Everyone wants to be a high value man. However, too few men know what it takes to make it happen though.
There's no roadmap to success. Every man has to figure out his own passions – his own destiny – before going forth and becoming the man he knows himself to be.
HOWEVER, no one gets there without help. I'm here to give you guys a few examples of great habits practiced by some of the best men I know.
Today we're going over 17 habits of a high value man:
- Give Up Your Addictions
- Pay Your dues
- Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
- Ignore The Haters
- Swallow Your Pride
- Reinventing yourself
- Leverage What Makes You Unique
- Be So Good You Can't Be Ignored
- Try New Things And Experiment
- Lead By Example
- Continuously Learn
- Be Grateful For Every Moment
- Get Up Early And Win The Day
- Understand That 80% Is Good Enough
- Listen Before You Speak
- Keep A Diary And Stick To A Calendar
- Pay With Cash And Avoid Credit
#1 Give Up Your Addictions
We're all addicted to something. Whether it be the TV, sugar, fast food, alcohol or even drugs.
Some addictions are more harmful than others, that's obvious – however, ALL addictions can put a bottleneck on your success.
How? It's simple – an addiction can also be described as a distraction. Something that takes up valuable time & energy that could be used to focus on your goals & dreams.
So if you're serious about wanting to improve your life & achieve success, then it's time to give up your addictions once and for all! Here's how:
- Determine what your addiction is – the first step to overcoming any addiction is recognizing that you have one in the first place. Not sure if you're addicted to something? Just ask yourself this question: “Is this something I can go without?” If the answer is no, then chances are you're addicted.
- Understand why you're addicted – once you've determined what your addiction is, it's time to understand why you're addicted in the first place. This will vary from person to person, but usually it's due to some sort of emotional void or insecurity.
- Find a replacement activity – in order to successfully overcome an addiction, you need to replace the addictive behavior with something else. This could be anything from going for a walk, reading a book, or even starting a new hobby. The key is to find something that positively contributes to your life and makes you feel good.
- Seek professional help – sometimes addictions can be too much to handle on our own. If this is the case, don't be afraid to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Giving up your addictions is not easy, but it's definitely worth it if you want to live a successful and fulfilling life as a high value man. Just remember to take things one day at a time, and be proud of every victory – no matter how small.
#2 Paying Your Dues
Jimmy Donaldson – or MrBeast – found incredible success on YouTube. He started at age 13 – now, at age 22, he's got a huge following. We're talking millions of subscribers with millions of views PER VIDEO.
What's his high value man habit? Paying his dues.
MrBeast obsesses over what he does. He spent years putting in 6-8 hour days into his channel. He consumed as much information as he could on a constant basis.
That's why he has so many subscribers – that's why he's a force to be reckoned with at so young an age. Gents, put in the time to reap the reward.
#3 Surrounding Yourself With Like-Minded People
When it comes to being a good judge of character, I can't find a better example than Aaron Marino (I mean he's got me as a friend, come on). The face behind AlphaM made the right calls when choosing who he'd stand beside.
The first example is his wife. She's stuck with him through thick and thin – through the hardships and triumphs.
But what about in his business partnerships? You guys all know skincare brand Tiege Hanley, right? Aaron went into business with an incredible team of men – Rob the operations manager, Kelly the CEO, and The Chemist who is responsible for the formula in their products.
Together, they've made Tiege Hanley… the system for men getting started with skincare. So much of this is due to my friend's skill in making careful and correct decisions when it comes to those he brings into his circle.
Let me level with you. I actually don't consider myself to be immensely successful, but I have developed my skills in leaps and bounds and become a high value man as a result. I've done it by putting myself in situations where I'm the least successful person in the room, by finding people who challenge and inspire me.
“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton
I can't emphasize enough the importance of surrounding yourself with inspirational figures – people that drive you to greater and greater heights.
#4 Ignore The Haters
As far as controversy goes, YouTube cologne commentator Jeremy Fragrance has it in spades. The fragrance community has certain expectations and unspoken rules within, but Jeremy could not care less about any of them.
