Mauney claims he's no inherently tougher than anyone else. The difference, he says, is that he simply told himself he was tougher and then believed it. This cultivated self-belief became a reality, allowing him to push through extreme pain and injuries that would sideline others.

Mauney contrasts himself with a naturally gifted peer who looked graceful on a bull. Mauney, on the other hand, was clumsy and incorrect. His only advantage was a stubborn refusal to let go until he was knocked out, forcing him to outwork everyone to succeed.

Mauney dismisses riders who blame a tough bull for a failed ride. He states that the job description is "bull rider," which doesn't specify "nice bulls only." This mindset of radical ownership means accepting the challenge presented, regardless of its difficulty.

Mauney avoids over-analyzing a bull by watching videos, preferring to rely on pure instinct. He believes that in high-reaction environments, conscious thought is too slow and leads to fatal hesitation. Success comes from gut feelings honed by thousands of hours of practice.

JB Mauney admits the only time he got nervous was after the 8-second whistle because he had to figure out how to dismount. His landings were so poor that bullfighters joked about them, highlighting that even experts have distinct areas of weakness within their domain.

Mauney’s philosophy was to never settle. If he was in second place with a guaranteed score, he would still risk it all to try for first. This "gunslinger" mindset was driven by an internal need to prove to himself that he was the best, not just to beat competitors.

Most riders get set, then nod, allowing smart bulls to brace for the gate opening. Mauney reversed this: he would nod for the gate *while* sliding into position. This subtle change in sequence caught the bull off guard, preventing it from getting into its "starting blocks."

Mauney can identify riders who have never been "road broke." He describes the unmatched desperation and effort that comes from knowing the only way to eat or get home is to succeed on the next ride, having spent your last dollar on entry fees. This builds a unique kind of grit.

To become a great speaker, Anthony Trucks recorded a 90-second video every night for 3.5 years. This consistent, low-stakes practice built skill and confidence when no one was watching. Mastery comes not from occasional grand efforts but from relentless daily reps that forge a new identity.