Anxious Thinking vs. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Understanding the Difference

We all feel that pressure of stress or overwhelm at times. Like after an awkward conversation, before an important event, where you are expected to perform at a very high level, whether that’s a big meeting or before a big game. I was a wrestler in high school and the anxiety of knowing everything was on me was something I had to learn to manage. Our minds naturally imagine what could go wrong [are brains are wired that way for survival]. This is anxious thinking, and it usually passes once the situation resolves.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is different. It’s not just “worrying too much”—it’s a persistent pattern of ridiculous anxiety about everyday situations, even when there’s no immediate threat. With GAD, worry feels hard to control, happens too much, and often comes with physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping.

One reason anxiety becomes so sticky is thought distortions - basically thoughts that there is a good chance are not true, but feel that way which makes things feel like issues are under a microscope zoomed in to the highest intensity.. Examples include:

• Catastrophizing – Jumping to the worst-case scenario (“If I mess up this report, I’ll lose my job and never recover.”)
  
  

• All-or-Nothing Thinking – Seeing situations as entirely good or bad (“If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure.”)
  
  

• Fortune-Telling – Predicting a negative outcome without evidence (“I just know something bad will happen on this trip.”)
  
  

• Mind-Reading – Assuming you know what others think (“They must think I’m incompetent.”)
  
  

These distortions fuel both everyday anxious thoughts and GAD—but in GAD, they run on repeat, and feel powerful and out of control. Sometimes you hear this described as racing thoughts [stay tuned in for more about racing thoughts in another blog post]. 

The good news? With awareness, you can challenge these thinking patterns and reduce their power. I will tell you this, if you struggle with perfectionism, it may feel like your anxiety is on PEDs!

If you’re wondering whether your anxiety might be more than “just stress,” I’ve created an Anxiety Self-Evaluation Tool you can download. It’s designed to help you reflect on your symptoms and identify patterns worth addressing.

5 Essential Back-to-School Tips for Dads to Prep For The New School Year

As the new school year approaches, dads play a critical role in helping their kids transition smoothly while At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we know that being a present, engaged father builds not only your kids’ confidence but also give you one less thing to stress about in your life. Here are five tips to prepare for back-to-school season.

1. Align with Your Co-Parent for a United Front

If you share parenting responsibilities, getting on the same page with the other parent is crucial. Take the time to discuss schedules, rules, and expectations for the school year, even if that person gets on your nerves sometimes. You gotta do the work! Discuss key points like homework routines, screen time, and extracurriculars.

2. Make School Supply Shopping a Bonding Experience

School supplies are a back-to-school essential, and for many kids, the shopping experience is a highlight. Whether your kids love picking out their favorite notebooks in-store or you prefer the convenience of an Amazon order, involve them in the process. Doing this allows your kids to get excited about school and take some ownership over the process.

3. Ease Kids into New Routines

Transitions can be tough for kids and hell, me too. Prep them for the school year’s structure. Gradually adjust bedtimes a week or two before school starts to align with earlier wake-ups. Practice packing lunches together or create a lunch plan to reduce morning stress. Discuss new schedules—bus times, after-school activities—and walk through what to expect. This again is the pre-work that can be done to ease tension and stress.

4. Gear Up for Back-to-School Meetings

The start of the school year brings a wave of damn meetings—parent-teacher conferences, sports sign-ups, and play practices, just to name a few. Quit bellyachin here! it is what it is, show up for your kid if you schedule permits. Create a shared calendar for key dates and commitments, and discuss them with your co-parent or family. This also shows your child you align with their ambitions and dreams.

5. Set Expectations Together

Sit down with your kids to discuss their goals and expectations for the school year. I don't believe a miniature version of this talk with your kindergartner is out of the question.

• Ask open-ended questions:

• What are they excited about?

• What challenges do they foresee?

• Share your own expectations, like effort and respect for others

• Talk to them about to solve problems constructively and how to protect themselves from bullying

This conversation builds accountability and strengthens your bond. Encourage your kids feedback and teach them how to compromise so they can be healthy communicators

By taking these steps, you’re not just preparing your kids for school—you’re building a foundation of resilience for you and your kids!

Peace!

Identifying the Wins in Failure: Taming Thought Distortions

Welcome back to Men’s Resiliency Lab! I’m Reggie Jackson, LSCSW, with your next dose of resilience wisdom. Today, we’re using our strength, determination, and self-compassion framework to tackle Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) thought distortions—those mental gremlins that make failure feel like a sitcom flop.

