"Man Up, Already!": Living with Integrity, Humility, Authenticity, and Morality

John Puritz, founder of Man Up, Already!, believes in a powerful, yet often misunderstood, call to action: “Man Up, Already!.” For Puritz, this isn't about stoicism or suppressing emotions; it's a direct challenge to rise, to get back up when life knocks you down, and to live with unwavering integrity, humility, authenticity, and morality.

Puritz's journey and his “Man Up, Already!” brand are deeply rooted in his faith and a profound understanding of biblical figures like David. Despite David’s colossal mistakes, Puritz sees him as a man who maintained integrity by admitting his flaws, humbling himself, and continually moving forward. This perspective forms the bedrock of Puritz’s four pillars for a good life: integrity, humility, authenticity, and morality. He emphasizes that true integrity isn't about perfection, but about owning your mistakes, actively working to rectify them, and responding to mistakes with accountability and a commitment to improvement.

Living Faith in Everyday Life

Living out his faith is not a separate compartment of Puritz’s life; it's woven into every aspect, starting with his daily routine. Each morning begins with prayer, deep engagement with scripture (reading the Bible cover-to-cover annually, plus daily Psalms and Proverbs), and physical exercise. He believes in optimizing oneself—mind, body, and spirit—to effectively serve others. This holistic approach ensures he is always ready to live out his mission: helping people develop a deeper relationship with God and recognize their divine purpose as uniquely created individuals.

Puritz’s faith profoundly guides his business decisions. He operates on the principle that “if it’s not good for people, it’s not good, period.” This means decisions are never solely driven by financial gain, but by the benefit they bring to others. He lives by the “Law of the Farm”—you reap what you sow, and while you may not reap in the same season, the harvest will be abundant. This conviction fuels his commitment to consistently “do good,” believing that positive actions will always return, perhaps not always directly from the recipient, but in other meaningful ways. Puritz believes when the focus is on ministering to others, there should be no barriers for those who genuinely need the support.

Time, Talent, and Resources

His investment of time, talent, and resources is equally intentional. The first three hours of his day are dedicated to personal wellness, recognizing that he cannot pour into others from an empty vessel.

His talent extends beyond traditional ministry settings; as a musician in an 80s hair band tribute group, he finds unique opportunities to share his faith. In this unexpected environment, he prays for his bandmates and shares scripture, demonstrating that a strong believer can “infect” those around them with the love of God, regardless of the setting.

His resources are channeled into his “Man Up, Already!” podcast, where he shares scripture and wisdom, and into coaching and teaching, always seeking opportunities to guide and empower others on their life's journey, much like the “sage” in a hero’s journey.

Advice for Christian Business Leaders

For other Christian business leaders, Puritz offers a powerful piece of advice: “Follow your gut.” He believes the Holy Spirit speaks through intuition, and there’s a critical five-second window to respond before doubt and lies can creep in. This deep trust in divine guidance is intertwined with his recent personal journey, where God has consistently called him to “be present.”

Puritz emphasizes that faith resides in the present moment, providing what is needed for today. Anxiety often stems from the past or an uncertain future, but by staying grounded in the present, trusting God, and consistently sowing good seeds, a positive future will naturally unfold. This intentional presence allows for a profound connection to faith and a clear path forward, even amidst life's challenges.

The Vision for Man Up, Already!

Puritz is currently preparing to launch an online, global, interactive men's ministry under the “Man Up, Already!” brand. This will include a 31-day program to strengthen men’s faith, group calls, and one-on-one coaching.

His vision is to create a safe space for men to grow, heal, and embrace their divine purpose, sharing the transformative message of God’s love and how He uniquely fashions men in a world that often seeks to diminish them.