The Hidden Work Behind Success: Are You Ready for Your 8 Seconds?

I’m writing this from the National Finals Rodeo, surrounded by the grit, passion, and raw energy of competitors who dedicate their lives to mastering their craft. Watching these athletes compete in disciplines like bull riding and bareback bronc riding, I can’t help but draw parallels to the life of a business owner or practitioner.

For these riders, everything boils down to 8 seconds. Those 8 seconds are the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. At the ripe age of 20, many of them have poured a lifetime of effort, free time, and financial resources into perfecting their performance. And for what? To show up at the Super Bowl of rodeos and be judged on a mere 8 seconds.

But isn’t that exactly what we face in business every day?

Whether you’re a practitioner running a dental or medical practice or a business owner navigating the daily grind, your success often comes down to those critical moments of interaction. Think about how a simple phone call could determine whether a new patient schedules an exam. Or how your treatment acceptance hinges on the confidence and clarity of a conversation during a consult. Even collecting payment from a patient might come down to an interaction lasting no longer than 8 seconds.

The Weight of Preparation

Just like those rodeo competitors, the moments that define your success don’t happen in isolation. They’re built on a foundation of unseen work: the training, planning, and discipline that happen long before you’re “on stage.” Every phone call, patient interaction, or team meeting is a test of your preparation and your ability to execute when it matters most.

Winning in these moments isn’t about luck. It’s about leadership, preparation, and expectations. It’s about crafting a deliberate plan and ensuring your team understands and embodies the same vision. Excellence is rarely spontaneous—it’s the result of countless hours spent honing your skills, refining your systems, and staying committed to your goals.

The Power of a Winning Attitude

There’s something else I’ve noticed while watching these rodeo competitors: none of them step onto a rank horse expecting to get bucked off. They step on with the mindset of a champion. They envision themselves standing in the winner’s circle, hoisting their belt buckle in victory.

That winning attitude is a game-changer, and it’s no different in business. Do you approach each day, each patient, and each challenge with the mindset that you’ll succeed? Or do you let doubt creep in, undermining your confidence and your results?

Are You Ready for Your Winners Circle?

Standing in the winner’s circle—your personal winner’s circle—requires commitment. It requires you to show up, day after day, with a winning mentality and the preparation to back it up.

So, ask yourself: Are you on track? Have you invested the time, energy, and resources necessary to excel in your own version of 8 seconds? Success is never an accident. It’s the result of leadership, teamwork, and relentless dedication.

Now, go saddle up and take charge. The winners circle is waiting.