Every single man listening to this is familiar with discipline and has applied it (to varying degrees) in his life. We generally think of discipline as an overall good thing (and, I think it is) but it can often lead to bouts of frustration and unnecessary suffering if utilized incorrectly.

My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, makes the case that discipline, although, a powerful force for productivity comes with strings attached, and isn’t the end-all, save-all it’s often made out to be. Today, we talk about what true discipline is not, why chasing the wrong target is so common and what to do about it, what I call the “self-help hangover” and how to avoid it, why you should know the distinction between standards and expectations, and how to avoid what Craig calls, “The Doom Loop” in your life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Defining Discipline 00:42 - Level 10 Effort and Level 10 Problems 01:48 - Identifying Your Level 10 Problem 04:21 - The Importance of Focus and Self-Reflection 06:32 - Calibration and Goal Setting 07:54 - Facing Difficult Conversations 10:44 - The Hero’s Journey and Overcoming Fears 13:13 - Personal Growth Through Challenges 15:49 - Suffering vs. Sacrifice 18:54 - Reframing Sacrifice for Joy 21:21 - Choices and Personal Responsibility 23:44 - Inspiring Stories of Resilience 25:35 - Motivation and Maximizing Potential 27:54 - Breaking the Doom Loop 30:27 - Effortless Discipline Systems 33:46 - The Power of Systems Over Willpower 37:09 - Accountability as a Life Hack 40:31 - Raising Standards for Success 43:55 - Standards vs. Expectations 46:12 - Controlling Thoughts, Words, and Deeds 48:27 - Identity and Core Values 50:35 - Creating a Vision for Your Future 52:45 - Where to Connect and Learn More

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

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Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares four strategies to avoid bitterness amid life's challenges. He urges men to take responsibility for their circumstances, emphasizing decision-making, reframing adversity, learning from experiences, and applying lessons for growth.

Michler highlights the dangers of victimhood and encourages gratitude and proactive change to transform struggles into opportunities. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, he inspires listeners to rise above frustration and embrace their potential. Visit orderofman.com/battle-ready for tools to implement these principles and become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:10 - Introduction: The Trap of Bitterness 02:30 - Strategy 1: Make a Decision 04:55 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves 07:24 - Strategy 2: Reframe Your Circumstances 09:47 - Gratitude as a Tool for Growth 11:30 - Strategy 3: Learn from Experiences 13:50 - Strategy 4: Apply the Lessons 15:47 - Embracing Discomfort and Responsibility 17:54 - Tools for Improvement: The Battle Planner 20:05 - Closing: Take Action, Rise Above

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle listener questions on toxic leadership, writing books, jumpstarting motivation, the meaning crisis, and connecting with stepkids. They explore overcoming self-help burnout, emphasizing the power of fun to recharge motivation, and discuss finding purpose in a pleasure-driven culture. With practical advice and personal insights, they inspire listeners to take action, build influence, and live meaningfully. Join the conversation at orderofman.com and themensforge.com.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Weekend Recap 02:55 - Dealing with Toxic Leadership 19:06 - Writing Books: Plans and Challenges 23:53 - Jumpstarting Motivation 34:44 - The Meaning Crisis: Causes and Solutions 43:23 - Overcoming Self-Help Burnout 54:41 - Building Influence with Stepkids 01:02:15 - Community Updates and Resources

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Purpose is a factor of life that every man knows will improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, we seem to be in an era when purpose is increasingly abysmal in the lives of too many men. Men in all walks and stages of life are floundering around aimlessly, wondering why they’re anxious, depressed, and alone. My guest today, Garrett Unclebach, former Navy SEAL, is a man who is intimately familiar with why and how purpose drives men to step up, take charge of their lives, and succeed. We unpack why a man must look beyond himself, how surrendering in certain circumstances could lead you to an incredible place you’ve never considered, the power of equanimity and how to cultivate it, why being faithful when you have nothing leads to a life of prosperity and abundance, and how to judge what you should be doing and who you should be doing it with.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:35 - Ryan’s Recent Event in St. Louis 01:00 - Garrett’s Men’s Group and Camping Trip 02:40 - Developing Leaders and Train the Trainer 05:00 - Rewarding Leadership Moments 06:27 - Hunting Memories and Mentorship 07:16 - Family and Fatherhood 09:29 - Shared Hunting Experiences in Africa 11:25 - The Impossible Life and Control 12:32 - Mentoring Navy SEAL Tadpoles 14:46 - Finding Peace Beyond Outcomes 16:39 - Balancing Heart and Consequences 19:10 - Joseph’s Dream and Purpose 22:35 - Discovering Purpose Through Heart and Hand 25:09 - God’s Plan and Personal Growth 26:51 - The Question Every Man Asks 29:31 - The Power of Perspective and Beliefs 32:43 - Faith, Works, and Serving Others 35:57 - Transformation Over Behavioral Change 39:13 - Balancing Service and Personal Fulfillment 42:09- Living and Dying for Purpose 45:01 - Equanimity and Staying Under the Weight 47:35 - Taking Responsibility for Choices 49:32 - The Mindset of Inevitability 52:30 - Resilience vs. Delusion 56:33 - Learning from Scars and Pain 58:09 - Chip on the Shoulder Mentality 01:01:28 - Purpose Over Temporary Identity 01:03:13 - Mission vs. Vision 01:05:22 - Connecting with Garrett and Closing

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores how creating options leads to true freedom. Expanding on the concept of "discipline equals freedom," Ryan argues that personal responsibility, open-mindedness, and sovereignty are key to unlocking a life of choice. He shares four actionable strategies to cultivate options, emphasizing self-improvement, avoiding rigid thinking, aligning relationships, and prioritizing liberty.