He pursues his passion for men's colognes HIS way, and he doesn't compromise. You can't argue with the results – the man is undeniably an authority in his field, teaming up with the likes of Alberto Morillas, one of the top perfumers in the world, to put out his new successful fragrance.
It cracks me up every time I see a reviewer hate on his fragrance, simply because Jeremy came up with it. Simply put? He's handsome, talented, and doesn't give a sh** what the haters have to say.
#5 Swallow Your Pride
Jeff Morgan, creator of The Style OG YouTube channel, was already a high value man before he started his Youtube journey. He was a doctor! Yet he still felt inspired to put out videos on style, feeling that black men didn't have any examples to follow.
He got off to a rocky start, but what did he do? He opened his mind and got to researching. In particular, he looked at Jose Zuniga over at Teaching Men's Fashion – another high value man who is half his age!
He didn't let this get him down, though. He didn't care that younger men were already successful in the field he was pursuing. Jeff understood that if he didn't suck it up and learn, he'd never get where he wanted to be. That's why this successful habit is all about ignoring your ego – never let it get in the way of your goals.
#6 Reinvent Yourself
YouTuber Ryan Masters is the perfect example of a high value man rediscovering himself and triumphing as a result. He started out with his channel Sparta Strength, but he's totally changed gears.
Now, he is THE authority in North America for country western dancing. There's no magic to it – he simply started from scratch in this completely new industry, put in the work, gained the knowledge, and BAM.
Never be scared to take your passions in a new path – you never know what just might happen.
#7 Leverage What Makes You Unique
To be a successful high value man, you need to understand yourself.
In fact, you need to take advantage of what makes you, YOU. After all, if you simply stuck to the status quo and went along with the rest, chances are you're never going to make your mark and succeed.
In order to truly push yourself and get the recognition you deserve, it's important that you play to your strengths. It's the only way you're going to be able to set yourself apart from the crowd.
Think about it this way – if everyone is doing the same thing, how are you supposed to stand out? The answer is, you can't. But if you focus on what makes you unique, suddenly you have a much better chance of getting noticed.
For example, let's say you're a salesperson. In order to succeed, you need to be able to connect with people and understand their needs. If you're shy or introverted, that's not going to be easy. However, if you use your introversion to your advantage and take the time to really get to know your clients, you'll be able to form much stronger relationships with them.
The same principle applies in any situation. Whether you're an artist, a musician, a CEO or anything else, it's important that you focus on what makes you different. It's the only way to succeed.
So what are some things that make you unique as a high value man? Do you have a special skill or talent? Are you particularly good at something? Are you especially knowledgeable about a certain subject? These are all things that you can use to your advantage.
Think about how you can use your unique qualities to get ahead. How can you use them to stand out from the rest? How can they help you succeed? Keep these things in mind and you'll get where you want to be in no time at all.
#8 Be So Good You Can't Be Ignored
Here's the deal: if you're insanely good at something, people will notice.
What does this mean for success? Simple – if you're good at what you do, people will take notice, and success will follow.
How can you be insanely good at something? By becoming an expert in your field, and continuously learning and growing. Constantly strive to be better than you were yesterday, and success will come your way as a high value man.
The best way to become insanely good at something is to find a role model or mentor who can help guide you on your journey. Surround yourself with people who are successful, and learn from them. Soak up their knowledge, and adopt their habits.
Finding a mentor can be tricky – after all, if someone is successful then chances are they're also insanely busy! However, there are things you can do to attract the attention of potential mentors. The most important thing is to be genuinely interested in what they do, and to show them that you're keen to learn.
Send them an email, make a phonecall or even book in to meet with them! The worst that could happen is them saying no – so what have you got to lose?
If you want to be successful, you need to be insanely good at what you do. So get to work, and become the high value man you know yourself to be!
#9 Try New Things And Experiment
When it comes to productive Youtubers, Thomas Frank is the king. His YouTube channel has over 1 million subscribers and he's constantly evolving. Much of this evolution comes simply from trying new things – even when they don't guarantee success.
With these methods, he's had some unexpected successes. He published one video in which he spends an hour studying – that's it! People took to it because it made them feel as though they had a study buddy despite being alone. No one can predict results like that.
