THE FORGE METHOD

A Practical Framework for Rebuilding Strength, Identity & Direction

A 5-pillar resilience system designed to rebuild your mind, body, and daily structure — one small step at a time.

What Is the FORGE Method?

The FORGE Method is a structured 5-pillar approach created by James Hamell after rebuilding his life following a severe mental health breakdown.

It helps men and women who feel lost, stuck, or disconnected regain stability, confidence, discipline, and purpose.

The method blends lived experience, psychology, behavioural change, and practical action into a clear, repeatable system.

It's designed to be simple and effective — especially when motivation is low and everything feels overwhelming.

Simple tools. Real structure. Daily progress.

The Five Pillars of FORGE

A proven system for rebuilding your life from the ground up

1

Pillar One

FOUNDATION

Build a Base That Holds

Foundation is about stability. Before growth, confidence, or change — you need solid routines, sleep, nutrition, movement, and basic daily structure.

What Foundation focuses on:

  • Morning and evening routines
  • Simple movement (walks, stretches, training)
  • Daily anchors (meal times, sleep schedule)
  • Reducing chaos and overwhelm
  • Energy protection

Why it matters:

Foundation brings predictability to a chaotic life. It creates safety for the mind and body.

Practical Example:

A simple morning routine with 3 non-negotiables: make your bed, drink water, and take a 10-minute walk.

Start With the Foundation

Build Your Foundation

Take Ownership

2

Pillar Two

OWNERSHIP

No More Waiting

Ownership is the shift from passive to active. It means stepping out of waiting mode and into responsibility — without shame, blame, or pressure.

What Ownership focuses on:

  • Language shifts ("I can't" → "I choose")
  • Radical honesty with yourself
  • Ending avoidance patterns
  • Taking responsibility for your direction

Why it matters:

It pulls you out of helplessness and into agency. You stop waiting for permission and start choosing.

Practical Example:

A 7-day ownership challenge: identify one thing you've been avoiding and take one small action toward it each day.

3

Pillar Three

RESILIENCE

Discomfort Is the Door

Resilience isn't toughness; it's capacity. It's learning to stay present in discomfort instead of escaping, numbing, shutting down, or spiralling.

What Resilience focuses on:

  • Nervous system awareness
  • Discomfort practices (cold exposure, hard workouts)
  • Emotional regulation skills
  • Breaking avoidance patterns

Why it matters:

Resilience builds confidence: "I can handle more than I thought." It expands your capacity for life.

Practical Example:

Start with a 30-second cold shower, a controlled discomfort task, or sitting with an uncomfortable emotion for 5 minutes without distraction.

Build Resilience

Reconnect & Grow

4

Pillar Four

GROWTH

Find Meaning Again

Growth reconnects you to purpose, values, identity, and future direction. It's about rebuilding a meaningful life, not just surviving it.

What Growth focuses on:

  • Clarifying your core values
  • Discovering purpose and meaning
  • Rebuilding your identity
  • Creating long-term vision
  • Transforming pain into meaning

Why it matters:

Without meaning, discipline collapses. Growth gives you a "why" — a reason to keep going when things get hard.

Practical Example:

Future-self visualization: Write a letter from your future self 5 years from now, describing the life you've built and the person you've become.

5

Pillar Five

EXECUTION

Action Beats Anxiety

Execution is about consistent action. Not perfect—consistent. Momentum builds confidence and ends paralysis.

What Execution focuses on:

  • Daily battle plans (clear, simple tasks)
  • Environment design for success
  • Habit systems that stick
  • Overcoming overthinking and analysis paralysis
  • Tracking progress visibly

Why it matters:

Action creates clarity — not the other way around. You don't think your way into action; you act your way into clarity.

Practical Example:

A one-action-per-day strategy: Pick one small, non-negotiable action you will complete every single day, no matter what. Track it. Build momentum.

Take Action

Why This Method Works

The FORGE Method is effective because it's built for real life — not theory

Simple Tools

Works even in low-motivation states — designed for when you're struggling

Lived Experience

Built from James's personal recovery journey and evidence-based principles

For Everyone

Works for both men and women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected

Step-by-Step

No fluff — clear, structured guidance from start to finish

Builds Confidence

Helps rebuild confidence, identity, and discipline through daily action

Widely Applicable

For mental health recovery, personal development, and everyday life

The FORGE Method gives you:

Clear daily structure
Practical tools that work
Confidence through action
Purpose and meaning
Sustainable discipline
A path forward

How You Can Use the Method

Choose the path that fits your needs and goals

1:1 Coaching

Personalised support through the FORGE framework with direct access to James. High accountability, tailored guidance, and deep work.

Learn More

Workshops

For clinicians, service users, and public groups. Learn the FORGE Method in a collaborative, supportive environment.

View Workshops

Self-Guided Course

An accessible, affordable program based on the FORGE Method. Work at your own pace with structured video lessons and workbooks.

Coming Soon

If you're ready to rebuild,
FORGE gives you the structure.

No more waiting. No more confusion. Just a clear path forward.