"Man Up"
Redefining Strength: Letting Go of “Man Up” Culture
Unlearning the Old Rules and Becoming Your Whole Self.
What does it mean to be man enough?
If your first thought was “tough,” “stoic,” or “in control,” you’re not the only one.
But actor, author, and advocate Justin Baldoni is fighting to change that definition.
In his two powerful books— Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity and Boys Will Be Human —Justin invites us to step out of outdated definitions of manhood and into something far more courageous:
Being real.
Being open.
Being human.
Whether you're raising boys, in a relationship with a man, or healing from old gender norms yourself, these books offer something bold, healing, and truly necessary.
‘Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity’
In Man Enough, Justin explores his personal journey of unlearning toxic masculinity and making space for vulnerability, fear, softness, and love. It's not a guidebook on how to "be a better man" in the traditional sense, but rather, it’s a call to redefine what manhood even means.
Key Themes:
Vulnerability as Strength
Justin shares how learning to cry, express fear, and admit he didn’t have all the answers made him a stronger man, not a weaker one.Unlearning Performative Masculinity
From body image to money, sex to success, he challenges the pressure to "perform" masculinity and instead encourages being.Relationships & Responsibility
The book explores how men can show up differently- in marriages, fatherhood, friendships, and workplaces —by leading with compassion instead of control.
Takeaway for Men (and Everyone):
You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.
You don’t have to “man up”, just show up.
* * * * *
‘Boys Will Be Human: A Get-Real Gut-Check Guide to Becoming the Strongest, Kindest, Bravest Person You Can Be’
Written for middle schoolers and teens, Boys Will Be Human is a direct and empowering guide for young boys growing up in a confusing world of mixed messages.
It’s a book that tells boys:
“You don’t need to toughen up— you need to tell the truth.”
“You don’t need to win every time— you need to learn.”
“You don’t need to be cool— you need to be kind.”
Core Ideas:
Consent, Respect, and Boundaries
Justin gives boys language to talk about their bodies, boundaries, and respect for others, without shame.Feelings Are Not the Enemy
Boys are encouraged to feel all their emotions, not just anger. Fear, sadness, joy, confusion… they’re all part of being human.Kindness is Brave
The book normalizes compassion, softness, and standing up for others as true strength, rather than weakness.
* * * *
Why This Matters for All of Us
The messages in these books go far beyond gender. They speak to a culture-wide hunger for authenticity, emotional fluency, and relational healing.
For too long, boys have been told:
“Don’t cry.”
“Be the man.”
“Boys will be boys.”
What if we taught:
“You’re allowed to feel.”
“It’s okay to ask for help.”
“Your value isn’t in what you do, but who you are.”
How to Bring These Lessons into Real Life:
For Parents:
Model vulnerability: Let your child see you cry, apologize, or struggle.
Normalize emotional language: “I feel ___ because ___.”
Encourage questions and curiosity over pressure to “act tough.”
For Men:
Practice checking in with your feelings, not pushing them down.
Call other men in with curiosity, not shame.
Choose connection over control. Even when it feels uncomfortable.
For Everyone:
Celebrate people for who they are, not who they think they have to be.
Challenge gender norms with kindness and honesty.
Remember: empathy is not gendered. Healing isn’t either.
Takeaway: Being Human Is Enough
Justin Baldoni’s message is simple but radical:
“You don’t need to be man enough. You just need to be you enough.”
Whether you’re a dad, a son, a partner, or someone working through your own childhood messaging, these books are an invitation to return to your truest self: kind, brave, flawed, and free.
You’re not too emotional.
You’re not too soft.
You’re just human.
And that is enough.
