What IS men's work and why is it essential for a better You

brotherhood community men's work Oct 13, 2024

What is Men’s Work?

Let’s be honest—when you hear “men’s work,” it might sound like a cross between assembling IKEA furniture without instructions and some vague notion of “fixing yourself.” But here’s the deal: men’s work is not about being more “manly” or adding more weight to your bench press (though, good on you if you’re hitting the gym). Instead, it’s about diving deeper into who you are as a man, addressing the emotions we tend to shove into the back of the closet, and learning how to show up more fully in life.

Think of it like this: society teaches men to be strong, stoic, and self-sufficient. Crying? Nah. Asking for help? Definitely not. But this “tough it out” approach leads to a lot of bottled-up feelings, struggles with relationships, and, for many, mental health challenges. Men’s work is all about unpacking those emotions, embracing vulnerability, and building healthier ways to navigate life, relationships, and work.

At its core, it’s about moving from just surviving to actually thriving. And trust me, you don’t need to trade your personality in for a yoga mat or a self-help book (though both are welcome). You just need to start tuning into who you are—without the pressure to be a “perfect” version of manhood.

Why Is Men’s Work Essential for Being a Better Man?

Let’s face it: men are dealing with a lot. Work stress, relationship challenges, figuring out what it means to be a modern man, and sometimes just trying to be “enough” in a world that gives us a confusing script to follow. Here’s why doing the inner work matters.

  1. Your Mental Health Deserves It
    Men are struggling—hard. Statistically, we’re less likely to talk about mental health, more likely to die by suicide, and often end up managing stress in unhealthy ways (hello, beer,  video games, and porn). Engaging in men’s work helps break down those barriers that keep us from seeking help. It’s a space to get real with yourself and understand that vulnerability is strength.

  2. Better Relationships Start with You
    Ever been told you’re emotionally unavailable? Or maybe you feel distant even when you care deeply? Men’s work helps you develop emotional intelligence—a fancy way of saying, “You’ll learn how to communicate and connect better.” When you do this work, you’ll notice improvements in every area of your life: friendships, romantic relationships, family dynamics, professional endeavors—you name it.

  3. Redefine Masculinity on Your Own Terms
    The “traditional” version of masculinity (be tough, don’t cry, be the breadwinner) is outdated. But with no new script, we’re left to figure things out on our own. Men’s work lets you rewrite your story—not based on what society tells you, but based on who you truly are. It helps you show up in a way that’s authentic and aligned with your values.

  4. It’s a Game-Changer for Personal Growth
    Personal growth isn’t just for New Year’s resolutions. It’s about becoming a more grounded, self-aware man who’s equipped to deal with life’s curveballs. Doing men’s work gives you the tools to handle stress better, communicate effectively, and lead a more fulfilling life—without feeling like you’re stuck on autopilot.

How Can I Get Started with Men’s Work?

Now that we’ve covered why this matters, let’s talk about how you can actually get started. Spoiler alert: you don’t need to go on a spiritual quest to the Himalayas (unless you’re into that). Here are some practical and simple ways to dive into men’s work:

  1. Start with Self-Reflection
    Grab a journal or just sit with yourself for a minute and ask:

    • How do I handle stress?
    • Do I express my emotions or avoid them?
    • What does being a man mean to me?
      Answering these questions honestly is the first step toward self-awareness. It might feel awkward at first, but trust the process—this is where the magic starts.
  2. Join a Men’s Group
    Doing this work solo can be tough. That’s why men’s circles exist. They’re spaces where guys like you can share experiences, offer support, and get real without feeling judged. At Brothers Beyond, we host bi-weekly online circles where you can connect with other men, dive deeper into these conversations, and work on becoming the best version of yourself.

  3. Get Professional Help
    If you’re dealing with past trauma or want to accelerate your growth, working with a therapist or a men’s coach can be life-changing. They’ll help you process unresolved stuff and give you tools to move forward with clarity because they can see into the blind spots that you are unaware of.

  4. Daily Mindfulness
    You don’t need to meditate for an hour every morning, although practicing mindfulness—even for a few minutes—can be a game-changer. Whether it’s breathwork, journaling, or just sitting in silence, these practices help you tune into your emotions and reduce stress and think about your thinking.

  5. Attend a Men’s Retreat or Mentorship Program
    Looking to fast-track your growth? Retreats and mentorship programs are immersive experiences that can take your inner work to the next level. Imagine dedicating time to focus entirely on your personal development—learning from others and gaining powerful insights along the way. If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out what Brothers Beyond offers. 1:1 guidance, group sessions, mentorship programs and personalized tools to transform your life.

Take the First Step: Join Brothers Beyond

If you’re ready to start doing the work and become the best version of yourself, we’re here to help. At Brothers Beyond, we’re building a community of men who are committed to growth, self-awareness, and redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world.

Whether you’re interested in our bi-weekly online men’s circle, an upcoming retreat, receiving 1:1 coaching, or joining our private FaceBook community, you’re not just signing up for an event or program—you’re joining a brotherhood of like-minded men dedicated to living with purpose, integrity, and emotional connection.

Take the leap and say "Fuck YES!"
Join us at Brothers Beyond and start your journey today.