Masculinity today is often caught between outdated stereotypes and shifting societal expectations, leaving many young men uncertain about their place in the world. The pressure to conform—to be either hyper-aggressive or completely passive—makes it difficult to develop a sense of true purpose. But real strength isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about embracing responsibility, self-mastery, and integrity. In a culture that often discourages strong, principled men, forging your own path requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to stand firm in who you are.

Ryan Michler is the founder of Order of Man, a platform focused on men’s personal growth and leadership. He’s written Sovereignty and the Masculinity Manifesto, tackling self-leadership and responsibility. His Order of Man podcast features conversations with leaders, athletes, and high achievers on growth and masculinity. Today, he emphasizes self-leadership, how AI shapes personal and professional development, and why men must build strong networks for success. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “Rock bottom is simply when you stop digging. Rock bottom is when you decide, ‘You know what, I'm going to put the shovel down, I'm going to stop digging because this hole is not working for me.’” – Ryan Michler
• “Strong people can suffer longer than weak people, which means we can exacerbate the problem and exponentially make it worse because we can tough it out mentally and emotionally.” – Ryan Michler
• “A man needs two things: a framework and a network. These are the two essentials every man needs to thrive in life.” – Ryan Michler
• “Most men say what they wish they believed and don't have the heart to stick with it. They don't stay long enough to see a dream through, and that alone is a big deal.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

• Audit your current network. Identify three successful individuals who challenge your thinking and can hold you accountable, then schedule a coffee meeting or call with each of them in the next 30 days.
• Experiment with AI as a productivity tool. Choose one professional or personal task this week and use an AI platform to help streamline your process, tracking how it saves you time and enhances your output.
• Practice radical empathy by finding one opportunity each day to serve someone without judgment. This could mean helping an elderly neighbor, holding a door, or listening to someone's story without offering immediate advice.
• Create a personal "framework of virtue" by writing down 3-5 core principles that guide your decision-making. Review these monthly and assess how consistently you're living them across different areas of your life.
• Challenge your comfort zone by saying "yes" to one unexpected experience or opportunity this month that pushes your personal growth boundaries, whether it's a skill, event, or conversation you'd typically avoid.

Conclusion:

Redefining masculinity means taking ownership of your actions, striving for growth, and breaking free from outdated expectations. Strength isn't just physical or financial—it comes from character, discipline, and a commitment to self-improvement. Rather than viewing technology and personal growth as separate paths, they can work together to expand opportunities and sharpen skills. True leadership starts with mastering oneself before trying to guide others. A well-rounded man builds his future with intention, integrity, and a willingness to adapt.