before i do something that might get me hurt (saddle bronc) i tell my self that. when my friends get hurt and they think its worse than it is and i know its not bad i tell them to cowboy up.sometimes its a chanllenge to, to get someone to suck it up that they got the worst horse or the worst bull or even if they're complaining about how poor they did in team roping.
tanden bleken

before i do something that might get me hurt (saddle bronc) i tell my self that. when my friends get hurt and they think its worse than it is and i know its not bad i tell them to cowboy up.sometimes its a chanllenge to, to get someone to suck it up that they got the worst horse or the worst bull or even if they're complaining about how poor they did in team roping.

it's more than a phrase for sure and for certain, to quote sam elliot in the ranger the cook and the hole in the sky, "'Nuff said," larry the cable guy, "Git 'er done." it's a mind set, a reaction, a lifestyle, more than just bein "tuff enuff" it's knowin that the only way you're gonna feel alright in any situation is that you left nothin behind, went all out, gave it everything you had, and win or lose gettin the job done, you never held back and at the end of the day you know that no matter what anyone else says, YOU KNOW that you could not have possibly given more "try" than you did. it applies to relationships, horses and cows, welding and art, no matter what you apply yourself to, you own up to what you do and face whatever may come with your head up, back straight, and shoulders square.

To me, this is more a state of mind, or attitude, than mere words. When I tell my soldiers or students to "cowboy up", what I am really asking them to do is to run through a mental checklist to make certain they are ready to give their very best effort on a mission or task. When pressed for a definition, I cite one or more of the following:

It means that no matter the odds or the obstacles, you will see a job through to the end and face challenges head-on without offering excuses or compromising your values...

Its about putting your fears aside and tackling adversity or without hesitation...

Its about choosing the hard right over the easy wrong and being willing to stand your ground for your God, your country, your family, or your brand, and doing so without complaint...

Its about living with honesty, integrity and accountability and expecting the same out of others, particularly those who serve as our leaders...

It has nothing to do with where you live or how you dress or your financial worth and everything to do with the measure of those personal traits that are the foundation for gaining trust, respect, and admiration from others.

No, "cowboy up" is more than a catchy phrase adopted by athletes and others. It is living right and being prepared to step up when you are called upon to do so. To say "cowboy up" is easy. To actually do it is anything but.

To me cowboy Up, means, Your word is your bond, You do what needs doing, If your knocked down you get up again, When your given a job, just do it, by the time you get done crying about it, you could have finished the job. Like you said Bullrider123, its a life style.