In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the powerful concept inspired by Gladiator and Marcus Aurelius: “What we do echoes in eternity.” Michler emphasizes the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in life to avoid emotional impulsivity, short-term gains, and scarcity mindsets.

He shares three key mindsets for maintaining focus on lasting goals and three practical strategies—pausing before acting, applying the “five-five-five rule,” and prioritizing long-term results—to achieve meaningful outcomes. Michler’s insights inspire listeners to make decisions that resonate beyond the present, fostering a legacy of impact and growth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:18 - Introduction
02:42 - Why Long-Term Perspective Matters
07:21 - Avoiding Short-Term Thinking Traps
09:38 - Strategy 1: Stop Before You Act
11:56 - Managing Emotional Responses
13:57 - Strategy 2: The Five-Five-Five Rule
16:04 - Strategy 3: Focus on Long-Term Results
18:06 - Building Lasting Relationships
20:27 - Recap and Call to Action

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this week’s Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler—joined midway by Kipp Sorensen—tackles questions from listeners about discipline, balance, relationships, and personal growth. They share insights on training consistency in summer, defining identity, healing after breakups, and leading a family with intensity and joy.

Whether you're navigating divorce, redefining your vision, or trying to stay focused in a distracted world, this episode delivers powerful mindset shifts and practical takeaways to help you become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Intro & Memorial Day Reflection
02:49 – Staying Consistent with Training in Summer
05:02 – Balancing Drive and Family Presence
09:46 – Responsibility vs. Enabling in Family
14:28 – Dating After Divorce
22:20 – Discovering Identity and Vision
32:48 – Lessons from Darkest Moments
42:49 – Financial Readiness for Marriage
46:13 – Moving On After a Breakup
50:20 – Closing Remarks & Call to Action

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Every single man listening to this is familiar with discipline and has applied it (to varying degrees) in his life. We generally think of discipline as an overall good thing (and, I think it is) but it can often lead to bouts of frustration and unnecessary suffering if utilized incorrectly.

My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, makes the case that discipline, although, a powerful force for productivity comes with strings attached, and isn’t the end-all, save-all it’s often made out to be. Today, we talk about what true discipline is not, why chasing the wrong target is so common and what to do about it, what I call the “self-help hangover” and how to avoid it, why you should know the distinction between standards and expectations, and how to avoid what Craig calls, “The Doom Loop” in your life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and Defining Discipline
00:42 - Level 10 Effort and Level 10 Problems
01:48 - Identifying Your Level 10 Problem
04:21 - The Importance of Focus and Self-Reflection
06:32 - Calibration and Goal Setting
07:54 - Facing Difficult Conversations
10:44 - The Hero’s Journey and Overcoming Fears
13:13 - Personal Growth Through Challenges
15:49 - Suffering vs. Sacrifice
18:54 - Reframing Sacrifice for Joy
21:21 - Choices and Personal Responsibility
23:44 - Inspiring Stories of Resilience
25:35 - Motivation and Maximizing Potential
27:54 - Breaking the Doom Loop
30:27 - Effortless Discipline Systems
33:46 - The Power of Systems Over Willpower
37:09 - Accountability as a Life Hack
40:31 - Raising Standards for Success
43:55 - Standards vs. Expectations
46:12 - Controlling Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
48:27 - Identity and Core Values
50:35 - Creating a Vision for Your Future
52:45 - Where to Connect and Learn More

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready