If you’re in your thirties, you need to listen carefully, because what you’re doing now will determine whether your 40s are your prime or your punishment. I’m going to break down the information in four essential parts: body & health, style & grooming, money & purpose, and mindset & lifestyle.
The 30s are an incredibly pivotal point in a man’s life. If you’re not willing to step up and do the hard work, don’t be mad that you’re in your 40s and 50s, you are fat, broke, out of shape, and lonely. Do what it takes now and start now. Don’t wait.
Body and health
Lift weights and never stop. Lifting heavy is your insurance program for the rest of your life. At age 30, your body will start to lose muscle unless you begin lifting weights consistently to boost testosterone.
Dial in your nutrition. Stop eating like a teenager because you cannot out-train or out-run a bad diet. Start setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle because your metabolism will start to slow in your 30s.
Prioritize sleep. Sleep is a free hormone replacement therapy. If you want to maximize your mind, body, and future, sleep is the fundamental foundation and cornerstone for being your best.
Manage stress. Stress is a part of life, but it’s also a silent poison. When you’re stressed, your cortisol levels rise. If you don’t sleep well, you won’t be as happy and healthy. You also won’t be as productive. If you’re stressed out, find a way to manage it that does not include drugs and alcohol.
Get regular blood work. You can’t fix what is not tested. Make sure you’re getting blood work done once a year, including testosterone, vitamin D, hormone levels, cholesterol, and prostate numbers.
Style and grooming
Start taking care of your skin. If you’re not developing a skin care routine in your 30s, your face will be negatively affected. Don’t wait until you have fine lines and wrinkles.
Update & upgrade your style. In the first 3 seconds upon meeting someone, they are forming their opinion based on your nonverbal communication. People don’t expect much from those in their teens and 20s, but by the time you’re in your 30s, dial in your style. Your style is your personal brand and packaging. Are you going to show up polished and presentable, or will you still be dressed like a teenager?
Give up on little kid hairstyles. Broccoli hair and all those hairstyles you see on TikTok are not respectable. That goes for pink and blue hair, too. If you want opportunities and respect, choose a natural hair color.
Take care of thinning hair quickly. You could use a growth-stimulating serum, like Boost. Or you could take finasteride (Propecia) or minoxidil, which are not natural products. You could consider a hair transplant or buzz your hair. Just don’t choose a style that makes you look like you’re trying to hide or cover up.
Stop using Axe body spray and find a signature scent. Make sure you’re hygiene game is strong and straight.
Money and purpose
Now is the time to invest. Every dollar that you invest in your thirties turns into $5 in your forties. I wish I could go back and start investing sooner.
Live below your means. You don’t need what you see on TikTok and Instagram with people living lavish lifestyles. Delay your gratification so you’re better positioned in your 40s to build financial freedom.
Get a side hustle. If you’re working paycheck to paycheck, you won’t achieve financial freedom. Learn how to make money while you’re sleeping. Take chances and risks.
Reevaluate your career. If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, it’s time to fix it. You don’t want to be 10 years down the line hating what you’re doing because life is too short. If it means going back to school, this is a perfect time. Upgrade your value skills and get headed in the right direction.
Audit your circle. It’s okay to outgrow people. If you’re hanging out with losers, your 40s will be tough. It’s time to break ties with people who aren’t good enough for you, who don’t make you feel good about yourself, or who are holding you back.
Mindset and lifestyle
Deal with emotional baggage. Every wound you don’t deal with or take care of becomes a problem later in your life. Deal with these before they ruin relationships, confidence, and your future success.
Stop chasing women and start choosing them. Don’t waste time on chaos or heartbreak. Don’t date someone who isn’t right for you, either. It’s time for you to choose peace over pretty. I’m not saying you need to be with a wildebeest, but stop prioritizing pretty over everything else.
Master discipline. We seek motivation, but what truly drives accomplishment is discipline. Have the skills and tools to develop and implement a payoff in the future.
Protect your time. Learn how to say no more often. Every yes you say to nonsense like getting drunk or doing stupid things is a no to your future self. The reason your friends won’t achieve what you will is that they keep saying yes to everything and don’t protect their time.
Start building your future self intentionally. Become the guy in his 40s who is confident, strong, and financially responsible and free. It’s not an accident that some people in their 40s are crushing it. They are willing to do what they need to do and stop doing things they don’t need to in their 30s.
