My week of self discovery...Building Better Blokes is still my Jam

Feel pretty privileged to be part of the HCANZA group of health coaches, and have just come back from conference. From conception to spending time with my tribe - it reaffirmed for me that what I am doing is on the right path, even if trying to work with the Southern Man is not the easiest.

During the event we were offered an opportunity - which I took last week. This was a Business Clarity Session, during which I managed to do a deep dive into what I want to deliver, how to grow and develop my business in a 5 day challenge. I thought I could share some of the main outcomes with you….

This is what we came up with…..

Step 1: My Vision Statement (The Dream)

• Vision: "I envision a future where men across New Zealand take control of their health and well-being through workshops, online courses, and coaching. Through this, men will empower not only themselves but also their families, friends, and communities, creating a ripple effect of peer support. In 3 years, my business will be thriving, with online programs and contracted coaches spreading this movement throughout the country."

Step 2: Defining Your Mission (The Why)

• Mission: "My mission is to help men take control of their health and well-being by providing them with the tools and mindset shifts they need to make positive changes. Through workshops, courses, and coaching, I aim to inspire transformation that will alleviate pressure on the healthcare system by fostering a community-based approach to health, where peer support becomes the first step to well-being."

Step 3: Establishing Your Core Values (The How)

• Values: "My business is grounded in the belief that personal growth is possible for everyone, and that mindsets can evolve to be more positive. I value honest, plain speaking, and fairness in all interactions, and I strive to create an environment that is kind, inspiring, engaging, funny, and understanding. I believe that when men support each other, they create powerful mental and physical growth."

Step 4: Aligning Your Vision, Mission, and Values.

• Alignment: "My vision and mission empower me to achieve my biggest dreams by enabling me to help men across New Zealand support each other, leading to a healthier population and a shift in how our primary health system is modeled. My values guide me to make bold decisions and take inspired actions toward this goal. As I think bigger, I will seek the tools and systems needed to scale my impact and reach even more people."

Gaining this sort of clarity over 5 days felt very empowering, and I want to thank Catherine Newton for giving us the opportunity to do that. Hopefully you will see some of this work growing into new products to reach more of you fellas over the coming weeks.

Why Men's Health is like Riding a Motorbike

Such a big week for Southland with @burtmunrochallenge happening down in Invercargill. In alignment completely with the Men's Muster we host here in Fiordland in June, anything we think of that can bring blokes together with a positive communal goal is something worth celebrating, and the Burt Munro Challenge week definitely offers that and more for us. https://www.burtmunrochallenge.co.nz/

I often ask blokes when doing workshops, Who Rides? I feel that riding is a very focused and present activity, and those guys are normally pretty happy when I explain that if they are in that space when riding - it can count as a meditation practice.......awesome!!

And then I got to thinking, what other ways is riding a motorbike, like or good for Men's Health... Imagine men's health is like cruising on a motorbike – a bit of a wild ride but with some cool parallels:

1. Balance: Just like handling a bike requires staying upright, keeping a balance in your life is crucial. Don't let work, gym, booze or Netflix bingeing tip the scales too much in one direction.

2. Maintenance: Your health needs regular check-ups, just like a bike needs its oil changed. Visit the doc, get those check-ups, and sort out the lights on your dashboard before they turn into breakdowns.

3. Safety Gear: Bikers wear helmets; you should protect yourself too, avoid too many risky behaviours and take care of your mental health, to help you gear up against life's challenges.

4. Mindfulness: Riding a motorbike requires constant attention and awareness of your surroundings to navigate safely. In the same way, men should practice mindfulness and self-awareness to notice when stress, anxiety or regular "bad" habits are creeping in too often.

5. Skill Development: Just as motorbike riders improve their skills over time, men can develop better health habits by learning more about nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. Continuous learning and self-improvement can lead to a much more satisfying ride.

6. Risk Management: Men need to be aware of the risks associated with their health, just as motorbike riders must be conscious of the potential dangers on the road. Understanding the risk factors related to men's health, such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues, can help in making informed decisions to minimize those risks.

7. Enjoying the Ride: Life's a journey; so is your health. Find joy in good food, great company, and whatever makes your heart rev like a high-powered engine.

8. Adaptability: Bikers shift gears; you should too. As life changes, adapt your habits and mindset. What worked at 20 might need tweaking at 40.

Remember, just like riding a motorbike, taking care of your health should have a bit of thrill and a lot of enjoyment. So, enjoy the ride, but keep it safe and well-tuned!

Sam McBride

Human Physiologist, Health and Mental Fitness Coach and Founder of Men's Muster Fiordland.