The graphic on this page is a quick reference guide that users can utilize to maximize their experience of the HEROIC MEN platform. The graphic can also be printed as a resource to be shared with others. We have created this user guide to help our users discover content that is relevant to them, engage content with purpose, establish a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and translate their experience in a way that strengthens them to lead themselves, their families, their parishes and their communities.
Identifying what you need and what you are looking for will transform your experience of the HEROIC MEN platform. Sometimes we can stumble across content that benefits us by simply channel surfing or scrolling through our social media feeds, but when we do this we usually settle for something that is mediocre or good enough for now. Knowing what you are looking for is the first step in rising above a mediocrity.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." -Mt. 7:7-8
While we believe that all of our content is excellent and has the ability to transform, we know that each piece of content was designed to meet a particular need. This is why we have organized our content into categories that we think will help our users find what they are searching for. Prayerfully considering your needs and what could strengthen your relationship with God, will prepare you to find content that is exactly what you need.
We encourage our users to do an examination of conscience before searching for content. Try answering the following questions:
Inviting others to watch or listen to content with you is one of the best ways to improve your overall experience of HEROIC MEN. Having at least one spiritual brother to journey with will allow you to share your thoughts, get new insights, and discern how to apply the content to your life. Watching and listening to content with others will help you be more accountable and create more opportunities for spiritual growth.
If you are unsure of who to ask to journey with you, we suggest asking your local parish to see if their is a ministry to men at your church. Men who are involved in ministry to men make good partners because they are already looking to grow spiritually. If there is not a ministry to men at your parish, encourage your parish leaders and pastor to start a ministry to men. In the interim, ask your parish leaders if they know of anyone that might be interested in starting a small group to review some content from HEROIC MEN.
If your efforts to find a spiritual brother at your parish fail, consider asking a family member or a friend. Heroic Men also has a forum where you can share your thoughts and pose questions about content you have viewed. This can be another way to dive deeper into the content you are viewing.
After you have thought about your needs and have a spiritual brother or group to work with, take some time to review the HEROIC MEN drop down menus. They are already organized in a way to help our users find what they are looking for. We have also collected a number of study guides to utilize with your content. You can find our complete collection of resources on our Resource Page under User Resources. This is probably the best way to follow a program and really get the most out of the content on Heroic Men.
Commitments don't have to be intimidating. In fact, they can be brief and evolve over time. We suggest starting of small, agreeing to watch or listen to 1 or 2 pieces of content each week for 3-4 weeks. If that goes well you can increase your commitment to extend over a longer period of time. The important thing to remember is to begin with a commitment that you will be able to honor and then build off of that success.
Be sure to set specific times to discuss the content with your spiritual brother or group. It is also helpful if you write down some personal goals that you have for yourself before and after review content. Keep your goals realistic like your commitment. Be sure to share your goals with your group so that you are accountable to them.
We are bombarded with different forms of multimedia throughout our day in the form of music, videos or commercials. This attack on our senses causes us to regularly tune out information and makes us lazy listeners. All of us are guilty of picking up bad habits. The best way to combat this is to be intentional. The following are just a few examples of things you can do to ensure you are focused and ready to receive the messages in our content:
Accomplishing a challenge can be one of the most rewarding practices we can engage in. This is no different when considering matters of faith. In many ways completing challenges can provide motivation and help us measure growth. In order for a challenge to be effective there have to be clear parameters that describe what you are trying to accomplish and when you should accomplish those goals.
After reviewing content and connecting with your group, identify one or two action items that you can implement in your daily or weekly regiment. Challenges can be specific to the individual or apply to the entire group. Be sure to report back to your group on your progress. This will help you to remain accountable to accomplishing your challenge. Ideally the challenge would be related to the content that you discussed in the group.
Accomplishing a challenge can be one of the most rewarding practices we can engage in. This is no different when considering matters of faith. In many ways completing challenges can provide motivation and help us measure growth. In order for a challenge to be effective there have to be clear parameters that describe what you are trying to accomplish and when you should accomplish those goals.