The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Don’t Forget

The dog days of summer are over, and the beach towels are dry. You still need to print those vacation pictures; the garage is still scattered with beach toys. The kids got their new school clothes; yet again, you overpaid for shoes. You murmur to yourself and write it off as “inflation.” A new school year looms with the same old traffic jams, pick-up lines, late-night homework, and extracurriculars. Kids will need prodding to get up and shake off their summer slumber. Back to school implies change, and change like this tempts a man to punt on personal goals. The shift is reasonable, and no one would blame you for taking a break from your faith and fitness. After all, “it’s for the kids.” Don’t forget about you.

As you consider new rhythms, plans and goals, reconsider these principles.

I use this simple acrostic to keep moving forward in times of wanted or unwanted change…

1. Consider

Consider what I am trying to do. Garrett and I discussed goals in episodes 63, 64, 65, and 66 of the Men of Iron Podcast. These could be valuable starting points for you.

Consider what you want to do and who you want to become.

2. Limitations

What are the limitations or obstacles in your way? Be as honest as you can be. Pretending they don’t exist will make the goal even harder to reach. By naming them, you can see if the limitation is something to go through, climb over or go around.

3. Infuse with Good Habits

Based on what the goal may be, infuse your life with good habits to reach that goal. Your practice will not be perfect, and more times than not, it will be messy, but stick with them and try new habits as needed. James Clear says in his book Atomic Habits, “Become the person of which intellectual, spiritual, physical and relational growth becomes easier.”

4. Movement

Life is not a sprint. Find yourself clear direction and good habits and move forward. Good things always take longer than we expect or prefer, but patience builds suspense, and hard work gives you greater self-confidence.

5. Brotherhood

Who could help you, so you don’t C.L.I.M.B. alone? Is there a mentor, friend, coach, or group you could lock arms with? As the poet, John Donne said, “No man is an island to himself.” Strong27, Equilibrium, and Anchoredman would be great resources to help you C.L.I.M.B.

Be a mentor

Find a mentor.

Be a better man.

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