Episode 16 | "Is taking care of yourself selfish?"

This episode of Strong & Awake challenges the conventional wisdom around self-care and personal growth. Dane and Mitch explore the paradox of self-improvement, questioning whether focusing on oneself is inherently selfish or if it can serve a greater purpose. They discuss the tension between self-care and serving others, emphasizing that true growth often comes from voluntary discomfort. Through real-life examples and community insights, they reveal how building a personal practice not only benefits the individual but also strengthens their ability to support and uplift those around them. Join the conversation and discover how to navigate the complexities of personal development in a way that enriches both your life and the lives of others.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:14 The Nurturer's Dilemma
• 05:17 Impact on Others: Both Sides
• 07:20 Two Motivations
• 09:31 The Paradox of Self-Care
• 14:19 Tensions to be Managed
• 16:47 Navigating Social Discomfort
• 19:53 We All Have a Practice
• 23:00 Change is Disruptive
• 25:58 When They Need Us
• 27:37 Commitment in Community

Mentions:

• Soren Kierkegaard: Quoted with "Man finds a level of despair he can tolerate and he calls it happiness."
• Alex Honnold: Mentioned as an example of someone with a rigorous practice, known for his free solo climbing.

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 & Women Of Discomfort (MWOD) or Flying S Incorporated are for general informational purposes only. You should not use this information as a basis for making decisions without consulting your own medical and legal professionals. We aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but we make no guarantees about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or comprehensiveness of the content.

At Men & Women Of Discomfort, we promote agency and encourage you to carefully consider the input we offer. If you find it helpful, we invite you to take advantage of it, but do so with the understanding that you bear the responsibility of due diligence. By using our content, you acknowledge that you are taking opportunities at your own risk. Thank you for understanding.

*Transcript Note: The transcript of our podcast is AI-generated and may contain errors. We aim for accuracy but appreciate your understanding and feedback on any discrepancies.

Copyright 2024 Men & Women Of Discomfort (MWOD.io)

Episode 15 | Move from reacting to responding, from a routine to a practice.

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch challenge the conventional wisdom around routines and explore the power of building a personal practice. They discuss how our fight-or-flight responses are deeply wired and why it's beneficial to have these triggers. The conversation gets into the importance of voluntary discomfort and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life. They also address the misconception that feelings should be suppressed, suggesting instead that feelings can be valuable cues for growth. Through practical steps and relatable examples, they offer insights on how to wake up to our triggers, assess our safety, and move toward discomfort for personal growth. Join us as we share strategies for leveraging feelings and building sustainable practices that help us become more resilient and present in our daily lives.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:06 Redeeming Feelings
• 02:41 George Costanza's Opposite Approach
• 05:46 Leveraging Emotions
• 09:23 Building a Personal Practice
• 17:46 Practical Steps to Handle Emotions
• 23:33 Persisting Through the Mundane

Mentions:

• George Costanza: A character from the TV show "Seinfeld," used as a metaphor for decision-making by doing the opposite of one's initial instinct.
• James Clear: Author of "Atomic Habits," mentioned in the context of building habits and routines.
• Seth Godin: Referenced for his ideas on the rarity of actual danger in modern life compared to historical threats like saber-tooth tigers.
• Hypothalamus Hijack: Mentioned as a physiological response during heightened emotional states.

Anchor Actions:

1. Practice Awareness and Safety Check: When you feel a strong emotional surge, take a moment to recognize it. Ask yourself, "Am I actually in danger?" If not, use this awareness to pause and prevent a reactive response. This step helps to break the automatic cycle of fight, flight, or freeze.
2. Lean into Discomfort: Once you’ve established that you’re safe, intentionally move toward the thing you’re resisting. Whether it’s listening more intently, asking a clarifying question, or engaging in a challenging conversation, taking this step helps build resilience and adaptability.
3. Build a Personal Practice: Develop and maintain a personal practice that includes small, consistent habits of voluntary discomfort, such as cold showers or fasting. These practices train your mind and body to handle stress better, making it easier to stay present and composed in challenging situations.

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...

Episode 14 | "What happens when you let emotions drive your life?"

In this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the pitfalls of letting emotions take the wheel. They share personal stories and practical insights on how to shift from a reactive, comfort-seeking mindset to one of intentional, voluntary discomfort. Using the analogy of a misbehaving puppy and the rigorous training of professional athletes, they illustrate the importance of developing cognitive control over emotional impulses. This episode challenges listeners to embrace discomfort as a training ground for becoming more fully human and achieving a life of strength and awareness. Join the conversation and discover how to lead your life instead of being led by your emotions.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:05 The Path of Least Resistance
• 04:08 The Wrong Boss in Charge
• 08:21 De-Signifying Emotions
• 14:25 Strong and Awake for Love's Sake
• 19:29 Leveraging Life's Difficulties
• 22:04 Getting in the Reps
• 27:00 Practicing Under Duress
• 33:33 Doing Something About It

Mentions:

• Søren Kierkegaard: Mentioned for his quote “People settle for a level of despair they can tolerate and call it happiness.”
• Michael Hyatt: Referenced for his saying, "Well then tell your face that," in relation to emotions.
• Steve Nash, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson: NBA players mentioned for their rigorous practice and shot accuracy.
• Taylor Holiday: Mentioned as "Man Of Discomfort #1" and CEO of Common Thread Collective.

Anchor Actions:

1. Practice Voluntary Discomfort Regularly: Integrate activities like cold showers, breathwork, or intermittent fasting into your daily routine. These practices will help you become more aware of your emotions and improve your ability to manage them, thus enhancing your resilience and cognitive functioning.
2. Engage in Reflective Practices: Dedicate time each week to reflect on your actions and decisions. Journaling or discussing with a trusted friend or mentor can help you gain insights into how emotions influence your behavior and how you can better manage them in the future.
3. Choose Hard Conversations: Commit to addressing difficult topics and conflicts directly rather than avoiding them. Set a rule for yourself, such as not letting more than two days pass before responding to a challenging message or having a tough conversation. This practice will help you build emotional resilience and improve your relationships.

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 materials from Men...