You are getting nearer and nearer to 25, meaning you have been living 1/2, or hopefully, 1/3 or 1/4 of your life. Have you ever regretted that you should have done something? Have you ever thought of what you should do in 5 years’ time? Here comes a tip about 25 things a man should do by 25. Feel free to add your own in the comments so that I can revise it, and hopefully, one day we can eventually have the list of 25-should-do things that is the standard of all men.
Click on the title to read in more detail. I have tried my best to KISS it (Keep It Short and ‘Stupid’).
1. Apply a skin care regimen
Come on guys, healthy complexions aren’t just for metrosexuals!
2. Buy enough underwear
The boyfriend of your girl should if not must have enough clean underwear (NO HOLES!) until the next laundry session.
3. Buy enough toilet paper
It’s always enough when you live with your mama 🙂 But when you live alone or with your friends, it’s sometimes a problem.
4. Buy a great razor
All men need great razors.
5. Buy at least 4 good pairs of shoes: dressy, business casual, casual, exercise
That’s it! You can join any events you want.
6. Buy a blazer and a tailored suit
There are some pieces of clothing that instantly make you look and feel more classy and confident, and a blazer is one of them. No matter what you’re wearing, a blazer will take your ensemble to the next level. What’s more, a blazer’s structured style means you also appear more dominant, which will score you points at work and in your social life (askmen.com).
7. Listen to war stories
Yes, you have probably read and learned a lot of war stories: World War I, World War II, Vietnam War and so on. But it’s definitely not satisfying. A real man tells a real story. Find and buy a veteran (NOT your CONTEMPORARY teachers) a beer. Ask your questions. Historical events always harbor beauty (Peter N. Stearns).
8. Learn a tasty signature dish you can whip up for a date
You won’t be supposed to be a chef. However, it’s a pity if you can’t cook at all. There would be a minus from others. You’d better know a tasty signature dish (INSTANT NOODLES never count!) that you can whip up for a date. Your girlfriend, for example, will be very pleased with it.
9. Get 6-pack abs
Getting 6-pack abs sounds like a very complicated task for most of people. Truth be told, it is not as complicated as you may think, you will get it if you really want! For those who haven’t cared about it, 6-pack abs is not just a sex appeal but also an obvious testimony that you are physically strong and healthy. If it is not that tough, why don’t you get it and show off?
10. Treat all women well
A real man always treats his mother well. Then he does the same for his girl. (Un)Surprisingly, that guy treats all other women likewise. Actually, being a gentle man is not difficult at all since women usually don’t ask for too much (yes, they really do). Basically, respect, honesty, trust and the ability to listen and respond is what most women want from a guy. So who is a gentleman? Well, he’s the guy who’s always polite and gives small gestures to make her feel important and lady-like. He always pulls out the chair when she goes to sit down; he always holds the door open; he always offers to carry things for her…
11. Be independent from your mama
A (real) man must be autonomously and financially independent from his mama. Otherwise, you look more or less a child – A 24-year-old child would ask his mom: “mummy (SWEET), please give me some money, my girlfriend is waiting!!!” Wow, never mimic that guy!
12.Expand your relationships (acquaintances)
Life without friends is like the sky without the sun! A man, without doubt, needs friends. He likewise needs a girl who always stays together sharing the sadness and happiness with him. Remarkably, he needs acquaintances too. There is usually a stereotype that a tycoon doesn’t have many friends. But it’s not true. He does have as many friends as his adversaries at the very least. Apart from your girl and friends, acquaintances play a crucial role in your business life. You alone can’t shape the world!
13. Get regular checkups
We usually visit doctors and dentists as a last resort, when that sprained ankle has swollen to the size of a grapefruit or that toothache can no longer be ignored. But every man should get checked out regularly, if not for STDs or illnesses related to aging (heart and prostate diseases especially), then at least in order to lead an all-around healthy life. (Askmen.com) Please avoid what we can avoid! Stupid pride and fear can keep you from spotting and eradicating small problems before they become serious. Is 25 too early? You may wait until 30, 40 or even 50 – probably, but I don’t think so.
14. Find the right hobby
What do you usually do in your pastime? If you do watch TV, play games, drink or find/read gossips, you may consider finding another hobby. There are a lot of interesting activities available: activities that improve your mind (playing chess and mind games, etc.), activities that profit (reading books, writing, etc.), activities that make you healthy (swimming, jogging, etc.), activities that make you calm down (Yoga, meditation, etc.) and so on and so forth.