When you bomb—like forgetting your lines at the office talent show—thought distortions strike. All-or-nothing thinking screams, “I’m a total failure.” Catastrophizing wails, “I’ll never recover!” CBT helps you spot these traps, and our framework turns them into growth. Self-compassion soothes harsh self-talk: swap “I’m a disaster” for “I’m learning, and that’s okay.” Strength is your mental muscle to challenge distortions—ask, “Did everyone really hate my speech?” Determination pushes you to act, using the Next Step Plan, despite the mental noise.

Here’s the play: Pick a setback. Write the distorted thought (“I’ll never get promoted”). Reframe it with self-compassion (“I didn’t get this, but I’m growing”). Use strength to dispute it (“I’ve had successes; this isn’t everything”). Then, with determination, take one step—like scheduling a mentorship chat. A 2024 CBT study shows reframing distortions boosts resilience by 40% in weeks.

This approach turns mental traps into stepping stones. Visit Men’s Resiliency Lab for weekly insights. Now, dodge those thought distortions and take your next step—unless it’s into a dad-joke rematch.

Managing Anger the Right Way

Hey fellas, today we’re diving into how to manage anger without turning into a human volcano. At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we lean on self-compassion, grit, and determination to turn anger into a tool for growth, not destruction. Let’s get practical with some strategies, inspired by Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional regulation.

Anger can feel like a wildfire, but Goleman’s research shows we can tame it by engaging our brain’s emotional control center—the prefrontal cortex. Step one: pause. When you feel that heat rising, take a slow, deep breath (or five). It’s not yoga class fluff—it lowers your heart rate and gives you a second to think. Goleman calls this the “cooling-off period,” and studies show it can cut impulsive reactions by 50%. Next, name the feeling: “I’m pissed because…” This simple act shifts you from reacting to reflecting.

Now, channel that energy. Grit comes in here—use your anger to fuel action, not aggression. Try a quick physical outlet, like a brisk walk or push-ups (bonus: you might get some biceps out of it). Then, practice self-compassion by reminding yourself it’s okay to feel angry—just don’t let it drive the bus. Goleman suggests redirecting focus to problem-solving: if a coworker’s comment set you off, ask, “What can I do about this?” Maybe it’s a calm conversation later, not a shouting match now.

Determination keeps you committed to practicing these steps, even when you want to Hulk-smash something. Try this tool: the Anger Reset. When triggered, pause, breathe, name the emotion, and pick one constructive action (e.g., journaling, talking it out). Track your progress for a week—it’s a game-changer. Trigger warning: this is wayyyy easier to be able to do when you're cool, now the challenge is to be able to do it after someone has pissed you off!!!

Ready to start? Test the Anger Reset this week and notice how it shifts your vibe. Share your wins in our community or keep it private. Visit Men’s Resiliency Lab for more resilience-building tools, and keep an eye out for our upcoming eBook, Turning Failure into Fuel! Peace!

Understanding Anger and Its Impact on Men

Hey fellas, today we’re tackling a heavy hitter: anger. It’s an emotion every guy knows, but few of us talk about it without sounding like we’re auditioning for an action movie villain. At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we’re grounded in self-compassion, grit, and determination, and understanding anger is key to building resilience.

Anger is a natural response to feeling threatened, disrespected, or powerless. For men, it’s often the go-to emotion when stress, shame, or fear bubble up. Daniel Goleman, the emotional intelligence guru, says anger can hijack our brain’s prefrontal cortex, turning us into Hulk-like versions of ourselves—minus the green muscles, thankfully. His research shows that unchecked anger disrupts clear thinking, ramps up stress hormones, and strains relationships. A 2024 study found men who frequently lose their cool are 30% more likely to report anxiety and health issues like high blood pressure.

For guys, society often paints anger as “manly,” but it’s a double-edged sword. It can mask deeper feelings like hurt or insecurity, making it harder to connect with others or even ourselves. Goleman emphasizes that emotional regulation starts with awareness—recognizing the physical signs of anger (clenched jaw, racing heart) before you blow a gasket. Without this, anger can spiral, leading to snapped conversations, workplace tension, or regrets at home.

At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we see anger as a signal, not a strategy. It’s telling you something needs attention. Self-compassion helps you pause and ask, “What’s really going on here?” instead of slamming doors. Grit and determination push you to work through the root cause, not just the explosion. You have to slow down and really ask yourself what is happening within. That sounds scary as hell, and it is, but just start with small steps, you don't have to have it figured out tomorrow. Pay attention to yourself!

