What's up, dudes?! I want to do a personal challenge in December to get off social media for the month, except for this Skool Community, and focus on family, advent, prayer, and personal growth and reflection. I want to invite y'all into this, as well.⚡ I'm still planning out the details, but essentially it would be deleting Instagram, Facebook, X, etc. off your phone for the month, and return here daily for scripture reading, discussion, workouts, and weekly Zoom calls to get together and discuss what we're up to. It also will give plenty of accountability as we look to workout daily with a rest day on Sundays. So if you are looking to: - Slow down during the holidays - Reduce your dopamine addiction - Develop a consistent workout routine - Keep the holiday weight off - Grow deeper in community with like-minded men - Connect with your family during this special season - Develop a sense of reflection on the scriptures and your life - Have accountability in all of it Just comment below if you're in and invite other guys who you think could benefit from this to the Skool.👍 Let's grow in faith, fitness, and family this December while cultivate a contemplative and reflective life of slowing and intention. Hugs and High Fives, Ryan

My Friends! Would y'all want to get together on Zoom sometime soon and have a coffee hour? No specific agenda for this one, but to get to know each other better and discuss what comes up? I'd love to start meeting regularly, so this gives us a good opportunity to try it out. What time/day would work best? I was thinking Saturday at 6am Central. Answer this poll for me, and share with some of your buddies our Skool community link, so we can bring more dudes into this and build this thing out!

Clearly, I am a coach. Goal setting is wired into my DNA, and it’s a must to establish vision for who you desire to be. Whether a weight loss goal, financial goal, leadership goal, productivity goal, it doesn’t matter the subject, goals are steppingstones toward an ultimate vision of our desired selves. But there is a problem with goal setting that most people experience, and it’s keeping you from you ultimately leaping off that notepad that you wrote it down on, and making it a reality. We’ll call it the New Year’s Resolution Paradox. You know what I’m talking about. December rolls around and we all get fat and happy with the Holiday treats, time off, and memorable moments that are created during this wonderous time of year. And then December 26 rolls around and we are hit with the reality that life is about to pick back up again, and we better start making plans to get out of celebratory slothfulness. See, whether we are aware of it or not, we are rhythmic people. It’s created within us to work and rest, and if we don’t do it intentionally, life, or our own bodies, will do it for us. It’s good we come to the end of the year and take a break. As Christians, our weary world rejoices every year we come to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our savior. Oh, how we’ve longed for that saving grace, and need to be reminded of it often. The issue is how we go about “starting over”. Because that’s how we see it right? We are starting anew. A new shot at finally losing the weight. A fresh beginning to finally create that budget and live below our means. But just because the calendar rolls over and we come upon the next numeral post Christ’s birth, that doesn’t mean we start from ground zero. We should always be progressing, if anything, in maturity. Sure, it isn’t linear, but the trajectory should be climbing every year. With all of that aside, the main point here is that people get fired up to set a new goal. Karen write down in big, bold, purple marker, “LOSE 50 POUNDS!” circles it, and puts it on her fridge by way of her adorable “time for cat nap” magnet. She signs up for weight watchers (they have a new system, ya know? It will actually work WITH her this time, not against her). She buys new LuLu leggins, a size smaller, to motivate her even more, of course. Gym membership? Check!

When was the last time you were without your phone for 24 hours? Since the old Nokia phones were around? How long has it been since your phone is an afterthought? I’ve worked through my phone now for about 6 years. Before Swell Coaching (my current business), I did online personal training on the side for a few years. The time spend accumulating screen time has, undoubtably, rewired my brain. The dopamine addiction I have is most likely severe, and yours probably is, too. I’m sure you’ve noticed, but people don’t have a screen pasted to their face (I mean some do, but that’s the point of this post), but they can increase your dopamine - it’s just harder to get. And before I go on, I’m not saying we should use people as dopamine hit devices. I’m implying that we can get the same pleasure (but better) by actually conversing with real people, than watching some coach on Instagram teach us how to better our golf swing (or love and lead better…cough cough). We were made for relationship. I’m about to throw out the overarching theme for this post…are you ready? Attention is Love. There it is. Let me ask you this: Is your phone almost always visible when you are hanging out with your wife? What about time spent with your kids. The notion that there is a whole world going on inside this device, sitting on the arm of the chair next to us, is massively distracting whether you realize it or not. And the person you are with, knows that, and feels it to. Here’s a piece of relationship advice that can really change your life: Whenever you are with someone, put your phone out of sight. And I’m talking to Dads, Husbands, Leaders of Companies, Pastors, etc. Everyone. If you are a manager, or leader of a company, and one of your employees come in, put your phone in your desk. They want your full attention, and honestly, they deserve it. But the focus here is that your wife and kids deserve your attention the most. Afterall, you are the leader of your family. And this can get hard, as we know.

Dads, as we dive into a new week, remember this: You are not leading your family alone. God's strength is with you, guiding you every step of the way. 📖 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." – Isaiah 40:31 This week, as you face challenges at work, in your family, or even within yourself, lean on God’s strength. Don’t try to carry it all on your own—place your trust in Him and let His power renew you. 💥 Challenge for the week: Take a moment each morning to pray over your family and your work. Ask for wisdom, patience, and grace as you lead. Be the example of strength and faith your family needs, not through perfection, but through perseverance. You've got this! Let’s conquer the week with courage and faith!