15. Find what you really love
At this point in time, you’re expected to know what you really love! You can’t just say, you love doing everything in life. There are only one or few things you would love to do. Please bear in mind that “the only way to do a great work is to love what you do! As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on”(Steve Jobs).
16. Find your real master
What should you do after finding your loves? The answer is to find the masters in the areas. He is the one who will teach you, inspire you, and keep you on right track. Follow the master and become a master! Yes, that’s the key! It’s ironic that many people claim they have already found, had or known their own masters. However, they can’t even name that person: may-be Bill…Gates, yah, Buffet and …uh…uh… God…!?
17. Involve yourself in at least 2 serious relationships
You’re supposed to get married around 30, but you haven’t had any girlfriend yet!? You have one, but she’s your first love!? In both cases, unfortunately, you should look forward to (another) girl (immediately). Don’t bother, let me tell you the truth. Many people, especially girls, expect the first the last love. Yep, we all desire it. Unfortunately, we’re not that lucky. Picking the best one at the first round is the best case ever. In reality, we should never expect it. We can’t make or take a shortcut in love anyway. In your eyes, she may be a pretty good girl, but you know something? Others are even better. Who knows? Give yourself and her as well another chance to ensure you guys won’t regret in the future. (If still in love, you guys still can unite after that, right?)
18. Smile frequently and generously
One of the best things you can do for yourself and for everyone around you is to smile. In fact, smiling brings oxygen to your brain, immediately makes you feel better, and sends out comforting messages to others. Smiling can make you look like an inviting, accepting, likable and pleasant person (even if you’re not). Smiling also brings a great deal of health benefits – it helps you relax, relieve stress, lower your blood pressure and much more. Here come even more fabulous facts why you should smile:
- 72% of people think that those who smile frequently are confident and successful;
- 86% of people are more likely to talk to strangers if they are smiling;
- Bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot. (beliefnet.com)
Have you ever heard of “Smile Diet”? Find out and give it a try.
19. Do something “stupid”
U wanna travel throughout your country by bike, climb the Everest mountain, live in sin in Cameroon, invest all your money in Microsoft… In Order To satisfy your hobbies, to prove yourself, to show off with others, or whatever. Now is the time for you to do that! You may regret when you later find out that you will not have such a chance.
20. Go travelling to different countries
Travel broadens your horizons! You know what? Every traveller recommends travelling. Here comes a tip from Gary Arndt – the author of Everything-Everywhere.com, after 3-year travelling around the world: “Everyone should travel! At some point in your life, whether it is after college or when you retire, everyone should take some extended trip outside of their own country. The only way to really have a sense of how the world works is to see it yourself”.
21. “Change your house”
Have you thought of moving out of your house, go and live (NOT TRAVEL) elsewhere, in different city or country? Wow, it’s a wonderful idea ever. In fact, this is one of the best starts to be independent from your mama. Further, you’re not going to learn anything from something that becomes all too familiar. Distance provides perspective. Perspective confers wisdom. You need both. In brief, when you “change your house”, you change your atmosphere, change your environment, change your perception, thereby changing your life.
22. Start building your nest egg
Most people agree that it is important to save. However a question that often comes up is what is the right time to start saving? Several people suggest starting as early as possible to ensure a secure retirement. We generally agree that starting early makes sense. But why? – The answer is quite simple really. It’s the power of compound interest. Over a period of time your money will compound. Your investments will generate profit, and then that profit in turn will also earn a profit. Hence an early starting on saving offers you a very lucrative and simple way to make your money grow.
23. Start a business
Being their own boss is the dream of many men. Moreover, nowadays if you do some calculations, you’ll find that even if you work very hard (for others) in your whole life, you’re unlikely to get your dream nor life’s luxuries. Nevertheless, “START” ,“YOUR OWN” and “BUSINESS” – each word gives people a scare. They prefer delay than start and tomorrow than today as well. They wanna participate or join rather than create and shoulder responsibility. And business sounds like a very big word only for great men. Alright, once again, don’t let crazy fear deter you from success – Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and most importantly, you’re still too young to fail!
24. Lose it all
Eventually, you reach the point. Indeed what a man should have by 25 is nothing except for experience and savvy. Other stuff including money is just material comforts. Thus you don’t necessarily possess them now.If you want more, lose it first! Never, never let money, possessions and such satisfy your hungry!
25. List at least 25 more things you should do by 25
It is the hardest and most important task for any individual!
- Change your haircut
- Overspend
- Help a stranger
- Get your heart broken
- Date an older gal
*Get the ideas and inspirations from the topic at Frisky
ps: The last 5 things every man should do by 30, will be revealed next week