For generations, men have been taught to be tough, stoic, and self-reliant. We’re told to “man up,” “walk it off,” and never show weakness. I know because I lived it first as a Marine and later as a leader in business.

In 2011, I deployed to Afghanistan with VMAQ-4 for Operation Enduring Freedom. Over there, the real danger wasn’t always what you’d expect. I watched Marines grit their teeth and push through mental pain, treating it like just another threat to dodge. Some found their way through. Some didn’t. Back then, no one talked openly about therapy, it was only ever whispered about. But seeing what I did changed me. Real mental strength isn’t about bottling things up; it’s about having the courage to face what’s inside and deal with it directly.

Years later, that truth hit home again when I met Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 Winner,  at the Hy-Vee One Step 250 in Iowa. Marcus spoke candidly about his struggles and how mental coaching is now a non-negotiable part of his training routine. He said something that stuck with me:

"Everyone goes to the gym pretty much every day for physical training, but very few do the same thing with the mental side. And I think it’s as important, if not more important."

He’s right. Whether you’re in combat, on the track, or in the boardroom, performance starts between the ears.

Even the Greats Have Coaches On and Off the Field

Think about your favorite athlete - Michael Phelps, LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes. None of them reached greatness alone. They have trainers, nutritionists, and yes, mental health professionals. Phelps has spoken openly about depression. LeBron invests in mental performance like he does his body. Marcus Ericsson now works with a mental coach weekly.

Why? Because when pressure hits, mindset matters just as much as muscle. That’s true whether you’re leading a mission, building a company, raising a family or all three.

Top Leaders Do It, Too

We admire CEOs and entrepreneurs for their grit and vision. But many of them are in therapy or working with executive coaches behind the scenes. Running a business, just like leading a team in the military, demands emotional endurance and mental clarity.

I’ve found that the best leaders aren’t the ones pretending they’re invincible. They’re the ones willing to face their blind spots, talk through the hard stuff, and come out sharper. Therapy helps you do that.

Joe Rogan, known for his popular podcast and commentary, regularly discusses the importance of mental health, therapy, and maintaining a balanced life. Rogan emphasizes how therapy and self care practices have positively influenced his own life, proving that mental wellness is essential, no matter how successful or tough you seem on the outside. Similar to Rogan, men who lead companies worth billions understand that their mental state affects everything from company culture to profitability. If the guys running global empires can sit down and talk about their emotions, why can’t the rest of us?

Therapy Isn’t Weakness; It’s a Weapon

I’ve sat with Marines coming off combat missions and I’ve sat in boardrooms with stressed-out execs. The best thing both groups can do? Talk. Therapy helps you recognize patterns, regulate stress, and show up more effectively in every area of life.

You don’t need to be “in crisis” to benefit. Want to be a better dad? A more present partner? A more effective leader? That work starts with your mind.

Redefining Strength: Vulnerability Is Leadership

The old idea that “real men don’t cry” is outdated and frankly, dangerous. It’s kept too many of us suffering in silence. Real men do cry. Real men get help. Real men lead by example.

And leadership means going first especially when it’s hard.

If You Want to Be Your Best, Start Here

Whether you’re chasing promotion, recovering from loss, or just trying to find balance, therapy is one of the strongest tools you can add to your kit.

If a Marine, a racecar driver, and a CEO can say “I need to talk to someone,” so can you.

You don’t have to carry everything alone. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through life. The best version of you starts with one conversation.