Gentlemen,

We have the opportunity of a lifetime, we have life and we are men. The simple fact that we are living beings that have access to any information across the globe and the ability to travel to any destination we choose to one would think we would be living a very fulfilled life. But, as we are all aware that is not the case. We do not live in this utopia where there are no stresses and every goes our way.

So what are we going to do about it?

My approach is something that I think will benefit a majority, if not every man on this subreddit.

I have reached a point where I am in each moment and have attained a certain level of self understanding. There are a few steps I have taken that I think will be universal for each and every life scenario.

Self-analysis

I start with this because as a man you should question everything about who you believe your self to be. You should be able to answer those questions with confidence and if you don’t, then you know there is a weakness in your armor, there is potential for you to be doing something because it’s popular and not because you believe in it.

Ask yourself all of the Why’s.

• Why do you believe in a certain god? • Why do you think you should or should not workout? • Why aren’t you educating yourself further or why are you educating yourself?

It was when I questioned everything about myself that I was able to remove the pieces that were put into me by others and only then did I become my own man.

Prayer, Contemplation, Meditation, Quiet Reflection, (Insert Synonym)

This is where I discovered who I wanted to be and what I wanted from life. I have not discovered the how and exact why’s of life and to be honest I think it will be a lifelong evolving process with no true ‘end’.

In my case it was in this inflection that I had my insight that there was something more I wasn’t getting at the time.

Fasting

I have always despised the comforts life in modern day America has provided. But, until I removed them I never appreciated their purpose. The word moderation is used frequently yet the practice, not so much. I would venture as far to combine Fasting with Leisure as I was able to find enjoyment in the lack of whatever (food, phone, computer, coffee, etc.) Whether I found enjoyment in the lack of the thing or in the reintroduction at a rationed rate I’m unsure.

Exercise

The iron never lies. The confidence required to take the first step down this path can only be gained if you trust yourself. You will trust your body and mind if you are sure they are strong. Iron sharpens iron, if you run and lift then you KNOW you can make it through this journey of life and your confidence will fill in when doubts arise. I know this because there were points where I had to fake it until I made it. You absolutely have to be improving your level of physical fitness or your life will go to shit.

Living in Each Moment

I first came across this concept after reading ‘Flow’ by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (a book I highly recommend). The concept is this even as I’m typing these words and am in tune with my body, the people around me, the temperature, everything is an experience. I no longer and looking forward to what’s next, I’m focusing on what’s now. This has removed all ‘Analysis Paralysis’ I was suffering from and has enabled me to be an overall happier dude. I live in each moment and appreciate them for what they are, life.

Hopefully this will help some of the guys out there who need to recalibrate a little and dial themselves in to enjoying life and getting the most of it. Even activities that do not bring you closer to your goal can be enjoyed (playing with kids, forced attendance at function, etc. Just enjoy that you even have the opportunity to be there.

Stay Strong Gentlemen.