Ryan inspires listeners to take control of their lives and pursue their desired path.

Join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil for more.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Options and Freedom 02:35 - Fix Yourself First 04:59 - Never Pedestalize Anything 09:43 - Coinciding vs. Conflicting Interests 14:05 - Sovereignty as the Path to Liberty 17:45 - Reclaiming Your Sovereignty 20:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging Ask Me Anything episode, tackling listener questions on sobriety, respect, body image, entrepreneurship, and relationships. From navigating a teen’s insecurities to balancing co-parenting conflicts, they share practical advice and personal insights. With humor and heart, they explore overcoming the comparison trap and building a fulfilling life.

Sign up for the Men’s Forge at themensforge.com and join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Episode Intro and Roomba Mishap 00:01:50 - Sobriety and Overcoming Past Mistakes 00:07:52 - Respect: Earned vs. Given 00:13:24 - Supporting a Teen’s Body Image Struggles 00:22:25 - Bedros Kulian Event and Personal Growth 00:24:17 - Escaping the Comparison Trap 00:32:55 - Men’s Forge Event Plans 00:35:54 - Starting a Business: Key Tips 00:44:24 - Co-Parenting and Team Commitments 00:49:00 - Fitness Goals and Gym Humor 00:51:51 - Letting Go of Relationships 00:57:53 - Call to Action and Closing

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Leadership is a word that has become completely bastardized in modern culture. Everywhere you turn, someone is hyping you up on why you need to become a better leader, the benefits of leading versus following, and how exactly you should do it. But what if I told you, it’s not the tactics that make you a leader but the mindsets that spell the difference. My good friend, brother, and leadership coach, Kipp Sorensen, joins me today to talk about what it really means to lead in a world where every man thinks they’re leading well. We address the two types of destructive leaders, the “BAR” acronym (behavior, actions, results) and which to focus on, how 83% of people in the workforce view their position in the company (and what you can do about it), why a “compensation” package is about more than just money, and the do’s and don’t’s of effective leadership.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Business Talk   01:48 - Exploring Leadership Challenges   04:30 - How Authority Changes People   06:18 - Persecutors vs. Rescuers in Leadership   10:26 - Stanford Prison Experiment Insights   13:07 - Balancing Motivation and Honesty   17:19 - Becoming a Leader-Coach   21:41 - The Mindset of Great Leadership   23:21 - Applying Leadership at Home   29:49 - Defining the Leader-Coach Role   36:31 - Balancing Accountability and Empathy   41:29 - Focusing on Results, Not Behaviors   49:54 - Ownership and Choice in Leadership   56:00 - Handling Limited Resources   01:02:09 - Leading Family vs. Employees   01:09:20 - Closing and Kipp’s Contact Info

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this poignant episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler delves into the pitfalls of people-pleasing, drawing from personal reflection. He identifies five critical signs—saying yes when you mean no, avoiding conflict, feeling responsible for others’ emotions, tying self-worth to praise, and feeling burned out or resentful.

Michler shares candid insights, referencing No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover and Let Them by Mel Robbins, offering practical anecdotes to break the cycle. Through raw honesty, he encourages listeners to set boundaries and prioritize self-care to become their authentic selves.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:19 - Introduction to People-Pleasing 04:53 - Recommended Resources 07:21 - Sign 1: Saying Yes When You Should Say No 09:49 - Sign 2: Avoiding Conflict at All Costs 13:25 - Sign 3: Feeling Responsible for Others’ Feelings 18:53 - Sign 4: Struggling with Self-Worth Without Praise 28:04 - Sign 5: Feeling Burned Out, Resentful, and Unseen 34:50 - Actionable Steps and Closing Thoughts

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a St. Louis event recap, sharing its triumphs and challenges. They tackle listener questions on sibling conflicts, leaving work stress behind, the pressures of leadership, marriage cycles, discovering personal values, and managing credit scores.

With candid insights, Ryan and Kipp explore self-validation, intentionality, and aligning actions with values, offering practical advice for men striving to live purposefully. Join them for an inspiring discussion on growth and resilience.

00:00.088 - Event Recap: St. Louis Experience 06:40.662 - Handling Sibling Conflicts 13:54.412 - Leaving Work Stress at Home 24:18.870 - The Weight of Leadership 41:44.558 - Marriage Cycles: Fact or Fiction? 51:40.632 - Discovering Your Personal Values 57:09.762 - Credit Scores and Financial Responsibility 01:02:15.275 - Call to Action: Divorce Not Death

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

We’ve all heard the quote, “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.” Today, I have the author of that quote, Geoff Hopf on the podcast to talk about what he meant when we penned that phrase.

Today, we talk about moral weakness and lacking skillsets, why masculinity does not need to be redefined, why accepting reality is such a crucial part of men’s growth, why all men want to be part of something great, the 4 pillars of survival, and overcoming illogical belief systems.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Geoff’s background and law enforcement experience 06:35 – Transitioning to writing and becoming an author 11:18 – Daily writing habits and productivity 15:47 – Finding purpose through creative work 20:26 – Violence, masculinity, and raising boys 26:55 – Personal responsibility and fatherhood 33:10 – Social media, distraction, and mental clarity 39:42 – Freedom of speech and cancel culture 44:51 – Lessons from fatherhood and legacy 50:15 – Final thoughts and where to find Geoff’s work

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready