There is a powerful quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known as Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. This quote will ring true for every man who reads it, because it speaks to the inner desire that each man has to prevail, to overcome, to succeed:

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.” -Seneca

Comfort Castrates

As humans we seek comfort, all over technology over the years of evolution has been in search of increasing comfort. Look at the microwave, we have a device that within minutes and a push of a button we can have a meal ready. Or look at the vehicle, we get in and push a button to a multiton device without having to know how it operates and we can be transported over long distances in minutes. The problem with evolving technology that increases our comfort  is that with each new level of  comfort our brains and our human nature reset to a new level of adversity and discomfort we are accustomed to, which over time has decreased one of the most important factors that makes us men; adversity.

Previously in times past men would have to chase down their meals over long distances and long periods of time just to eat. Now, you often can find 10 seconds left in the microwave from the last person who just could not wait another second for their 2 minute instant meal to be ready. Or how often do you see men who engage on the road because someone has accidentally missed the light turning green. or maybe you have heard people complain about traffic when in times past that same trip would have taken days. As men we must be on guard for this new world of comfort is castrating us through conveniences and complacency and is removing or lessening the adversity we need to prove ourselves men.

Challenge Kills Comfort 

How then should we grow as men? How then should we prove ourselves as men, if the greatest adversity some of us face these days is the food delivery app taking longer than usual to get our food delivered to our doorstep, so we don’t have to get off the couch? 

Create challenges in your life now!

If the world will not provide the adversity and challenge we need as men, then it is our responsibility to create it for ourselves. Here are the three C’s you need to create the right type of challenge in your life:

1. Core Values – Outline a task or multiple tasks you want to complete that align with who you desire to be in life. For example in HeRose, members challenge themselves daily with habits that connect to our core values, like fifteen minutes of prayer, meditation, reading of a good book and at least thirty minutes of exercise. Be sure to impose a certain level of difficulty, so if you read daily already, then maybe increase the time. Or if you workout daily then add another layer of fitness difficulty. 
2. Calendar – Choose a set amount of time you want to engage in these challenging tasks. Ensure the time frame adds a layer of difficulty. For example, don’t just do a challenge for one hour or one day. Try something that the HeRose members engage in. The members of HeRose can impose a strict and hard challenge timeframe ranging from 28 days to 60 days.  You want it to be hard and you also want a clear finish line.
3. Camaraderie – “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. There is so much truth to this. The presence of other men, brothers creates a level of confidence that helps diminish fear and insecurity. Just the mere presence of other men with you can encourage you, and doubly so if they’re willing to join alongside you in their own challenge. Courage is gained in the “If you do it, I’ll do it too!” dynamic. When you know someone has your back, you are willing to press forward against fear and doubt in the moments of wanting to quit. 

Call to Challenge Now

Instead of simply closing this window after you read this blog, take 5 minutes to outline your first challenge. Ignore the call of comfort and impose upon yourself 5 minutes if planning. Go ahead and set a timer now, I’ll wait…..

Ok. Follow the 3 C’s of a Challenge to create your first challenge now. Once you outline your task and your timeline, text one of your male friends to join you or hold you accountable on this self imposed adversity challenge. 

We know how hard it is to stay consistent and accountable on your own, that is why we invite you to join our Facebook Group to help you stay accountable and our Weekly Power Up email to keep you motivated to stay the course. Permit yourselves to prove yourself a man!