Men: Isolation Isn't the Answer

Scroll long enough online and you’ll see the same message over and over again.

Men alone.Men in the dark.Men in their “winter arc” or “villain arc.”

We’re sold this idea that to become the man you want to be, you have to isolate yourself from everyone. Lock in. Cut everyone off. Go silent. Suffer alone.

I think that’s complete bullshit.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there is truth in reducing distractions. Sometimes growth requires saying no to certain social activities. Sometimes it even means creating distance from people who don’t align with where you’re headed.

But isolation? That’s not strength. That’s a risk.

The Myth of the Lone Wolf

I’m a firm believer that if you have people in your corner—people who share your values, challenge you, and want to see you win—they can be a catalyst for massive growth and healing.

Isolation is one of the biggest contributors to the alarmingly high suicide rate among men. I’ve seen it firsthand. Friends in high school. Men I served with in the Navy. Guys who believed they had no one to turn to, no outlet, no support.

And here’s the irony: the same internet that glorifies isolation is also full of men quietly struggling in silence.

If you’re a man trying to “build your empire,” ask yourself an honest question:

How was any great empire actually built?

Was it one man alone in a room?Or was it teams, legions, brotherhoods of capable men working toward a shared mission?

Brotherhood Is a Force Multiplier

When you’re trying to build something—whether it’s a business, a body, or a better version of yourself—having a few real ones in your corner can be the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress.

One of my favorite Joey Diaz quotes says it best:

“You don’t need 20 friends. You need 2 or 3 motherfuckers. With 2 or 3 motherfuckers, you can take over a country.”

That’s the point.

It’s not about having a large circle. It’s about having the right circle.

The quality of the people you keep around you will directly reflect:

• How well you perform

• How resilient you are during hard times

• How you view yourself

It took me a long time to understand that.

Choosing Quality Over Familiarity

I’ve always had friends. I consider myself a fairly magnetic person. But having people around you isn’t the same as having quality people around you.

That distinction matters.

Not everyone deserves your energy.Not everyone can operate at your level.And that’s okay.

This doesn’t mean becoming cold or arrogant. It means being intentional. Choosing to surround yourself with people who build you up, challenge you, and support your growth into your highest self.

People you can call when things get heavy.People you can celebrate wins with.People who want to see you succeed without resentment.

I’m incredibly grateful to have people like that in my life now—and I don’t take it lightly.

A Reminder for the Men Reading This

So take this as a reminder:

You don’t have to do it all alone.

If you have people to lean on, lean into them.If you have people who drain you, distract you, or pull you backward, it’s okay to trim the fat. Adjust your circle. Seek out support that aligns with who you’re becoming.

Strength isn’t isolation.Strength is discernment.Strength is building something together with the right men beside you.

That’s how real progress is made.