The year is half over. It’s true. Maybe you started January with goals. Maybe you didn't achieve them. Maybe you forgot them by March. Or maybe life knocked you sideways and left you wondering where the time went.

Now you're here. Looking back. And if you're like most men, the voice in your head isn't kind. It says, "You should be farther along by now." It whispers, "You're behind." That voice shows up everywhere. But it's wrong.

Growth doesn't move in straight lines. It loops. It stalls. It doubles back. Your brain changes most not when you’re successful, but when you experience stress, failure, and frustration. In other words: the moment you thought you were screwing up might've been the exact moment you were learning something new and becoming someone new.

So if this year felt messy, uneven, or slow, good. You were doing the work. You just didn't know it.

Here's what we suggest: stop the shame spiral and ask different questions.

First, what have you done this year that you’re proud of? It doesn't have to be big. Maybe you said “no” when you usually say “yes.” Maybe you admitted you needed help. Maybe you told the truth. Those aren’t small things. That's progress.

Next, how have you grown? How have you changed? Are you letting yourself feel emotions instead of shutting them down? Are you staying in the room during hard conversations? Have you noticed a pattern and are starting to shift? That's growth. That's learning.

And finally, what has lit you up this year? What has reminded you that you are alive? Maybe it was a belly laugh with your kid. Maybe it was stillness. Maybe it was a group moment when you felt fully seen. These aren't throwaways. These are guideposts.

So don't waste the second half of the year trying to "catch up." There is no behind. You're not late. You're in process. Becoming more honest. More connected. More awake.

The second half isn't a reset. It's a continuation. You've already come farther than you think.

Take a breath. Square your shoulders. Keep going.

We're right here with you.

Insights

The Science Behind Dramatically Better Conversations: In this TED Talk, author Charles Duhigg breaks down why some conversations click while others fall flat. The secret? Asking better questions and really listening. Great conversations happen when we show curiosity, go deeper, and create space for vulnerability. A smart reminder that connection isn’t magic. It’s a skill you can build. (12 min watch)

Women Are More Competitive With Each Other Than Are Men: This article explores how women often engage in competition through more subtle, social strategies than men. Instead of direct confrontation, the focus tends to be on relationships, reputation, and inclusion. These patterns reflect both evolutionary influences and cultural norms. Not flaws, just different approaches to status and connection. (5 min read)

The Flinch Is the Illness. Doing Hard Things Is the Cure: This Harder To Kill article builds on Julien Smith’s idea of the “flinch”—our instinct to pull back from discomfort. It argues that the flinch signals where growth lives and that avoiding it keeps us stuck. The solution is simple but not easy. Do the hard thing. Again and again. That’s how you build strength and move forward. (8 min read)

Take Action

Learn more about EVRYMAN

Man Memes