#10 Lead By Example
No one lives their brand like Eric Bandholz. Not only does he promote the image of The Urban Beardsman, but he IS The Urban Beardsman. He is the very embodiment of what he promotes in his company, which makes him the perfect example of this successful men's habit.
As a leader, no one should be living your brand more than you. Take a pointer from Eric!
#11 Continuously Learn
I'm always stressing the importance of knowledge. According to studies, 85% of self-made millionaires read at least two books a month. Part of success is the thirst for knowledge.
I've put up several posts and videos talking about what books to read and what audiobooks to listen to. Mani Vaya built a business on the pursuit of information, so it's only right he be included when I say to NEVER stop learning.
Knowledge is power – it's simple. The more you know, the fewer mistakes you'll make in your business. It's all about continued education; getting the practical knowledge you need to excel in your field.
#12 Be Grateful For Every Moment
Let's be honest – we all feel crabby sometimes. There are moments in our lives where we question our success, relationships and happiness. Gents, I'm here to tell you that's natural and every man experiences it!
However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to find the good in every bad situation you experience.
In fact, I believe that being grateful for every moment in your life – both the good and bad ones – is one of the most important keys to happiness and becoming a high value man.
The ability to find gratitude in each situation you face is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Just like any other skill, it takes time to get better at and requires conscious effort.
Here are a few tips to help you get started on your journey to become more grateful:
Keep A Gratitude Journal
One of the best ways to start practicing gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Every day, make it a point to write down 3-5 things you're grateful for. This can be anything from your bed to your health to your family and friends.
Not only will this help you focus on the positive things in your life, but it will also give you something to look back on when you're feeling down. Trust me, you'll be surprised how much good there is in your life!
Be Present In The Moment
Another great way to start practicing gratitude is to simply be present in the moment. Too often, we get caught up in our thoughts and worries about the future or dwell on the past. This prevents us from truly enjoying the present moment.
The next time you're doing something you enjoy – whether it's taking a walk outside or spending time with loved ones – make a conscious effort to be present in the moment and savor it. This will help you appreciate the good moments more and make them last longer.
Express Your Gratitude To Others
One of the best ways to show gratitude is to express it to others. If someone does something nice for you, take the time to thank them. If you have a close friend or family member, let them know how much you appreciate them.
You can also express your gratitude by doing something nice for someone else. Something as simple as holding the door open or offering to help with a task can go a long way in making someone's day.
#13 Get Up Early And Win The Day
I know it's a bit of a cliche by now – ‘a high value man gets up at 4am, runs 10 miles, takes a cold shower and meditates to whale song'. However, there is definitely some truth in this cliche.
While I'm not suggesting you need to do all of these things, getting up relatively early can have some pretty significant benefits when it comes to success.
Namely – time.
The early bird really does catch the worm. Getting up a couple of hours before everyone else gives you time to work on your projects, goals, and plans without distraction or interruption.
It's a time when you can really focus and get things done. No one is emailing you, calling you, or trying to talk to you. It's just you, your thoughts, and your keyboard (or whatever tools you're using).
In addition to this, getting up early also allows you to get a head start on the day. You can plan out what you need to do, map out your priorities and make sure that you're ready to take on the day when it starts.
When everyone else is just starting their day, you've already accomplished a lot.
There are definitely some benefits to getting up early and starting the day off right. It's not for everyone, but if you can make it work, it can really help you to be more successful.
#14 Understand 80% Is Good Enough
Here's the thing – no one succeeds without some setbacks along the way. There are always things that are left unfinished or skipped in pursuit of more important tasks when trying to become a high value man.
That's life.
So I'm here to tell you that reaching 80% of your goals is good enough.
As long as you continue to strive for your goals and don't give up, you're on the right track.
80% success is better than 100% failure.
It's time to start thinking about what you can realistically accomplish and be happy with that.
Stop beating yourself up for not being perfect and start celebrating your successes – no matter how small they may be.
Let me give you an example.
A carpenter sets out to create a beautiful mahogany table. He sources the wood, carves it to perfection, and applies a varnish to finish. It's a true work of art… but he never found time to source the rubber feet for his table's legs.
