205: The Morning Habits That Separate World-Class Performers from the Rest | Chris Dorris

How would your life change if you realized your greatest power isn’t what happens to you—but 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 states—and ultimately our lives—are 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 learned—not inevitable—and why unlearning is the true path to excellence. Whether it’s 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. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why “create the state, don’t wait” is the key to lasting happiness and performance 
• How your thoughts instantly shape your moods—and simple exercises to prove it 
• The origins of victim mentality and how to break free from it (for yourself and others) 
• The power of “Catch, Own, Replace”: a framework to shift from low to high-grade thinking 
• How visualization and mental rehearsal rewires your brain for success—no matter your circumstances 
• What the “success story folder” is, and how to use it to build belief and confidence on tough days 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Chris’s “Best Damn Day of My Life” ritual and the science of choosing your mood 

03:56 – Real-time exercises: moving yourself across the emotional spectrum 

08:58 – Why mental toughness is about unlearning and the story of “Benny and the Car Keys” 

15:42 – How to catch, own, and replace sabotaging thoughts 

20:44 – Visualization, neuroscience, and the POW golfer story 

25:54 – Why complaining is the enemy—and what people get from victimhood 

28:53 – Breaking out of the blame game: stories, strategies, and permission 

33:20 – The flat tire lesson: responding to setbacks with mastery 

43:20 – Creating excellence from everything—Damon’s personal story with adversity 

54:38 – Why wishing on birthday candles is a waste: teaching kids to “decide” 

56:24 – Recap: the habits and mantras of mental mastery 

58:45 – The “Success Story Folder”: what it is and how to start yours 

59:05 – 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, Chris’s 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.  

Resources & Mentions 

• Chris Dorris’s website: ChristopherDorris.com 
• Chris Dorris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris/ 
• Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips: