This week, we break down the incredible story behind J.J. Spaun’s improbable win at the 2025 U.S. Open—and the mindset lessons every athlete (and human) can take from it.

Spaun didn’t have the “perfect path.” He didn’t come from a high-profile golf academy. He wasn’t groomed to be a champion. He even considered retiring last year.

But on one of the biggest stages in sports—and after bogeying five of his first six holes—Spaun didn’t tap out. He doubled down. And by the end of Sunday, he was the U.S. Open champion.

We unpack a recent article from The Athletic that highlights four powerful takeaways from Spaun’s journey, and why they matter for anyone pursuing growth, resilience, and performance under pressure.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why comparing timelines is one of the fastest ways to lose your confidence
• How to channel nerves and anxiety into focus and presence
• What it means to not shy away from the moment when everything feels stacked against you
• Why inspiration and belief sometimes show up in unexpected ways
• And how Spaun’s story is proof that success doesn’t follow a straight line—it follows persistence

This isn’t just a feel-good underdog story. It’s a masterclass in what it means to trust the process, stay committed, and train your mindset for moments that matter.