Confidence Comes When You Stop Caring What Others Think

When you first start showing, sometimes you don’t know what you’re doing, where you belong, or even where to start. Some kids that show don’t always have the same playing field from day one. Some have mentors that have been in the game for years, and others have YouTube or learn by watching other exhibitors that have been in the industry their whole lives. Whether it’s day one for you or year 10, having confidence can overcome the fear of stepping in the ring for the first time.

Starting out in my show career, I knew little to nothing about where to start or who to contact. When growing my connections, I was just showing county with cattle and sheep. Now, 5 years later, I’m winning at the state level with sheep, leaving my cattle career, but you’ll find me in the cattle every once in a blue moon. As of today, I wouldn’t be here without my mentors, breeders, family, and, most importantly, the confidence that all these people have given me over the years.

The first few years, I was scared to talk to anyone or even ask questions because I didn’t want to sound stupid. After a few years of just showing county and gaining more confidence, I finally made the decision to take a big step and start jackpotting across the state after finding better quality stock! Finally having some knowledge, my confidence was still low, but I was scared to ask questions to other mentors. With that being said, I told myself that the rest of the season, it’s okay to make mistakes, look stupid, and celebrate the small wins, whether that be keeping your animal set and well presented or not comparing yourself to everyone else. I always remind my younger showmen, or even the kids I coach that are my age, everyone starts somewhere.

When coping with stress or anxiety before stepping in the ring, I always tell my show kids to find something that helps them calm down. These things can be music, taking a walk, and even talking to some of my friends. Before stepping in the ring, I take time to myself. I just walk away. Most times, whether we’re at a state show or small jackpot, I take my notebook and pen to a quiet place. During this time, I write down what I need to do in the ring to achieve what I’ve been working towards at home.

In 2025, I was looking at fall born, debating on if I wanted to show that year, when I stumbled upon an online sale. That sale would be the one thing that made my confidence change. Ryan Marion was the person who opened my eyes to all the doors that were open for me and made my confidence grow again. I’ve met some of the best people in the industry because of him. Talking to people and getting connections can be hard, I’ll admit it. It took me 4 years to meet some of the people I call family today.

Unfortunately, in 2025, things went downhill for us when county fair season rolled around, and we were unable to show anymore. When I found out we wouldn’t be back for county fair in 2026 because of people bad-talking me and my family because we had cleaned up at the first county fair, I was mad, angry, frustrated with myself, and overall, my confidence I had built up that year went down to nothing, like I was starting at square one again. Once fall shows hit, I wanted nothing to do with showing. I shipped all my sheep back down to Ryan’s and told him I was done until he forced me to go down to Matt’s house, where everything changed for me in minutes.

Matt and Dave changed my mindset in a matter of months leading up to us packing up for NAILE. Finally, when the 2026 season rolled around, I was at my all-time high of knowing I could be better than I was last year. But when I do feel like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing, I sit down and write about all the good things I’ve done, wins, and how I’ve been coaching showmanship. You have to take a step back and look at what you’ve accomplished before saying, “I suck” or “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Some days, I walk out to the barn and think, “Am I really that good?” Then I think about all the people who have put their blood, sweat, and tears into me. That’s what gives me the confidence to keep pushing harder.

Having people in your corner who believe in you, want to see you win, and want to see you recover from what made you think you couldn’t do it are the best people to have by your side through the hard days or even the easy ones. My biggest advice is to talk to people, whether you’re scared, think your question is stupid, or you really don’t even have a question!

Even the best showmen have moments of doubt.

Witten By:

Josi Mullen - Senior Contributor