Want to dig deeper? Try noticing one anger trigger this week and jot down what it’s hiding. Share your thoughts in our community or reflect privately. Stay tuned for our next post on managing anger effectively, and bookmark Men’s Resiliency Lab for more tools to fuel your growth! Check out the follow-up blog to this post on July 28, 2025. Peace!

Identifying the Wins in Failure: Turning Flops into Fuel: part 3

Let’s wrap up our *Identifying the Wins in Failure* series with a bow—think of it as tying your shoelaces after tripping spectacularly in front of a crowd. I’m Reggie Jackson, LSCSW, from Men’s Resiliency Lab, and today we’re blending **self-compassion**, **grit**, and **determination** into a strategy to turn failure into rocket fuel (minus the explosions, hopefully).

Failure stings, like stepping on a Lego in the dark. But our framework helps you bounce back. **Self-compassion** is your inner coach, whispering, “You’re not a disaster, you’re just practicing for the comeback montage.” It softens the blow, letting you learn without spiraling. **Grit** is the stubborn streak that says, “I’m not done yet,” pushing you to keep going, even when your goal feels as far away as a decent parking spot at the mall. **Determination** is the spark, turning your “why” into action—one small, unglamorous step at a time, like updating your LinkedIn after a job rejection.

Together, these three create a cycle: acknowledge the flop, grit your teeth, and take a determined step forward. Miss a deadline? Hug yourself (mentally, unless you’re flexible), recommit, and set a new one. It’s not sexy, but it’s progress. A 2024 resilience study showed this combo boosts goal achievement by 40%—not bad for a plan that fits on a napkin.

Try our **Next Step Plan** one last time. Pick a failure, name it, find your why, and take one step. Share your wins (or epic flops) in the comments—we’re all in this mess together. Grab our eBook, *Turning Failure into Fuel*, for more tools, and keep following Men’s Resiliency Lab. Now, go trip over life and laugh it off!

# Identifying the Wins in Failure: Turning Flops into Fuel

Welcome back to Men’s Resiliency Lab! I’m Reggie Jackson, LSCSW, wrapping up our *Identifying the Wins in Failure* series with a bow—think of it as tying your shoelaces after tripping spectacularly in front of a crowd. Today, we’re blending **self-compassion**, **grit**, and **determination** into a strategy to turn failure into rocket fuel (minus the explosions, hopefully).

Failure stings, like stepping on a Lego in the dark. But our framework helps you bounce back. **Self-compassion** is your inner coach, whispering, “You’re not a disaster, you’re just practicing for the comeback montage.” It softens the blow, letting you learn without spiraling. **Grit** is the stubborn streak that says, “I’m not done yet,” pushing you to keep going, even when your goal feels as far away as a decent parking spot at the mall. **Determination** is the spark, turning your “why” into action—one small, unglamorous step at a time, like updating your LinkedIn after a job rejection.

Together, these three create a cycle: acknowledge the flop, grit your teeth, and take a determined step forward. Miss a deadline? Hug yourself (mentally, unless you’re flexible), recommit, and set a new one. A 2024 resilience study showed this combo boosts goal achievement by 40%—not bad for a plan that fits on a napkin.

Try our **Next Step Plan** one last time. Pick a failure, name it, find your why, and take one step. Share your wins (or epic flops) in the comments—we’re all in this mess together. Grab our eBook, *Turning Failure into Fuel*, for more tools, and keep following Men’s Resiliency Lab. Now, go trip over life and laugh it off!

Identifying the Wins in Failure: Determination to Rise After Falling

Welcome back to Men’s Resiliency Lab! I’m Reggie Jackson, LSCSW, and this is the fourth installment in our series on Identifying the Wins in Failure. Today, we’re diving into the role of determination—the fuel that powers you to get back up after a fall. Using our core framework of self-compassion, grit, and determination, we’ll explore a practical tool to keep you moving forward, no matter how hard the setback. Let’s dive in.

Failure can feel like hitting a wall, but determination is the force that helps you climb over it. Whether it’s a career misstep, a strained relationship, or a personal goal that slipped through your fingers, determination is about refusing to stay down. A 2024 study on resilience found that individuals who set clear, actionable intentions after setbacks were 35% more likely to achieve their goals within six months. At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we see determination as the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.

