Improving Your Best Self: A Gentleman's Guide

Words by, Igee Okafor

Photography by, Roderick Jackson

In everything we do going through our daily routines, we hope for the best outcome. Whether it's going to the gym with hopes of fully executing those rep goals, or completing tasks under stressful deadlines at work, we all tend to feel a sense of accomplishment once the goal is completed. All because we feel like we have done our best. 

This is one aspect of being your best self - playing to your strengths, and using all of your energy to accomplish the maximum at all costs.

It can seem as though the idea is solely based on physically working hard to achieve your goals and I beg to differ. Being your best self doesn't always require that much hands on work. There are little things outside of the obvious we can practice everyday to establish improvements in the way we live our lives. 

Let the points extended below serve as a mental note. 

Take Full Advantage of Your Experiences

Pay Attention To Everything You Choose To Spend Your Time On. In a world where we are inclined to show everyone how much fun we are having on Instagram, Snapchat and beyond, it is just as important to truly immerse ourselves in the experiences we make the decision to indulge in.

For example, If you decide to go to a dance party, don't stand against the wall, dance like no one's watching and socialize with new people while you're at it. If you schedule dinner with a friend, pay attention to the conversation and do your best to make sure you both get something tangible out of the time you spent together. If you go to a concert, don't spend the entire time on Instagram Live. Not to say, you can't at all - just try to strategically carve out the moments you deem necessary to remember. 

Do Your Best To Do Something Good Everyday

It is very easy to get distracted and lost in our own worlds. Whether it's because of work or personal projects and plans we choose to act on, taking time out to make sure we do a good deed for the world around us is important.

Have a conversation with someone in a way that teaches them, donate to a charitable cause, offer to help a friend out something they're working on. No matter how big or small, you feel good about it and you could be contributing to changing the world in more ways than you know. 

Trust Yourself

Settling is not an option. You have standards and expectations for a reason. Never lower them. Being sure of yourself is a quality not a lot of people possess and if you possess that, always be self confident when it comes down to claiming it. 

Reflect on Your Days

Taking time out to analyze the highs and lows of your day is a good way to assess your likes, dislikes, strong points, and weak points. For the better, it gives you an opportunity to acknowledge certain things you may not always recognize. Questions to ask yourself - What? Why? How?

Keep Calm, Relaxation is Essential

If it stresses you out, walk away from it. 

Take care of yourself. Eat well, and take time out to indulge in the things that make you feel at peace with yourself. You deserve it, especially since you work hard. Yoga, TV, Massages, a glass of champagne and so on. You'll stay more optimistic about life. 

Show Gratitude

Always make it a point to show the people around you that you appreciate them. Treat them to dinner, write a nice note, or send over a bouquet of flowers. No matter how big or small, it's the effort that counts and that's the basis of what a gentlemen does. He shows effort.

Thank you for reading!