Does this take away from the beauty of the table? No.
Is the table any less functional? Nope.
The carpenter is still happy with his work – even though it's not 100% complete.
This is the same mentality you should have when pursuing your goals.
So, next time you find yourself falling short of perfection, remember that 80% success is better than 100% failure.
Embrace your accomplishments and keep moving forward.
#15 Listen Before You Speak
Speak once, listen twice.
That's a strange statement, right? But it does hold a lot of truth when it comes to being a successful man.
Listening is key to understanding, which is key to becoming a high value man.
If you want to be successful, you have to learn to listen twice as much as you speak.
It's not just about hearing the words that are being said, but understanding the meaning behind them.
You have to be able to read between the lines and see things from the other person's perspective.
Only then can you truly understand what they're trying to say.
And once you understand, you can respond in a way that is helpful and productive.
Trust me, listening before you open your mouth can boost your success 10x if you listen with INTENT. What do I mean by this?
I mean, really listen. Don't just wait for your turn to speak.
Don't try to think of what you're going to say next while the other person is still talking.
Just focus on understanding what they're saying and why they're saying it.
The more you practice this, the better you'll get at it. And the better you get at it, the more successful you'll be. Try it out and see for yourself!
So if you want to be a successful man, start by learning to listen. It'll take you a long way.
#16 Keep A Diary And Stick To A Calendar
There's a reason for this. The written word and time are two of the most important tools in achieving success. A man who can articulate what he wants and then set a plan to achieve it is much more likely to succeed than one who cannot.
A successful man also understands that his time is limited, and therefore he uses it wisely. He does not waste time on things that do not matter, and he makes sure to focus on what is important. He sets priorities and sticks to them.
Time management is an important skill for any man who wants to be successful. It is especially important for men who have a lot of responsibilities. If a man can't manage his time well, he will quickly become overwhelmed and stressed out. That's natural – our brains can only take in so much information, which means we need to find other ways organize and store it. This is where a diary can be so useful.
A diary allows a man to keep track of his thoughts, plans, and progress. It gives him a place to vent his frustrations and celebrate his successes. It is a tool that can help him stay on track and motivated.
The best diaries are ones that are used regularly. A man should make it a habit to write in his diary every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. This will help him to get into the habit of thinking about his goals and how to achieve them. Additionally, regular writing will help him to better remember what he has accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Diaries are personal, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to using them. However, there are a few tips that can help any man get the most out of his diary:
Be honest with yourself
The whole point of keeping a diary is to be honest with yourself. Don't try to sugarcoat your thoughts or actions – be truthful about what you've done and how you feel. This will help you to better understand yourself and your motivations. It will also make it easier to identify patterns and areas that need improvement.
Be specific
When you're writing in your diary, be as specific as possible. Write down the date, time, and place for each entry. Include details about what happened and how you felt. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to look back and understand what was going on in your life at that time.
Be consistent
The key to any successful habit is consistency. If you want to get the most out of your diary, you need to make sure that you're writing in it regularly. Set aside some time each day, or week, to sit down and write. This will help you to stay on track and keep your thoughts organized.
#17 Pay With Cash And Avoid Credit
Now I can't say that every successful man on the planet follows this rule. In fact, many men will tell you that buying on credit is better than using cash as it builds your credit score and financial trustworthiness.
However, when it comes to the average Joe, using credit can be a pretty dangerous thing.
For one, it's all too easy to overspend when you're not using cash. With credit, it's easy to convince yourself that you can afford something when you really can't. This can lead to all sorts of financial problems down the road.
Another issue with credit is that it can be difficult to keep track of your spending. It's all too easy to lose track of how much you've spent on your credit card and end up with a hefty bill at the end of the month. This can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety.
Lastly, if you ever find yourself in a tight spot financially, using credit can be a quick way to ruin your credit score. One late payment or missed payment and your score can take a significant hit. This can make it difficult to borrow money in the future when you really need it.
For these reasons, I would advise anyone to only pay with cash whenever possible. It's not always possible, but if you can swing it, it's always the best option. Only use credit as a last resort and be sure to keep track of your spending so you don't end up in any financial trouble.
