Helping Our Teenagers Succeed

The start of a new school year is a good time for teenagers to work with their teachers, parents and mentors on setting goals for the year. In a competitive society, it takes more than academics and skills to succeed. Developing qualities of character - like grit, perseverance and heart are essential for success. The Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership has been putting these ideas into action through our Be Somebody! program. This program works with teenagers on goal planning and discovering their true potential. 

We have also released a white paper, The Great Experiment: Can Success Be Taught?, designed as a resource for teachers, parents, mentors and students. Please be sure to review the paper and contact the Center if you are interested in getting Be Somebody! in your community or school.

We believe success can be taught and every young person in America can succeed. 

More Businesses using Cowboy Ethics

Cowboy Ethics has developed a common-sense approach to business ethics called Standing Tall in an Upside-Down World. This approach was designed to support small and medium-sized businesses and organizations in creating a culture of doing the right thing. We are excited when we discover that businesses are doing just that.

Kelly Bullis is the owner of Bullis and Company, CPA's which operates out of Carson City, Nevada. Kelly uses Cowboy Ethics principles with his company as he discusses in the video below.

You can implement Cowboy Ethics into your business or organization just like Kelly. More resources and information on workshops can be found here.

Lynne Cheney Dedicates Cheney Cowboy Ethics Club in Casper

Lynne Cheney took part in the dedication ceremony for the new Dick and Lynne Cheney Cowboy Ethics Club last week in Casper, Wyoming. The new 3,500 square-foot space will provide the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming greater space and tools to work with local teens. The club is built around the code of Cowboy Ethics.

Lynne Cheney during the opening ceremony of the Dick and Lynne Cheney Cowboy Ethics Club.

Read more about the new ethics club here. Thank you to the Casper Star-Tribune for reporting on the story.

Colorado 4-H Foundation to Implement Cowboy Ethics

This article was posted on The Denver Post. Thank you to The Greeley Tribune for reporting on this. 

Jim Owen has an inspiring new speech

Jim Owen has spoken to audiences all across the country on Cowboy Ethics. Now he has a new message—an answer to the question:
“What does it take to succeed in America today?”

Says Jim, “A college degree was once a ticket to the good life, if you were ambitious and willing to work—but not anymore.” As he notes, being average is no longer good enough. But contrary to what many assume, being exceptional may have less to do with I.Q., skills or credentials than with personal qualities that schools don’t teach. The real secret to career and life success, Jim believes, lies in your personal supply of Try—that powerful blend of passion, attitude and effort.

In an uplifting new 35-minute presentation (and in a 60-minute version incorporating his new documentary film), Jim Owen tells audiences how we can make The Try a core value in our lives. He also shares results of a “great experiment”—his foundation’s ongoing effort to change young lives by bringing The Try to schools and youth groups around the nation.

Click here to learn more about having Jim come speak to your school, business or organization.

"Agriculture Proud" Weighs In on Cowboy Ethics

Ryan Goodman, the author of the blog Agriculture Proud, recently read Cowboy Ethics.  What started as an attraction to the photography became an opportunity for reflection on what is important in life.  We've posted Ryan's blog below, and you can read it and his other writing on his blog here.

Cowboy Ethics – Not just a Code of the West

JUNE 8, 2012

Have you read Cowboy Ethics - a book focused on showing the financial world how far they have moved away from the values and principles that some of this country’s greatest heroes lived for? I originally bought the book because I was intrigued by the photography of theAmerican West, but as soon as I opened the book I began reading, and an hour later I finished the book.

It really made me take into consideration the Code of the West that the author presents. True, some of the legendaryness (that may not be a real word, but it sure fits this spot) of the American Cowboy may be stretched or idolized, but the true message of the story comes through loud and clear. The message may be aimed toward the financial leaders of the country, but the story is for all Americans to read and to take into account.

The Code of the West that the author implies is as follows:

Live Each Day with Courage

Take Pride in Your Work

Always Finish What You Start

Do What Has to be Done

Be Tough, But Fair

When You Make a Promise, Keep It

Ride for the Brand

Talk Less and Say More

Remember That Some Things Aren’t for Sale

Know Where to Draw the Line

These may sound like a fantasized lyric from some ole worn out country song, but after reading through the story from the author I got to thinking about where my priorities are set and how I treat myself and those around me. So I strongly recommend this book by author James P. Owen as a good read for those interested in an encouraging read, and not to mention the awe-stirring photos of the American Western Rancher from David R. Stoecklein. I would even consider this as a great gift for those you feel the need to share the message with.

Ordinary People Achieving Greatness

This book review of The TRY was originally posted at Thoughts From a Modern Mountain Man.  Thanks very much to Dusty Wonderlich (@dustywunderlich)

The Try Book Review: Ordinary People Achieving Greatness

May 21, 2012

The Try is probably the best motivational book I have read mainly due to the people that author James Owen chose to highlight. James Owen has become a major force in my life with the work he has done with his organization, Cowboy Ethics.  Growing up in Elko, Nevada I saw first hand the strong character and culture among the American West ranching families.  James Owen has captured that character and culture in his books (Cowboy Ethics & Cowboy Values) and his organization.

He took this one step further with The Try and highlighted extraordinary people that overcame great obstacles and challenges for their purpose.  Each individual and story is unique with a specific lesson that illustrates what James Owen calls The Try!

The essence of the book was built around eight time world rodeo champion, Ty Murray.  At a very young age Ty’s mother told him that God gave him an extra supply of Try.  Ty used this determination to become the greatest rodeo rider of all time.  Ty and many in the Rodeo world define giving 110% in anything you do as The Try.  This is not something that is handed out easily and those that have The Try are truly dedicated to their purpose.

Author James Owen took this story and found eleven other individuals that define The Try which is characterized through a blend of inner drive, focus, and determination that pushes individuals to pursue their goals relentlessly, confronting every obstacle, and never, ever giving up.

The subtitle is Reclaiming The American Dream and is well suited for each individual story as an example of the character that the United States was built upon.  Our society focuses on high profile athletes, celebrities and politicians but it is those unsung heroes that are the true heart and soul of the United States.  Reading The Try will give every individual new motivation and pride for those quiet heroes in our country.  In a fitting manner the book ends with the following quote:

“You are capable for more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” Dr. E.O. Wilson