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!

What’s up dudes!? Happy Monday! Wanted to focus this week’s discussion thread on leadership! No matter the career or position, we’re all leaders in some form or fashion. In our families, on the job, with our time and finances, even ourselves… how we lead today has the power to shape our tomorrow; not just for us but for those around us. 1. In what areas of your life do you lead well? 2. What areas of your life do you feel your leadership needs improvement? 3. In what ways do you desire to lead but haven’t been able to yet? BONUS: Feel free to share with the crew some of your own thoughts on leadership and what it means to you! SO, Let’s talk about it! Share your honest thoughts below and let’s show each other some support and encouragement! Hope you absolutely crush this week! Hugs and High Fives! And as always , BE THE DUDE 👊🏽⚡️💪🏽

What’s up dudes!? You’re going to start seeing some DudeChat discussion posts on various topics every few days or each week where we have a chance to connect with, encourage, learn from, and support each other! With this month being suicide prevention month, I felt this topic was fitting: MENTAL HEALTH CHECK: 1. Scale of 1-10, where’s your head at in life right now? Be honest! (1 being rock bottom, 10 being absolutely fantastic) 2. What’s the biggest mountain of stress/anxiety you are facing right now? 3. How do you manage stress, and what are some strategies you've found helpful in maintaining your mental health? Would love your input! Feel free to be open and honest! This is a safe place! Plenty of guys here to learn from and be supported by! Looking forward to chatting with you guys! Hugs & High Fives! And as always, BE THE DUDE 👊🏽⚡️💪🏽

Okay, Dudes. Y'all are the core group here that we will build a foundation off of. I have plenty of vision for this page, and once I get settled in seminary and ahead on some of the reading, I will start to build out some things in here, but I wanted ask: What would you like to see in the Be The Dude Community? Let's have a "free-for-all" discussion!