Growth has a cost.

It’s uncomfortable. Inconvenient. And it asks you to face parts of yourself you’d rather avoid.

But here’s what most men never stop to consider:

not growing costs far more than growth ever will.

In this episode of The Work, I explore the hidden cost of staying the same — and why so many men feel stuck, tired, disconnected, or quietly dissatisfied despite “doing everything right.”

We talk about how life’s chapters change, and how each one demands a new version of you — more patient, more resilient, more emotionally aware. When that growth doesn’t happen, you end up trying to live a new chapter with an old identity — and that’s where the real struggle begins.

You’ll hear about the subtle signs that a man has stopped growing, why the cost shows up in your peace, your relationships, and your potential, and why growth can feel lonely even when you’re moving in the right direction.

This episode isn’t about dramatic transformations or overnight breakthroughs.

It’s about awareness.

Honesty.

And taking responsibility for the next step you already know you need to take.

Because the cost of growing is discomfort.

But the cost of not growing… is your life.

If you’re a man who wants more from himself — more clarity, more connection, more purpose — this episode is for you.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

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In this episode of The Work, James breaks down five things that quietly destroy a man’s mental wellbeing without him even realising it.

It’s not always the big life events that pull you off track — it’s the small daily habits, the environments you tolerate, and the pressures you keep carrying.

You’ll learn why:

• the wrong people drain your energy

• negative media overload hijacks your nervous system

• poor nutrition affects your mood and clarity

• lack of movement weakens your resilience

• overcommitting leads to burnout and disconnect

This episode is a reminder that your mental fitness is built through the choices you make every single day.

If you want to feel stronger, clearer and more grounded — start here.

Tune in, take something from it, and do the work.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

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In this episode of The Work, James breaks down one of the biggest reasons men stay stuck: trying to fix problems they haven’t taken the time to understand.

Most men jump straight into action — solutions, strategies, quick wins — without ever looking beneath the surface. And it’s why the same frustrations, habits, and emotional patterns keep repeating.

James explores what’s really going on underneath the struggle:

• slipping into blame or a quiet victim mindset

• avoiding uncomfortable truths

• old wounds still shaping your behaviour

• responsibility you haven’t fully taken

• a lack of clarity around your values

• or simply not knowing how to tolerate discomfort well

This episode is an invitation to pause, get curious, and understand yourself on a deeper level.

Because real change doesn’t start with fixing the outside — it starts with understanding the inside.

If you feel like you’ve been doing a lot but not moving forward, this conversation will help you see why… and show you where to start.

Tune in, look beneath the surface, and keep doing the work.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

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So many men are struggling right now — not because they’re weak, but because they’re stuck in one of two unhelpful camps.

Camp 1: Work hard, stay busy, push emotions down, and chase success… while health and relationships quietly fall apart.

Camp 2: More open emotionally, but taking no meaningful action. Stuck, overwhelmed, and wanting progress without knowing where to start.

In this episode, I break down the third path — Camp 1.5 — the middle ground most men never find.

A place where you can:

• stay connected to yourself and take aligned action

• understand your emotions without being held back by them

• build healthy relationships while building a strong career

• pursue achievement without losing your wellbeing

You’ll also learn the simple framework that helps men break old cycles:

Stop → Learn → Act.

This is the work that prevents you from becoming successful but lonely…

or self-aware but stuck.

If you’re a man who wants more clarity, more purpose, and real long-term growth — this episode is for you.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

This week I sit down and talk with Luke French to talk about all things Mental Health and Mental Fitness. 

If you would like to reserve your spot on the next Mental Fitness event then sign up here:

https://www.thrive-personaltraining.co.uk/mental-fitness-february-2026

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

In this episode, James breaks down eight of the most common mistakes men make — the ones that quietly drain their energy, limit connection, and stop them from living with purpose.

You’ll learn how to:

• Embrace vulnerability instead of carrying everything alone
• Build meaningful connection with yourself and others
• Stop attaching your worth to achievements and success
• Let go of perfection and find peace in progress
• Slow down, pause, and create presence
• Listen and understand instead of fixing
• Feel sadness so you can also experience joy
• Recognise when pleasure becomes distraction

These lessons aren’t about being perfect — they’re about being human.

Every man will make mistakes. The difference is whether you learn from them or repeat them.

Listen now and start doing the work.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

In this episode, James breaks down eight of the most common mistakes men make — the ones that quietly drain their energy, limit connection, and stop them from living with purpose.

You’ll learn how to:

• Embrace vulnerability instead of carrying everything alone
• Build meaningful connection with yourself and others
• Stop attaching your worth to achievements and success
• Let go of perfection and find peace in progress
• Slow down, pause, and create presence
• Listen and understand instead of fixing
• Feel sadness so you can also experience joy
• Recognise when pleasure becomes distraction

These lessons aren’t about being perfect — they’re about being human.

Every man will make mistakes. The difference is whether you learn from them or repeat them.

Listen now and start doing the work.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

This week James's share the 4 stages to manage your mindset when things don't go to plan.

Expect to learn:

How to manage disappointment

Why mental flexibility is so important  

What to do after the event 

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

This week James sits down to talk with Christian Lawal to talk about how to heal from a relationship ending.

They discuss:

How to make room for and manage difficult emotions

Importance of having good friends

Understanding your past and how it influences your present 

How to reflect and understand the good and negative parts of your previous relationships

Fears and insecurities 

Importance of being alone

Healing inside a relationship 

How to know if you're living in-line with your values

How to not repeat the same cycles 

The value of being deeply honest with yourself

Why doing the work on yourself will bring greater connection, peace, presence, and fulfilment to your life 

And much more

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off

In this episode:

James explores why so many men feel emotionally heavy — even when life looks “fine” on the surface. He unpacks how stress, emotional suppression, and unspoken tension can build up over time, and shares how to start releasing that weight in practical, healthy ways.

You’ll learn:

• What “emotional load” really means and how it affects your body and mind.
• Why most men carry it without realising it.
• How to identify what’s weighing you down.
• The importance of awareness, acceptance, and communication.
• Why calm is the foundation for wisdom, growth, and stronger relationships. 

Takeaway:

When you acknowledge what you’re carrying — and stop carrying it in silence — the load gets lighter.

That’s how men build calm, resilience, and emotional strength.

Listen to this episode if you’re:

• Feeling tense, drained, or mentally heavy.
• Struggling to express how you feel.
• Ready to build emotional strength and connection.

Get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_shireby/

Email: [email protected]

Interview episodes you might enjoy:

Anthony Barnes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ3TikRV9s

Chloe Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEhKfcAZgk

Johnny Lawrence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_ErlDxpeGk

Read more from me:

https://twpt.co.uk/blog/77/how-to-manage-your-negative-thoughts

Discounts:

Awesome Supplements: https://awesomesupplements.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn-XrqsCljQMVWJJQBh29URCQEAAYASAAEgJg7vD_BwE&utm_source=google&campaign_id=21383997986&ad_id=702821348557&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SWK+-+Search+-+Brand&utm_content=166602222467&utm_term=&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21383997986

Use: SHIREBY10 at checkout for 10% off