A lot of guys that come here are somewhat lost when it comes to taking the first step to improving themselves. It can be daunting when there are so many choices to tackle. I'm going to lay out some of the key areas that I focus on. There are 4 areas of your overall health that equally important. A lack of one will impact the others, but it works the opposite way too, building momentum in one will boost your progress in others, so it doesn't matter which one you start with as long as you start somewhere.
#1 - Physical
Are you always tired/sick/fat, can't make it up the stairs without wheezing? Look ugly? Start working out, get a skincare regiment, get a fresh cut and some new clothes if you have to. Get surgery if you're really deformed. Looking good makes you feel good and statistically gets you paid better. I've learned that there's no such thing as ugly people, only lazy people. There's plenty of rich, depressed, fat fucks and plenty of broke dudes with 6-packs that live their lives to the fullest.
#2 - Mental
This breaks down to emotional and intellectual. Whether you're depressed/angry/apathetic, whatever your hangups are identify them and sort them out. No one wants to be around an anchor dragging them down. Know the guy that everybody wants to be friends with? Odds are he's happy, chill, and full of positive energy. But it's not just about being a happy-go-lucky retard. Read books, develop skills, seek to know and do more today than you did the day before.
#3 - Social
You can be the smartest buffest guy in the room, but it does count for much if you're the only one in the room. We're social animals by nature. Doesn't matter if you hit the bar up with a squad of 20 friends or make small talk with the cashier in the checkout line. Small steps build up to something larger. One of the closest friends I have today was a random dude at the gym I asked for a spot.
#4 - Financial
Your career/savings/investments. If I lost my job next week it wouldn't bother me one bit. Because I know I have the skillset to find another one quickly and even if I don't I've got the savings to weather the storm. Despite what people say, money does buy happiness, it gives you peace of mind. Tires on my car got fucked last month, had a brand new set the next day without having to beg friends/family for a handout. Set some cash aside from your paycheck each month. If you invest $500/mo starting at age 25 [you can retire a millionaire at 60.] (http://www.calculator.net/401k-calculator.html?age=25&income=50000&balance=0&contribution=12&ematch=50&ematchend=4&retirementage=60&lifeexpectancy=85&incomeincrease=2&rate=7&inflation=3&hideirslimit=0&type=1&x=52&y=22#top) As John Goodman puts it, you want to get yourself in the position of "fuck you".
Starting somewhere builds up a feedback loop. The more you progress in one of the pillars the easier it becomes to progress in others. Having a healthy social life will help your career and mental health. Being physically healthy will improve your social life and mental health. And being financially healthy will improve all others. Having the money to eat right, not worry about bills, and go out to do fun things will keep you healthy overall.
I like to think of it like taking care of plants. Do you just water it once and forget about it? Fuck no, you have to keep doing it. Every day I think, have I watered my physical plant (gone to the gym?) Have I watered my mental plant (read a book?) My social plant (hang out with friends and meet new people?) And my financial plant (set money aside/ask for a promotion/work hard for a bonus?)
AlphaTrumpsfapping 5y ago
I started making a list like this long before I found the red pill. I came up with body, mind and spirit. But these 4 pillars are much better
xRaiden99x 5y ago
I am surprised no one has mentioned controlling your drinking or removing it completely. I have improved mentally and physically because of the lack of alcohol in my life. I really recommend this one to those trying to improve their lives.
Hsnbrg501 5y ago
Not a drinker, but I have stopped smoking cigarettes for a week, and that alone is improving the quality of my life.
I'm saving money, my ability to breathe and retain stamina has increased, and the appetite I need to reach my daily calories has returned as well.
I feel like a million dollars.
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Staunch_Moderate 5y ago
Second. I stopped drinking regularly about 4 years ago. Went a year or two almost completely sober, now it’s maybe once a month I’ll have a beer or two. I don’t even think about it honestly, it’s just not something that benefits my life in any way.
_Citizen_Erased_ 5y ago
So many people lean on alcohol to provide that “don’t give two shits what anybody thinks” mentality. Using it as a crutch to get into that mode is proof that you can’t do it on your own, and that should be an area to work on.
KookyDonut 5y ago
Ain't that the truth. Sometimes the best friendships come from some random occurrence in life.
I also think Spiritual is a very important aspect of life that is not mentioned in this post.
[deleted] 5y ago
pray tell how is that little christian drummer boy
hawkeaglejesus 5y ago
I'd say expand on that if you can. It may fall under "Mental" for some people, but could be big enough to be it's own pillar. For me it's about your beliefs, your value system, your code.
greatamericancities 5y ago
Random conversations in the gym have led to meeting several interesting people.
hiddenpersona 5y ago
Exactly. Funny, I met my best friend bro the day before I quit playing video games in a guild chat in a game. He was also quitting. Then we met in real life and we are closer then ever and we become the two jacked dudes.
Skuggasveinn 5y ago
Here are my Icelandic two króna on the matter.
Physical:
Compound weight excercises for size, power and strength. HIIT for longevity and fat loss. Group sports for team building, leadership and motivation. Solo fighting sports for skills, focus, determination and confidence. Endurance running, climbing, swimming for grit and persiverance.
Mental: Meditation. Prudence. Goal setting and rewards. Reading & learning.
Social: Have fun. Meet new people. Go out of your comfort zone.
Financial. Risk management. Index Funds. Entrepreneurship.
Skuggasveinn 5y ago
And sleep. Sleep is important.
comcain 5y ago
Good post. Well written and concise
nester79 5y ago
This is a great post and is simple enough to make sense for everyone.
1 thing I'd add is a million is hard to retire on at age 60 these days. I guess it depends on your lifestyle and where you live.
[deleted] 5y ago
oh goodie we can keep the retards around
nester79 5y ago
Yes even the idiots need red pill (and there are a shit load of them)
hawkeaglejesus 5y ago
I agree, but the point was it doesn't take a lot to retire somewhat comfortably even if you don't start until you're 25 making only $50k/year for the rest of your life with only cost-of-living increases which would put one [right at the national average.] (https://i.imgur.com/odcSgix.png) If you're smart, capable, and hardworking you'll be in a much better place than just average.
[deleted] 5y ago
If you start young and get a 401k it's not hard
havelbrandybuck 5y ago
Physical, Mental and Financial developments come from discipline, wise-decisions and opportunity seeking which is at the control of the individual. Social development however is partially dictated by those you engage with and is something that many people struggle to develop; this should be something that people need to actively pursue and maintain more-so than the other pillars.
thunderbeyond 5y ago
Mental health should be a primary focus for all men.
Every one of us needs to ensure that we have a solid foundation. Self acceptance, the ability to learn from our mistakes, resilience against all the shit that life throws up.
mister_mine 5y ago
My financial advise: Do some research on OmiseGO.
Staunch_Moderate 5y ago
Or just crypto in general. There’s a lot of money to be made if you’re patient and don’t mind the volatility.
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alphajatt 5y ago
What sleeper coins are you holding?
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joeybloggers 5y ago
Thats the best post I ever read on reddit. Thank you.
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kylerosa21 5y ago
Point #4 is spot on.
I am aspiring to become a professional soccer coach, which requires me to go out and do coaching courses to be licensed to coach. I’ve done 2 courses so far and have a decent license, and am eligible for my next license already. With the next license, I can easily get a job and secure income as soon as I get out of college. I put myself in a position where I was able to get certifications needed to be successful in my field, and as a result, I don’t worry about getting a job out of college, since I’ll be able to get one quite easily.
Solid post
universalabundance1 5y ago
I would love to see a post of a step by step guide of how to get to a position of fuck you.
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