205: The Morning Habits That Separate World-Class Performers from the Rest | Chris Dorris
Release Date:Β
August 21, 2025
Release Date: Aug 19
How would your life change if you realized your greatest power isnβt what happens to youβbut how you choose to think about it? In this eye-opening episode, Damon sits down with world-renowned mental toughness coach Chris Dorris to unpack the real meaning of mental mastery. Chris shares why our statesβand ultimately our livesβare shaped by the content we choose to fill our minds with. Through engaging exercises, candid stories, and actionable mantras, Chris reveals how to break free from victimhood, conquer self-doubt, and start creating your best days on purpose.
Listeners learn why most of our suffering is learnedβnot inevitableβand why unlearning is the true path to excellence. Whether itβs overcoming imposter syndrome, rewiring how you respond to adversity, or empowering those around you to ditch the blame game, this episode is packed with the tools, mindsets, and mantras to help you close the gap between the life you have and the life you want.
What Youβll Learn:
Why βcreate the state, donβt waitβ is the key to lasting happiness and performance
How your thoughts instantly shape your moodsβand simple exercises to prove it
The origins of victim mentality and how to break free from it (for yourself and others)
The power of βCatch, Own, Replaceβ: a framework to shift from low to high-grade thinking
How visualization and mental rehearsal rewires your brain for successβno matter your circumstances
What the βsuccess story folderβ is, and how to use it to build belief and confidence on tough days
In This Episode:
00:00 β Chrisβs βBest Damn Day of My Lifeβ ritual and the science of choosing your mood
03:56 β Real-time exercises: moving yourself across the emotional spectrum
08:58 β Why mental toughness is about unlearning and the story of βBenny and the Car Keysβ
15:42 β How to catch, own, and replace sabotaging thoughts
20:44 β Visualization, neuroscience, and the POW golfer story
25:54 β Why complaining is the enemyβand what people get from victimhood
28:53 β Breaking out of the blame game: stories, strategies, and permission
33:20 β The flat tire lesson: responding to setbacks with mastery
43:20 β Creating excellence from everythingβDamonβs personal story with adversity
54:38 β Why wishing on birthday candles is a waste: teaching kids to βdecideβ
56:24 β Recap: the habits and mantras of mental mastery
58:45 β The βSuccess Story Folderβ: what it is and how to start yours
59:05 β How to connect with Chris and access more mental toughness tools
About Chris Dorris:
Chris Dorris is a globally acclaimed mental toughness coach, author, and performance consultant who has dedicated his career to helping people close the gap between how life is and how they want it to be. As a coach to elite athletes, business leaders, and high-achievers, Chrisβs impact has reached millions through his books, daily mental mastery tips, and engaging seminars. His actionable philosophy centers on unlearning limiting beliefs, cultivating emotional mastery, and equipping individuals to create excellence in every aspect of their lives. Β
Resources Referenced:
Chris Dorrisβs website:
Chris Dorris on LinkedIn:
Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips:
The Book of Mental Toughness Mantras by Chris Dorris:
Byron Katieβs Work:
Steve Chandler Audio on Victim vs. Ownership Mindset: