Proof You're In the Game

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
- Henry Ford


Mistakes challenge our ego, and we don’t like that. The perfectionist goes to exhausting lengths to avoid every possible error, while the underachiever dismisses every careless misstep. Both men — and you, to some degree — share the same problem: it’s not the mistakes. It’s the mindset.

Two kinds of mistakes:

  1. Occasional Mistakes Occasional mistakes are inevitable — but they’re not meaningless. A single misstep could cost you more than you realize, so don’t dismiss it. Acknowledge it, fix what needs fixing, and move on.
  2. Repeated Mistakes These are a different beast. They reveal a lack of focus, effort, or discipline. They’re signs of neglect — and they’ll keep standing in your way until you find the courage to face them.

Here’s a powerful truth: mistakes don’t define you — how you respond to them does.

Let go of the story that mistakes equal failure. Mistakes are proof you’re in the game.

The blackbelt move? Start performing an After-Action Review (AAR) after every meaningful effort.

Analyze. Adjust. Improve. Repeat.

"Blue Monday" is Evidence You've Been Hijacked

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."
- Albert Camus


“Blue Monday,” the 3rd Monday of January, is often labeled “the most depressing day of the year.”

If you’re feeling it, that’s a clear sign — you’ve been pulled into the culture’s current — swept up by its standards, trends, and timelines.

Three weeks ago, you set a resolution. Why?

Because... January?

Are you really surprised it hasn’t stuck? Maybe you pushed a little harder for a few days, but now? You’re back to excuses.

Sovereignty doesn’t come from resolutions. It comes from vision. From pursuing goals that matter — goals that don’t wait for a holiday.

This is your wake-up call. Stop mindlessly following trends. Set your own standards. Live by them. That’s how you break cycles, reclaim your freedom, and gain true agency.

You Break Them Down, or They Will Crumble.

"You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
- Dr. Martin Luther King


Goals and resolutions don’t fail because they’re too ambitious; they fail because you haven’t broken them into actionable steps.

The ability to do this — to distill the overwhelming into manageable pieces — is a superpower.

If you’re stalling out or procrastinating — snap out of it!

Pause. Remember why you set the goal. Focus on one tactical step, complete it, then move to the next.

It's not complicated. It's not easy either. It takes focus and discipline.

The time is now. Don’t let hesitation keep you stuck. Break it down, act, and keep moving.

Master the After-Action Report (AAR)

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill


Every mission leaves a mark—wins to celebrate, failures to own, lessons to learn. But too often, we charge into the next battle without sharpening the blade.

The After-Action Report (AAR) is your tool to reflect, refine, and dominate the next round. And here’s the kicker: it’s simple. Done right, it takes less than five minutes.

How to Write Your AAR

  1. Start with the facts.
    What was the mission? What were the objectives? No fluff, no ego—just the truth.
  2. What worked?
    Call it out and claim it. Wins aren’t luck; they’re earned. Recognize what you or your team did right and lock it into your playbook.
  3. What failed?
    Own it, no excuses. Breakdown in communication? Bad execution? Highlight it and dig into why. Failure only stings if you don’t learn from it.
  4. What’s next?
    Adjust and attack. Identify what needs to change. Whether it’s tightening up systems, setting clearer goals, or stepping up your game, commit to improvement.

Every win, every loss, every mission—make them count. Do the work. Get better. Repeat.

Who's With You?

"You can't change the people around you, but you can change the people you choose to be around."

Winning on your own — or surrounded by doubters — is possible, but it’s an uphill battle. The cost is higher: wasted time, missed opportunities, and the mental weight of always having to fight against the current.

The better path? Surround yourself with men who are growing, learning, and willing to share their hard-earned wisdom to help you succeed.

Are the people in your life building you up? Dragging you down? Or are your relationships so shallow it doesn’t even matter?

Your circle shapes your habits.
Your habits shape your results.
Your results shape your life.

If you want to level up, you have a choice: grind it out alone, repeating the same mistakes men before you have made, or build intentional relationships, learn from others' experiences, and accelerate your progress toward self-mastery.

These high-value, high-impact men are everywhere — and they’re accessible to anyone willing to seek them out.

The Iron Council? It’s the shortcut. A direct access point to 1,000 men committed to sharing their experiences and lifting each other up.

Happiness is a Dangerous Waypoint


"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most."
- President Abraham Lincoln


In our culture, temptations for instant gratification are everywhere.

Giving in to fleeting desires weakens you. These actions betray your integrity, erode your confidence, and breed complacency.

Complacency kills your potential.

What we seek is fulfillment. The path is hard. It demands courage and clarity to choose the right waypoints.

Happiness is not a fixed waypoint.

Embrace the hard road and find a deeper happiness — one rooted in purpose, discipline, and earned success.

The hard road won’t always make you happy, but it will lead to fulfillment.

The Ultimate Men's Gift-Buying Guide

100% American-made gifts for men.
Inspired by the men of the Iron Council.


This list, inspired by the men of the Iron Council, features items chosen for their quality, utility, and craftsmanship. Best of all, every single gift is 100% made in the USA.

100% American-Made
Gifts Under $100

titanLIGHT
by Exotac

Vector Single-Edge Razor
by Blackland

Surefire G2X
by EDC Specialties

Live Edge Phone Case
by Carved

Minimalist Wallet
by Rogue Industries

A Father's Guided Journal
by Lay It Flat

Hot Sauce Gift Set
by Folse Alarm Fire Co.

100% American-Made
Gifts Under $500

Nock On - Triumph Hunter
by Montana Knife Co.
*USE CODE: ORDEROFMAN*

Work Jeans
by Origin

Maine Mock Toe Boot
by Origin

Flat Top for Indoor Stoves
by Steelmade

Plate Carrier Weighted Vest
by Rogue Fitness

Ultimate Biometric Test + Membership
by InsideTracker

Storyteller Smokeless Fire Pit
by Trayvax


100% American-Made
Gifts Over $500

Adjustable Charcoal Grill
by Pitts & Spitts

Cold Plunge Tub
by Desert Plunge

Barrel Sauna
by Salus Saunas

The Outfitter Rack
by Sorinex Exercise Equipment

42mm Standard Issue Field Watch Set
by Weiss

The Growth Paradox


“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."​
- Pablo Picaso


It’s easy to get caught in the trap of chasing a “thing” that will give you fulfillment.

The truth is, the things that truly fill you up aren’t what you take — they’re what you pour into.

This is the paradox of growth.

The more you give to others — your time, your energy, your attention — the more you get in return.

Men aren’t meant to be takers. We’re designed to serve.

Whether it’s your family, your business, your friends, or your mission, your results will reflect the effort you put in.

Pour in fully — not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.

That’s how you grow. That’s how you lead.

That’s how you find fulfillment.

The Other Story of Thanksgiving


“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."​
- President George Washington


Most men avoid affirmations because they feel fake — like looking in the mirror and lying to yourself. “I’m a badass!” when deep down, you don’t believe it.

September 17, 1787.

39 men with an average age of just 29, signed the U.S. Constitution — establishing liberty for generations.

In just 4,400 words, it laid the foundation for checks and balances, divided power, and protected individual freedoms, becoming the blueprint for countless governments worldwide.

Shortly after its signing, President Washington proclaimed November 26th, 1789, as the first National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.

He understood the significance of what had been achieved—a unified nation built on principles of freedom and self-governance. Washington’s proclamation called on the people to acknowledge this moment of national triumph and to express their gratitude for the opportunities and blessings it secured.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, let us remember the roots of this tradition and give thanks for the nation, the liberties we enjoy, and the principles that continue to guide us forward.

Affirmations are Tools, Not Magic Spells


“Affirmations are not magic. They're reminders to stay focused on what matters."​
- Hal Elrod


Most men avoid affirmations because they feel fake — like looking in the mirror and lying to yourself. “I’m a badass!” when deep down, you don’t believe it.

You’re right to avoid that. Bullshitting yourself never works.

But here’s the thing: Affirmations aren’t about lying. They’re about training your focus. An affirmation done right isn’t fantasy — it’s a commitment.

Don’t say: “I’m unstoppable.”
Say: “I’ve faced worse, and I’m still here.”

Don’t say: “I’m the best.”
Say: “I show up every day and outwork the competition.”

Affirmations are tools — not magic spells. Use them to stay focused on what’s real and what you’re willing to work for.

Should You?


“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."​
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


There’s a subtle poison in the word “should.”

It seeps into our decisions, masquerading as guidance but often leading us astray. Every time you tell yourself, “I should be doing this,” or “I should be more like that,” you’re handing over control to someone else’s script for your life.

Next time you catch yourself saying, “I should…,” pause and ask: Who says? Whose standard is this?

Root out the hidden “shoulds” guiding your actions without permission. Challenge them, reclaim those choices, and let each decision reflect your true priorities and mission.

Who's In Charge Here?


“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."​
- John Wooden


Yes. There are days when the world feels like it’s on fire. But here’s the truth: obsessing over the chaos out there only pulls you further from the stability you’re looking for.

You want a solid, grounded life? Focus relentlessly on what you can control.

Eat right. Work hard. Keep your word — these aren’t just good ideas; they’re choices good men make.

If you’re skimping on these essentials, don’t be surprised when life feels out of control. Chaos, frustration, and burnout are the natural consequences of forfeiting your sovereignty.

Rise to the challenge. Control what you can.