Five Days Offline and - Suddenly - People Had Something to Say

It’s funny how people will go all out to defend a celebrity online, hype up some influencer they’ll never meet, or passionately argue about a footballer’s legacy. Yet, when it comes to supporting someone they actually know—a friend, a colleague, a family member—suddenly, it’s radio silence.

I’ve been showing up every single day this year.

4:30 AM workouts. Daily posts. No shortcuts, no gimmicks—just putting in the work, publicly and consistently. Not for validation, not for applause, but to rebuild, to grow, and to prove to myself that discipline wins over motivation.

Every. Single. Time.

Then, for five days, I went completely offline. Not because I quit. Not because I lost momentum. But because life happens. Because death and grief doesn’t care about streaks, and some things matter more than social media. So my wife and I, along with our family, stepped away for the funeral.

And in those five days? The same people who rarely engage suddenly noticed.

Some probably assumed I had given up. Others might have even felt a little satisfaction, like they were waiting for the streak to break. Because let’s be real—people don’t always want to see consistency. Sometimes, they just want proof that you’ll eventually stop so they can feel better about not starting.

But here’s what I’ve learned: they always notice.

They might not "like, comment and share", they might not show support—but they’re watching. I know this because some of them even turn it into a joke, like my little habit of showing the clock with my "??????" after my workout. My friends now send me videos of themselves doing the same motion—except with a beer in hand instead of a dumbbell.

At first, I laughed - because that's the type of humour I love??. Then I realized something: They wouldn’t be joking about it if they weren’t paying attention.

People will hype up strangers all day long, but when it comes to someone in their own circle putting in the work, they hesitate. Maybe because it makes them reflect. Maybe because it forces a comparison. Maybe because supporting someone close requires a level of humility that not everyone is ready for.

But you know what? That’s not how I move.

I have people tattooed on my body—literally. And no matter how big or small their projects are, I’ll always support them. I’ll give feedback when they ask for it. I’ll proudly spread the word about their achievements and buy their stuff.

Because the impact they’ve had on my life deserves more than just a silent watch from the sidelines.

And although they might not be doing it just for the likes, there are days when they need the reassurance, the support. And if we actually want to make this world a better place, maybe it’s time we focus on and cheer for the people who truly need it—you, me, and everyone out here working on themselves, trying to build something real, trying to create a better society.

So next time you’re double-tapping Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal, some IG model’s latest selfie, or that funny TikToker you’ll never meet—maybe take two extra seconds to like your best friend’s small account post. Or your old classmate’s new business. Or the guy in your circle who’s showing up, building something, pushing forward.

If you’re into motivation, discipline, and rebuilding yourself as a man, you can find me here:

?? Instagram: @rebuilding.men

?? Threads: @rebuilding.men

See you there. Or don’t. Either way, I’ll be posting tomorrow. And the day after that.