Ep 266: Drawing Opportunities to Yourself

Hey everyone,

This is Phil Haugen coming to you from our training facility in Weatherford, OK, on this brisk Monday morning. I’ve just wrapped up a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend with family—Hannah and Aaron were here from Stephenville, and of course, Wade and Gentry are close by. We had little Stevie with us for most of the weekend, which made for a wonderful time full of joy, laughter, and love. Yesterday, we all went to church together, and it was truly a blessing. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving as well, surrounded by loved ones.

Now, with Thanksgiving behind us, we’re rolling right into the holiday season. It’s a time to reflect, reset, and set our sights on the new year. In the next few weeks, I’ll be heading to Las Vegas for some roping events, and as we look ahead to next year, I’m feeling a deep sense of gratitude and excitement. But it’s also the perfect time to reflect on something that’s been on my mind lately: drawing opportunities to yourself.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind—whether it's the daily demands of our work, our training, or the pressure to perform at the highest level. But I’ve realized more and more that opportunities aren’t just handed to us. They are something we actively draw to ourselves, and we do that through our mindset, our discipline, and our ability to focus on growth.

This year’s clinics have been incredible, and they’ve given me plenty to reflect on. As I work with so many amazing trainers and participants, I’m reminded time and again that growth is a choice. No matter where you start or where you are, there’s always another level you can reach. That’s the beauty of this industry—we have the chance to keep growing, learning, and improving. But it all starts with the right mindset.

When I think about drawing opportunities to yourself, I think about the three key ingredients that so many successful people have in common: work ethic, opportunity, and passion. Here’s the thing—work ethic and passion are completely in your control. Opportunity, on the other hand, isn’t always something you can predict, but you can certainly create it. When you’re disciplined in your approach and you work with passion, opportunities will naturally begin to find their way to you.

Take roping for example. I’ll be heading to Vegas soon, and it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for years. It’s an incredible opportunity, not just because of the payout, but because it’s a chance to compete at the highest level and test everything I’ve been working on. And when I think about it, I realize that this opportunity wasn’t handed to me—it was created. I’ve spent years practicing, refining my skills, and pushing through the tough times. I’ve learned to control my thoughts, focus on the process, and visualize the success I want. That’s how you draw opportunities to yourself.

But it’s not just about big events like Vegas or Road to the Horse—it’s about every single moment. Whether it’s training horses or working with clients, every opportunity is a chance to grow and improve. And what I’ve learned is that the more consistent I am with my actions, the more opportunities seem to come my way. I’ve been working hard physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially, and I truly feel like this is my year.

When I look back at my heeling practice, I’m humbled. Heeling is one of those events that will always keep you grounded. It’s like golf—no matter how long you’ve been at it, you’re never too good to be humbled by it. But that’s okay, because every time I fail or fall short, I learn something new, and that’s what drives me forward.

The key to success in any endeavor—whether roping, horse training, or life itself—is consistency. The past is gone. Yesterday’s success or failure doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is today, the next ride, the next chance to prove yourself. In our industry, we don’t get to rest on past accomplishments. We have to show up every day and keep working towards that next level.

And that’s where discipline comes in. It takes discipline to stay focused, to keep pushing even when things get tough. Every year, I set my goals and create a plan to achieve them. I haven’t written my goals down yet for next year, but I know I’ll be doing that soon. When you set your goals and break them down into actionable steps, you’re setting yourself up for success. It’s like the saying goes—if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

As we head into the new year, I encourage you to set your goals high. Shoot for the moon. If your goals aren’t a little scary, then you’re probably not aiming high enough. Yes, there will be challenges, and yes, there will be times when things don’t go according to plan. But that’s part of the process. What matters is how you respond. Will you let setbacks hold you back, or will you keep pushing forward?

For me, it’s all about enjoying the journey. Whether I’m out in Vegas roping with my son or preparing for Road to the Horse, I’m going to enjoy every minute of it. Because every opportunity, big or small, is a blessing. So, as you head into the new year, remember that you have the power to draw opportunities to yourself. Focus on your growth, work with passion, and stay disciplined. The rest will follow.