How to Be More Disciplined, 3 Steps for Creating Effective Boundaries, and How to Get Yourself Out of a Rut | ASK ME ANYTHING

In *Boys Adrift*, Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on more than twenty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at home. He identifies five key factors: changes in school environments, the impact of video games, the misuse of stimulant medications for ADHD, the presence of endocrine disruptors, and the lack of positive male role models. Sax presents practical solutions, including strategies for educators to re-engage boys in school and tips for parents on managing homework, video games, and medication. The book emphasizes the need to address these issues to improve the well-being and future prospects of boys and young men.

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

In this book, Robert Bly uses the Grimm fairy tale 'Iron John' to analyze and redefine traditional notions of masculinity. Bly draws on Jungian psychology and mythology to outline a journey of male maturation, emphasizing the importance of male initiation rites, the role of the 'Wild Man' archetype, and the need for men to balance their emotional and instinctual selves. The book is a seminal work in the mythopoetic men's movement and has been influential in discussions about modern masculinity.

In 'Manhood in the Making', David D. Gilmore conducts a comprehensive cross-cultural analysis of manhood as an achieved status. The book explores how societies worldwide define and attain masculinity, often through rites of passage and cultural expectations. Gilmore argues that manhood is not a natural condition but a state that boys must strive to achieve against societal challenges.

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

This book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin focuses on the principle of 'Extreme Ownership,' where leaders take full responsibility for their actions and decisions. The authors use their experiences in the U.S. Navy SEALs to illustrate how this mindset can lead to success in any organization. The book covers various principles such as believing in the mission, checking ego, and leading by example. It emphasizes that leaders must own all failures, develop plans to overcome them, and ensure their teams are well-conditioned and aligned with the mission. The authors also stress the importance of humility, discipline, and effective communication in leadership.

The Way of Men is a book exploring masculinity and traditional gender roles. It delves into the challenges men face in modern society and offers insights into how men can live more fulfilling lives. The book emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, responsibility, and self-reliance. It challenges conventional notions of masculinity and encourages men to embrace their authentic selves. The Way of Men has sparked significant discussion and debate about masculinity and its role in society.

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle. The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire. The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture.

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

In Savage Son, the third book of The Terminal List series, James Reece is recovering from brain surgery in the Montana wilderness. Unbeknownst to him, a traitorous CIA officer has found refuge with the Russian mafia and is plotting to kill him. As Reece tries to rebuild his life with the help of investigative journalist Katie Buranek and his SEAL teammate Raife Hastings, he becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Russian mafia. The novel explores the darkest instincts of humanity and is known for its intense and action-packed plot, tying up threads from previous books while setting up new plotlines for future installments.