Episode 8 | "Your job is not to get rid of fear. Your job is to learn how to dance with it."

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the transformative power of tension and discomfort. They discuss how the pursuit of balance often masks a deeper desire for relief from life's pressures, and why embracing tension is crucial for genuine growth. Drawing on insights from Seth Godin and personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of leveraging fear and stress as tools for strength and awakening. This conversation challenges listeners to redefine their relationship with discomfort and to see tension as a pathway to becoming their most authentic selves. Join Dane and Mitch as they explore the dynamics of voluntary discomfort as the unlikely path to true comfort.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:12 The Gift of Tension
• 03:19 Dancing with Fear
• 07:42 Craving Relief, Not Balance
• 08:49 Painting the Bullseye Around the Dart
• 11:29 Becoming the Genuine Article
• 15:04 Individual vs. Collective Growth

Mentions:

• Seth Godin: Mentioned for his insights on fear and the importance of learning to "dance with it" instead of trying to eliminate it.
• 75 Hard: Referenced in the context of tension and growth, highlighting the importance of sustained effort and challenge.
• Searching for Bobby Fischer: Mentioned in a story about chess and the development of skills, illustrating the value of early training and community support.
• Adam Grant's Hidden Possibilities: Mentioned regarding cultural norms and inequalities, emphasizing the role of community and opportunity in personal growth.

Anchor Actions:

• Embrace Tension: Identify areas in your life where you feel discomfort or stress and view them as opportunities for growth. Instead of seeking relief, lean into these tensions and use them as training grounds to develop resilience and strength.
• Dance with Fear: Recognize that fear is a constant companion. Rather than trying to eliminate it, learn to work with it. Find ways to create productive tension with your fears, using them as pivot points to achieve your goals and enhance your personal growth.
• Be Honest: Commit to integrity. Avoid shortcuts and the temptation to "paint the bullseye around the dart." Start with recognizing that you might be "cheating" and in the process cheating yourself from the growth that starts with that radical candor.

Join Us:

Our Membership Community (MWOD) is where we embrace discomfort as a path to personal development. Remember, it's probably not for you... but if we're wrong about that, or if you want to find out for yourself, visit us at MWOD.io 🦬

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Disclaimer:

The information shared on this podcast and any related materials from Men

Episode 7 | Are you building a cathedral, or are you just pushing rocks?

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the crucial interplay between the present moment and long-term vision. Using vivid analogies like the parable of two rock-pushers - one building a cathedral, the other aimlessly toiling, pushing rocks - they underscore the necessity of connecting daily actions to a greater purpose. Through frank self-examination of symptoms, both positive and negative, listeners are challenged to identify (with radical candor) their current reality and preferred future. With authenticity and specificity, they guide listeners in painting a nuanced, multi-sensory vision to fuel sustained motivation amidst life's inevitable discomforts. For those feeling demoralized by past failed attempts, this episode offers a radical reframing: charting an unconventional path aligned with ancient wisdom, not fleeting fads promising shortcuts to fulfillment.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:54 What is now, what is not yet?
• 03:48 Name the symptoms, reveal the vision
• 17:38 What do you want?
• 21:28 Mastering the mundane
• 24:22 Crystallize the cathedral

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dan Tocchini - Dane's mentor who originally shared the rock pusher parable exemplifying purposeful living. Dan is a seasoned leadership coach and co-founder of Take New Ground, known for his innovative approaches to conflict resolution and transformative leadership development.
• Matthew Perry - Dane references the tragic trajectory of the Friends actor, who achieved fame but then struggled with deeper dissatisfaction.
• David (from the Psalms) - Dane quotes this "Jewish dude" counseling to desire neither poverty nor wealth, just one's "daily bread."
• The parable of the two rock pushers - Dane uses this metaphor, where one laborer builds a cathedral while the other toils aimlessly, to illustrate the power of vision.

Anchor Actions:

1. Ruthlessly list the bothersome "symptoms" manifesting in your current reality, then vividly depict the alternative reality you crave - paint it with nuanced textures, sights, sounds, and feelings.
2. Radically question whether your stated goals and visions align with your deepest values and the person you wish to become. Are wealth, fame, or comfort truly "worth wanting"?
3. Regularly reconnect with and update your crystallized "cathedral" vision, fueling sustained motivation by viscerally visualizing the purposeful life you're striving toward amidst inevitable daily discomforts.

Join Us:

Our Membership Community (MWOD) is where we embrace discomfort as a path to personal development. Remember, it's probably not for you... but if we're wrong about that, or if you want to find out for yourself, visit us at MWOD.io 🦬

Connect With Us:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | X (Twitter)

Disclaimer:

The information shared...

Episode 6 | This episode is all about failure and the complex relationship we all have with it. Dane Sanders and Mitch Dong discuss how perceptions of failure influence our behaviors and emphasize the importance of embracing failure and discomfort as avenues for personal growth. The hosts argue that facing challenges helps build resilience and strength, and they provide practical tips for starting small with new habits that foster significant personal development. The episode encourages listeners to move away from seeking comfort, promoting a life enriched by voluntarily facing discomfort, thereby redefining one's relationship with failure and discomfort.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:00 Triggers & Relating to Failure
• 07:35 Embracing Reality
• 11:20 Stages for Embracing Discomfort
• 19:01 Starting Small with Practical First Steps
• 24:53 Enjoy Your Life

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: They mention memes and quotes from these athletes to highlight how they turned their failures into learning experiences and success stories.
• Thomas Edison: Referenced in relation to his numerous failures before successfully inventing the light bulb, illustrating perseverance and iteration.
• James Clear: His concept of "habit stacking" from his work on forming new habits is discussed as a practical approach to personal development.

Anchor Actions:

• Commit to Reality: Start by acknowledging and committing to the reality of your current situation. Whether it’s an uncomfortable emotion, a failure, or a triggering event, make a conscious decision to face it head-on rather than avoiding it. This could be as simple as spending a few minutes each day reflecting on your feelings and experiences without judgment.
• Establish Mini Habits: Begin with small, manageable habits that you can commit to daily. Choose something that slightly stretches your comfort zone, like flossing your teeth, drinking an extra glass of water, or doing a short exercise routine. Use habit stacking to integrate these new habits into your existing routines—pair them with activities you already do consistently.
• Don't Go It Alone: Engage with a community that shares your commitment to personal growth. This could be joining a local fitness class, a group like MWOD, or simply connecting with friends who have similar goals. Sharing your journey with others provides a place to hold account, a place for support, and a place for challenge— making it easier to stay committed.

Join Us:

Our Membership Community (MWOD) is where we embrace discomfort as a path to personal development. Remember, it's probably not for you... but if we're wrong about that, or if you want to find out for yourself, visit us at MWOD.io 🦬

Connect With Us:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | X (Twitter)

Disclaimer:

The information shared on this...