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

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares four strategies to avoid bitterness amid life's challenges. He urges men to take responsibility for their circumstances, emphasizing decision-making, reframing adversity, learning from experiences, and applying lessons for growth.

Michler highlights the dangers of victimhood and encourages gratitude and proactive change to transform struggles into opportunities. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, he inspires listeners to rise above frustration and embrace their potential. Visit orderofman.com/battle-ready for tools to implement these principles and become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:10 - Introduction: The Trap of Bitterness
02:30 - Strategy 1: Make a Decision
04:55 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves
07:24 - Strategy 2: Reframe Your Circumstances
09:47 - Gratitude as a Tool for Growth
11:30 - Strategy 3: Learn from Experiences
13:50 - Strategy 4: Apply the Lessons
15:47 - Embracing Discomfort and Responsibility
17:54 - Tools for Improvement: The Battle Planner
20:05 - Closing: Take Action, Rise Above

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 "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle listener questions on toxic leadership, writing books, jumpstarting motivation, the meaning crisis, and connecting with stepkids. They explore overcoming self-help burnout, emphasizing the power of fun to recharge motivation, and discuss finding purpose in a pleasure-driven culture. With practical advice and personal insights, they inspire listeners to take action, build influence, and live meaningfully. Join the conversation at orderofman.com and themensforge.com.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and Weekend Recap
02:55 - Dealing with Toxic Leadership
19:06 - Writing Books: Plans and Challenges
23:53 - Jumpstarting Motivation
34:44 - The Meaning Crisis: Causes and Solutions
43:23 - Overcoming Self-Help Burnout
54:41 - Building Influence with Stepkids
01:02:15 - Community Updates and Resources

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

Purpose is a factor of life that every man knows will improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, we seem to be in an era when purpose is increasingly abysmal in the lives of too many men. Men in all walks and stages of life are floundering around aimlessly, wondering why they’re anxious, depressed, and alone.

My guest today, Garrett Unclebach, former Navy SEAL, is a man who is intimately familiar with why and how purpose drives men to step up, take charge of their lives, and succeed. We unpack why a man must look beyond himself, how surrendering in certain circumstances could lead you to an incredible place you’ve never considered, the power of equanimity and how to cultivate it, why being faithful when you have nothing leads to a life of prosperity and abundance, and how to judge what you should be doing and who you should be doing it with.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
00:35 - Ryan’s Recent Event in St. Louis
01:00 - Garrett’s Men’s Group and Camping Trip
02:40 - Developing Leaders and Train the Trainer
05:00 - Rewarding Leadership Moments
06:27 - Hunting Memories and Mentorship
07:16 - Family and Fatherhood
09:29 - Shared Hunting Experiences in Africa
11:25 - The Impossible Life and Control
12:32 - Mentoring Navy SEAL Tadpoles
14:46 - Finding Peace Beyond Outcomes
16:39 - Balancing Heart and Consequences
19:10 - Joseph’s Dream and Purpose
22:35 - Discovering Purpose Through Heart and Hand
25:09 - God’s Plan and Personal Growth
26:51 - The Question Every Man Asks
29:31 - The Power of Perspective and Beliefs
32:43 - Faith, Works, and Serving Others
35:57 - Transformation Over Behavioral Change
39:13 - Balancing Service and Personal Fulfillment
42:09- Living and Dying for Purpose
45:01 - Equanimity and Staying Under the Weight
47:35 - Taking Responsibility for Choices
49:32 - The Mindset of Inevitability
52:30 - Resilience vs. Delusion
56:33 - Learning from Scars and Pain
58:09 - Chip on the Shoulder Mentality
01:01:28 - Purpose Over Temporary Identity
01:03:13 - Mission vs. Vision
01:05:22 - Connecting with Garrett and Closing

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 episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores how creating options leads to true freedom. Expanding on the concept of "discipline equals freedom," Ryan argues that personal responsibility, open-mindedness, and sovereignty are key to unlocking a life of choice. He shares four actionable strategies to cultivate options, emphasizing self-improvement, avoiding rigid thinking, aligning relationships, and prioritizing liberty.

Ryan inspires listeners to take control of their lives and pursue their desired path.

Join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil for more.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction to Options and Freedom
02:35 - Fix Yourself First
04:59 - Never Pedestalize Anything
09:43 - Coinciding vs. Conflicting Interests
14:05 - Sovereignty as the Path to Liberty
17:45 - Reclaiming Your Sovereignty
20:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging Ask Me Anything episode, tackling listener questions on sobriety, respect, body image, entrepreneurship, and relationships. From navigating a teen’s insecurities to balancing co-parenting conflicts, they share practical advice and personal insights. With humor and heart, they explore overcoming the comparison trap and building a fulfilling life.

Sign up for the Men’s Forge at themensforge.com and join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00:00 - Episode Intro and Roomba Mishap
00:01:50 - Sobriety and Overcoming Past Mistakes
00:07:52 - Respect: Earned vs. Given
00:13:24 - Supporting a Teen’s Body Image Struggles
00:22:25 - Bedros Kulian Event and Personal Growth
00:24:17 - Escaping the Comparison Trap
00:32:55 - Men’s Forge Event Plans
00:35:54 - Starting a Business: Key Tips
00:44:24 - Co-Parenting and Team Commitments
00:49:00 - Fitness Goals and Gym Humor
00:51:51 - Letting Go of Relationships
00:57:53 - Call to Action and Closing

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