Frameworks: The Invisible Structures Behind A Well Lived Life

Mark shares the value of the "pregame" the guys use to prepare for the podcast He introduces the topic of frameworks How they can be good or harmful Jim shares how frameworks evolve and how ours did. Our tagline "The Imperfection Is The Perfection" Jim used this with his kids when they got frustrated with him He thinks imperfections and failures make us who we are Jim shares how when we started the podcast, we were thinking of "Civill Discourse" as a theme. Then we came upon our Wheel Of Life Jim takes us around the wheel and digs into all 5 areas of life and then some deeper topics in each area. It's our framework and it's very helpful in keeping us on topic and consistent. That's what good frameworks do Jim adds that we spend a good bit of time in the center of our wheel "the self"…and all the value that comes from "self" exercises (awareness, reflection, talk…) Jim talks about how he uses our framework in all walks of life. He thinks AI will only make frameworks more important Mark shares his journey with frameworks. How structure is something humans need. He used to resist them and now leans on them hard. He thinks they help with clarity, resonance, consistency and credibility Structure and order alone make frameworks valuable Jim mentions context and calibration in the context of frameworks. He also mentions alignment Jim talks about how helpful frameworks are with his dyslexia. He appreciates how we both compliment each other  Mark shares how different both guys are and how productive it makes us. He talks about the ups and downs of "structure". They can be helpful but also restrictive Mark and Jim both appreciate the pushback and combined experience working together for so long Mark thinks he is basically an opponent of "rules" and talks about how rules stay the same even when things change. Mark gets heated about his opposition to rules just for the sake of rules Jim agrees and cites some examples of things being "out of date" Jim brings up SWOT and SOARS as frameworks. He prefers a focus on positives only. Strengths, opportunities, aspirations… What does success look like - manifest that Mark likes the optimism of the SOARS acronym Mark talks about guys and what guys feel comfortable talking about Where can men go to talk about shit - The Imperfect Mens Club baby! Mark feels like Jim's SOARS acronym supports what we're doling here at IMC Jim sees how Mark uses frameworks every day in everything he does professionally Jim digs a bit deeper into he idea that things change and frameworks need to change and clarity is critical. Adjustments to frameworks keeps them fresh The guys talk more about the evolution of the podcast based on investigation and changes Mark now uses frameworks for many practices during his day. Faith, work, family, exercise… Jim reflects on what happens when we focus on only one area and neglect the others. Life get imbalanced Mark reflects on Jim's story about the wealthy woman who had no gratitude…not appreciation…no context. Politics took her down a one way street Mark lets the audience know what they can get from the guys and their frameworks. Practical experience coupled with trusted frameworks