So, how do you harness determination to rise after falling? Enter the Next Step Plan, a simple exercise to channel your focus and energy. Grab a pen and paper (or your phone’s notes app) and pick a recent failure—maybe a missed promotion, a fitness goal you abandoned, or a moment you didn’t show up as your best self. Follow these three steps:

1. Acknowledge the Fall: Name the failure briefly and honestly. No need to dwell, just state it. Example: “I didn’t get the job I applied for.”

2. Define Your Why: Why does moving forward matter to you? Connect to a deeper purpose, like providing for your family, improving your health, or becoming a better partner. This fuels your determination.

3. Pick One Next Step: Identify one small, doable action you can take this week to move closer to your goal. If you didn’t get that job, your next step might be updating your resume or scheduling a networking coffee. Keep it specific and achievable.

This Next Step Plan is where determination intersects with our framework. Grit keeps you committed to taking that step, even when motivation fades. Self-compassion reminds you to celebrate the effort, not just the outcome—showing up for that coffee meeting is a win, even if it doesn’t lead to a job right away. Determination ties it together by giving you the resolve to act, no matter how small the step.

For example, let’s say you skipped a week of workouts and feel discouraged. Your Next Step Plan might look like this: Acknowledge the fall (“I didn’t exercise last week”). Define your why (“I want to feel stronger and have more energy for my kids”). Pick one step (“I’ll go for a 15-minute walk tomorrow morning”). That single step builds momentum and reinforces your resilience.

As you try this, practice self-compassion by silencing the inner critic. Instead of thinking, “I should’ve done better,” tell yourself, “I’m taking one step, and that’s progress.” This mindset keeps you grounded and forward-focused.

Give the Next Step Plan a try this week. Write down your plan and act on it, then notice how it feels to move forward. Want to share your experience? Drop a comment below or reflect privately—we’re here to support a community of men rising together.

Looking ahead, our next post will wrap up this series by tying together self-compassion, grit, and determination into a unified strategy for turning failure into fuel. Don’t miss our upcoming eBook, Turning Failure into Fuel, packed with tools to strengthen your resiliency. Bookmark Men’s Resiliency Lab for weekly insights and join the journey!

Welcome to Men’s Resiliency Lab: Building Strength, Determination, and Self-Compassion

By Reggie Jackson, LSCSW

Welcome to the Men’s Resiliency Lab, a space dedicated to empowering men to navigate life’s challenges with grit, grace, and growth. I’m Reggie Jackson, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, and I’m thrilled to launch this platform to explore what it means to be resilient in today’s world. This first blog post introduces our core framework—strength, determination, and self-compassion—and invites you to join us on a journey toward building a more resilient you.

Resiliency isn’t about never falling; it’s about how we rise after the fall. For men, societal expectations often equate strength with stoicism or invulnerability, but true strength is multifaceted. It’s the courage to face adversity head-on, whether it’s a career setback, a strained relationship, or an internal struggle. Strength means showing up for yourself, even when the weight feels heavy. At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we’ll redefine strength as the ability to adapt, grow, and stay grounded in your values, no matter the storm.

Determination is the fuel that keeps us moving forward. It’s the quiet resolve to push through doubt, fatigue, or fear. Life throws curveballs—financial stress, health challenges, or moments of self-doubt—but determination is what helps us take the next step. It’s not about being unbreakable; it’s about committing to progress, one intentional choice at a time. In future posts, we’ll share practical strategies to cultivate determination, from goal-setting to managing burnout, so you can stay focused on what matters most.

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of resiliency is self-compassion. Men are often taught to be hard on themselves, to “tough it out” without acknowledging pain or vulnerability. But self-compassion isn’t weakness—it’s a game-changer. It’s giving yourself permission to be human, to forgive mistakes, and to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a close friend. Research shows self-compassion boosts mental health, reduces stress, and enhances resilience. Here, we’ll explore how to practice it through mindfulness, self-talk, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

At Men’s Resiliency Lab, we’re building a community where men can learn, reflect, and grow together. Each blog post will dive deeper into tools, stories, and evidence-based practices to help you strengthen your resiliency. From managing stress to fostering meaningful connections, we’ll cover topics that matter to you. My goal is to provide actionable insights you can apply in your daily life, all while fostering a sense of hope and possibility.

I invite you to return for more blogs, where we’ll unpack the art and science of resiliency. Bookmark this site, share it with a friend, and join us as we explore how to live with strength, determination, and self-compassion. Let’s build something powerful together—welcome to the Men’s Resiliency Lab.

Stay tuned for our next post on practical steps to boost your mental resilience. Visit Men’s Resiliency Lab regularly for fresh insights and strategies!