I had a mini "holiday" with my boyfriend some time ago, which was a nice breather after a tough few weeks on my end. He has a range of folders in his office space, but during a conversation about our career/life plans for the next years or so, he ended up pulling out a folder that he told me he had started working on almost a decade ago.

This was a whole ass "personal development folder"! I had no idea he had such a folder. He had meticulously gathered all types of tidbits, such as:

  • How to polish shoes correctly (he grew up quite sheltered/comfortably so wanted to learn when he left home)
  • Which clothes and cuts fit him, and how tailored clothes and suits are supposed to fit
  • How to pick and match ties, belts, shoes
  • Which colours that suits his complexion
  • How to cook "date friendly" dishes
  • Which fragrances that suit him
  • Education/career SMART goals, etc.

You get the gist. Leveling up is hard work, and it is a journey. I was quite impressed by this, because it shows a glimpse of the effort he has put in so far to become the person he is today - and that he has a plan for where he wants to go.

I think it is a good reminder that if a man wants to, he WILL put in the work to be a better version of himself! It has to come from within.