Season 4, Episode 7 | “Worry feels like doing something—but it changes nothing.”

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the pervasive grip of worry and its role as a symptom of deeper internal chaos. They challenge the notion that worry is a solution, instead presenting it as a false sense of control over life's inevitable chaos. Through personal stories and historical examples, they illustrate how voluntary discomfort can prepare us to face life's unpredictability with resilience and agency. By embracing discomfort, we can cultivate higher-order skills that transform our response to chaos, moving beyond default reactions to a place of intentional action. Whether you're in the midst of involuntary discomfort or preparing for the storms ahead, this episode invites you to reconsider your relationship with worry and explore a path of proactive growth.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:31 The Nature of Worry
• 04:49 Worry as a Symptom
• 09:35 Order and Chaos
• 13:00 Practicing Discomfort
• 23:50 Facing Involuntary Discomfort

Mentions:

• Nelson Mandela - South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mentioned in the context of his imprisonment and forgiveness of his oppressors.
• Daniel Johnston - American singer-songwriter and artist. Mentioned in the context of his song "Worried Shoes" which illustrates the concept of worry.
• M. Scott Peck - American psychiatrist and author. Mentioned for his book "The Road Less Traveled" and its opening line, "Life is difficult."
• Seth Godin - American author and former dot com business executive. Mentioned for his idea of "dancing with the whirlwind."

Anchor Actions:

1. Practice Voluntary Discomfort: Begin incorporating small acts of voluntary discomfort into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a cold shower, fasting intermittently, or engaging in physical exercise when you don't feel like it. These practices build resilience and prepare you for unexpected challenges, enabling you to respond with resourcefulness rather than default worry.
2. Reframe Worry as a Signal: Instead of viewing worry as a problem, see it as a symptom that alerts you to areas where you need to take action. When you feel worry creeping in, pause and identify what it's signaling. Then, take practical steps to address the root cause rather than succumbing to the worry itself.
3. Embrace the Chaos: Accept that life is inherently chaotic and that challenges will arise. Instead of fearing these moments, prepare for them by cultivating a mindset of readiness. Engage in activities that strengthen your mental and emotional fortitude, so when chaos does strike, you can stand firm and navigate it effectively.

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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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Season 4, Episode 6 | "Do you wanna look perfect or be perfect?"

This episode of Strong & Awake challenges the notion of perfectionism and its impact on personal growth. Mitch and Dane explore how the pursuit of perfection often becomes a barrier, preventing us from taking action and learning from our experiences. They discuss the importance of embracing wholeheartedness—bringing your full self to every endeavor, even when failure is a possibility. By sharing personal stories and community practices, they highlight the value of vulnerability, accountability, and authenticity in overcoming perfectionism. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to tell truer stories and pursue growth through voluntary discomfort.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:27 Perfectionism as a Thief
• 06:44 The Myth of Being Perfect
• 09:22 Living Wholeheartedly
• 16:40 The Vanity of Perfectionism
• 19:04 Keeping Commitments to Yourself
• 24:57 Humility and Honest Storytelling
• 32:00 Closing & Invitation

Mentions:

• Carol Dweck - Known for her work on mindset, particularly the concepts of "fixed mindset" and "growth mindset."
• Gregory Benedict - Mentioned in relation to a TEDx talk and helping a world record setting weightlifter.
• Steph Curry - Professional basketball player, often cited as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
• TEDx - A program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
• Turkish Getup - A complex exercise typically done with a kettlebell, mentioned here being performed with a barbell.

Anchor Actions:

1. Reframe Your Stories: In the next 24 hours, identify a moment where you told a story to justify breaking a commitment. Approach the person involved and share a more honest account of what happened. This practice not only builds integrity but also moves you closer to wholehearted living.
2. Quarterly Self-Assessment: Schedule a quarterly review of your life. Reflect on whether your actions are aligned with trying to appear perfect or being genuinely committed. Plan the next 90 days to focus on projects and practices that move you towards authenticity rather than maintaining an image.
3. Embrace Community: Engage with a community that encourages you to account for your actions. Whether through formal check-ins or informal conversations, use these interactions to hear your own justifications and recalibrate towards genuine commitments.

Never Settle Promo

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 podcast and any related...

Season 4, Episode 5 | Why do we crave the reward without the effort—comfort without discomfort?

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch dismantle the patience myth, exposing how chasing shortcuts steals your momentum and growth. You’ll discover why leaning into the uncomfortable gap rewires your mindset, how community holds you when you’d normally bail, and simple daily rituals that turn small acts of waiting into real strength. Trade quick fixes for lasting change and step onto the unlikely path of true resilience.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:33 Patience Unmasked
• 05:14 Shortcut Illusion
• 08:19 Emptiness as Ally?
• 10:48 Reward in Resistance
• 13:04 Community Over Comfort
• 15:41 Mindset Shift
• 18:31 Discomfort Signals
• 23:30 Daily Discomfort Rituals
• 25:47 Release Perfection
• 28:32 Redemption and Imperfect Progress
• 31:50 Challenge Accepted

Mentions:

• CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) - A personal assessment tool developed by Don Clifton and popularized by Marcus Buckingham. It helps individuals identify their top strengths and encourages focusing on these rather than improving weaknesses.
• James Clear - Author of "Atomic Habits," which discusses the idea of making small changes to improve habits and behavior over time. Mentioned in the context of making deposits into the person you want to become in the future.
• Steve Magness - Author of "Do Hard Things” and “The Surprising Science of Real Toughness." His work is referenced in relation to understanding the psychology of performance and resilience.
• Rory McIlroy - Professional golfer who recently won the Masters, completing the career Grand Slam. His journey and psychological coaching are mentioned as an example of overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
• Courtney Dauwalter - Ultra-endurance athlete known for her mental toughness and ability to endure extreme discomfort. Referenced in the context of embracing discomfort and remodeling the "pain cave."
• "The Infinite Game" - A book by Simon Sinek that discusses the concept of playing games with an infinite mindset, focusing on long-term goals and continuous improvement rather than short-term wins. Mentioned in relation to focusing on the process rather than the end result.
• "Play Infinite" - The Strong & Awake episode from Season 2, focused on the Anchors that are fundamental to the MWOD community. Listen here.

Anchor Actions:

1. Embrace Discomfort as a Signal: When you find yourself in moments of discomfort, whether it's during a workout or a challenging conversation, recognize it as a sign that you're on the right path. Instead of seeking immediate relief or distraction, lean into the discomfort. Use it as a cue to stay present and committed, knowing that this is where growth happens.
2. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Shift your attention from the end goal to the immediate task at hand. Whether you're playing a game or working towards a personal goal, concentrate on each step or point rather than the final result. This approach not only enhances performance but also enriches the experience, allowing you to find satisfaction in the journey itself.
3. Practice Relational Presence: In interactions with others, especially those who challenge you, strive to be fully present. Resist the urge to rush through or avoid these encounters. Instead, engage with empathy and curiosity, seeking to understand the other person's...