12 Essential Habits Of The Ultimate Man
Utilize this list to create a limitless life.
These regular habits can help you to live an even more fulfilled, well-rounded life that propels you out of bed each morning with purpose and passion.
1: Practice gratitude.
The famous Jim Rohn once proclaimed: “learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” This simple but poignant lesson about gratitude helps to ground us when we put all of our focus on where we are going, at the expense of enjoying where we are.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of pursuing or accomplishing a new goal, but if we are always chasing that dopamine hit, we won’t stop to actually enjoy the moment (or the people in it).
Each morning before getting out of bed, take a moment to feel the deep gratitude for the people and freedoms you have in your life. For extra bonus points, express this gratitude to those you feel it for.
2: Read more.
In a world where most of what we feed our minds is compiled of cat memes and political arguments on Facebook, it is imperative to consciously decide what information we are going to take in.
Ideas in equals ideas out, and just like you get better performance from your body when you feed it well, you also get better performance from your mind.
The world of books is endless and diverse, and thanks to technology, you can simply download audiobooks onto your phone and listen during your commute, while you’re in the shower, or while you’re at the gym.
Reading does not have to be something that takes more time in your life, but simply a way to be more efficient with the time you already have.
3: Hone your communication skills.
Just as important as what you take in from the world, is what you give back to it. Effective communication and speaking abilities are paramount to your success in all areas.
You can better communicate why you deserve a raise, why you should be hired for a job, why that bouncer should let you into the club, and why you’re interested in that woman across the room.
A great method I’ve found for doing this is spending time watching speakers you admire and taking lessons from how they present themselves. Record yourself with your phone, and listen back. Practice being clear, concise, and articulate.
Learning the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication can quite literally change your life.
4: Learn to defend yourself.
Though we are no longer cavemen, a sense of security and confidence comes along with understanding the basics of self defense.
In (what feels like) a previous life, I used to teach Shotokan Karate, boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. These skills gave me pride in knowing I could defend myself and those I care about should the situation arise.
You will hopefully never have to use self-defense skills in the real world, but it’s better to be equipped and not need them, than to need them…and not have them.
5: Learn to cook.
We mentioned what you feed your brain when you read, but without proper fuel intake, your body cannot function at its peak. And when your body cannot function at its peak, neither can your mind.
Your microbiome, mood, mental and physical health…are all tied together. Having the ability to prepare healthy and safe foods for yourself and those around you is a skill we should all prioritize.
Plus, women think it’s sexy.
6: Treat everyone with respect.
So many people get caught up in their own daily lives that they lose sight of those around them. They bump into each other on the train, in the street, don’t hold doors, don’t say thank you or sorry…
Unless you have been deliberately betrayed or hurt by someone, there is no reason to disrespect another human being whose story you do not know.
When you are kind to people, you’ll very often find that they are kind to you in return.
7: Learn more about women.
Particularly true for heterosexual men, a deeper understanding of the female brain helps us learn the basics of attraction, relationships, communication, and emotional connection.
So many men complain about not being able to understand women, yet so few men put in the time and effort to actually do so.
Communicate, ask questions, pay attention. We will never be able to predict or fully understand how or why an individual human being does what he or she does, but we can gain a greater understanding of how the human brain works and become better at navigating the waters.
8: Prioritize health and fitness.
Demanding jobs, businesses, and obligations can take up much of our day. Often, taking the time to prepare healthy foods or get in some physical activity seems like a second priority, but the truth is if your health begins to fail, you won’t be able to function at an optimized level nor take care of those around you.
9: Always stay true to your word.
Honor seems to be a lost concept in today’s society. Challenge yourself for 30 days to do exactly what you say you’re going to do. Watch how your self confidence and relationships improve because of it.
10: Tip well.
My dad has always told me that if you take care of people, they will take care of you.
I recall growing up and being in situations with my parents where tipping would be appropriate. Specifically, someone bringing your luggage to a hotel room, or a valet driver.
My dad would fold up a few dollars, place it in his palm, and casually shake the hand of whoever was delivering the luggage and pass it off to them.
I always thought this was a classy and discreet way of passing along a tip and I’ve implemented it ever since.
11: Travel.
Experiencing different cultures, locations, arts, attitudes, societal norms…is the absolute best way to become acquainted with the world around you. It combats against prejudice. It expands your worldview and values. It opens parts of your mind you didn’t know you had.
I’ve spoken to so many women who want to travel the world but their husbands have no desire to do anything but sit on the couch after work and watch sports.
Gentlemen, the world is quite literally passing you by. Don’t miss it.
12: Define your identity and cultivate it every single day.
The world is always telling you what you should do. Where you should work. What kind of women you should date. What you should wear. What kind of car is cool to drive.
At the end of the day, the absolute only thing that matters is how you feel about yourself when you’re by yourself. This is the essence of fulfillment.
Becoming absolutely clear on who you want to be is the guiding light for what decisions you’ll end up making. Who you’ll end up marrying (if anyone at all). Where you’ll end up living and working.
Do not allow the world to mold you into whatever societal trend is exposing itself at the time. Choose, consciously, the best life that is suited for you as an individual.
There will never be another you in this world. Never let the gifts that only you can bring, go to waste.
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