeks does the same for our participants.
Investing in yourself like that takes confidence, and I always tell folks, give yourself credit. Spending time, money, and energy on personal growth shows you value yourself and believe you’re worth it. That’s huge. I’ve been investing in myself for years, whether it’s through mentorships, training, or personal development programs like John Maxwell’s. It reinforces your self-worth, which is critical—because if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.
This week, I was out in Utah working with Shane and Allyson Eliason at Eliason Performance Horses. They’ve got an impressive program, with mares from the Kessler family and two Riata Buckle stallions. We went over their facilities, worked with some young horses, and strategized for the future. Working with their top-notch horses, I was reminded of how the fundamentals of reading a horse’s mind, not just its body, come into play. One of their three-year-olds was anxious and flighty, and in just two days of groundwork, she became noticeably more comfortable. With horses, it’s not about wearing them out; it’s about getting their minds engaged.
On the roping front, Wade and I have been practicing for the World Series Finale in Vegas. I’ll be honest; this past week, I was all over the place, tweaking things that maybe didn’t need tweaking. I’d get caught up in making minor adjustments, and before I knew it, I was complicating things. I was consistently inconsistent. Wade’s father-in-law, Chad, roped with us, and he gave me a straightforward reminder: sometimes, it’s just about simplifying and enjoying the process. That was a much-needed nudge to stay grounded.
Our industry’s future looks bright. Whether it’s colt starting or team roping, there’s more opportunity than ever for those willing to put in the work. This week, I’m heading up to Fargo, ND, then back for the holidays before we head to Vegas. And as always, I’m thankful for all of you who support our mentorship program and continue to seek growth in your journey.
