Knowledge For Men

Abel James is the founder and CEO of the Fat Burning Man podcast and blog, a brand committed to bringing people the no bs guide to getting the body of their dreams. Abel challenges all of the traditional wisdom around diet and exercise, challenging people to think outside of the box and do what actually works.

Abel is the author of “The Wild Diet” a cook book designed to help the average person cook incredibly healthy and delicious foods that will result in phenomenal results for your body and health. You can order a copy of Abel’s new book here

“Every kick in the butt is a step forward” ~Anonymous

1. Fat is Not the Enemy (it’s actually a friend)

One of the common misconceptions in the health and fitness industry is that fat is somehow unhealthy. It is processed fats that are unhealthy.

Due to the over processing of our foods, the increase in chemicals and  the wide spread use of growth hormones, many of fats we receive from red meat and other previously organic sources are now basically just a slab of toxins.

However, eating organic, grass fed beef and other healthy fats such as avocado, coconut oil, and has actually been shown to help lower bad cholesterol, boost testosterone, and enhance cognitive function.

Long story short; get more healthy and natural fats in your diet.

2. Don’t Follow the Fads

The majority of diets nowadays are straight crap. If you want to look better, feel better, and live longer (and who doesn’t) keep it simple. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and naturally raised meats. Period. Don’t complicate things unnecessarily. Remove processed sugars and eat organic whole foods.

3. Get Food as Close to The Source as Possible

Something many people do not realize is that the quality of your food is often more important than the food itself. If you are eating processed meats and veggies, filled with pesticides and antibiotics, you may as well be enjoying a pop tart for breakfast.

Read the label on your foods, always buy organic and natural, and if possible, shop at a local farmers market.

Not only will the food taste better, it will also be far richer in nutrients than any of the chemically processed alternatives/

4. Real Food is Cheaper Than Medical Bills 

One of the most common excuses regarding healthy eating is that it’s expensive.

And it is. Sometimes, high quality organic meats and veggies are 5x more expensive than their processed alternatives. However, this should be seen as an investment in your health and quality of life, not as an expense.

Eating chemically rich and nutrient devoid foods has been shown to lead to diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases and an early death. Do yourself a favor and invest in some high quality food so you don’t have to “invest” in medical bills.

5. If You Really Want to Get What You Want You Must Decide What You Want

Too many people today wander around aimlessly, with little to no direction in life and wonder why they are not successful.

What they are not realizing is that to live an extraordinary life and achieve extraordinary things, you must decide exactly what you want. Set a vision and clear plans for your future, and then execute ruthlessly.

Ash Avildsen is the Founder/CEO of Sumerian Records and was the Founder/CEO of The Pantheon Agency. For the past eight years, Ash has been a key player in the new wave of hard rock music as both an agent and a label owner. Discovering and developing acts like Asking Alexandria, Black Veil Brides, Animals As Leaders and many others from before the bands had ever toured or put out albums. Ash is also the director of his debut film "What Now."

"Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be happy" ~ The Buddha

1. Success Does Not Equal Happiness

One of the common misconceptions of the modern world is that success automatically equals happiness. While it is true that many successful people experience tremendous levels of happiness, this is not due to their success, it is a product of their character and mindset.

Do what makes you happy, do what makes you fulfilled, do things that no one would have to pay you for because you are so passionate about it.

At the end of the day, you can't take a single dollar you earn with you, all the material accomplishments and "things" will fade away and all you will be left with is your experiences and the impact you had on the world. So do what you love and don't worry about the money; your happiness is contingent on your experiences and your attitude, not your bank account.

2. Don't Let Haters Get to You

"You have made enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something at some time in your life." ~Winston Churchill.

If you set out to accomplish anything big in your life, regardless of what it is, there will be haters. There will be people who tell you that you can't do it, that you aren't good enough, that you'll never succeed. Ignore every single one of them.

No one great every accomplished anything by listening to the doubters, people who feel the need to try and bring you down are often suffering from their own insecurities and fear that you will succeed and they will not. Learn to accept criticism and ignore "trolling" your life, business, and relationships will all be better for it.

3. You Have to Have Faith That You Can Do It

"Whether you believe you can or can't, you're certainly right" ~Henry Ford

Everything starts with faith. The faith in yourself, your abilities, and your perseverance. You must have faith that if you put in the time, money and effort, you will inevitably succeed. How could you not? When you are educating yourself, learning from the best, taking massive action and learning from that action; success is inevitable. Have faith in yourself and faith in the process, and at the end of the day, you will achieve the things that you desire.

4. Try to Improve Your Batting Average

No one is perfect, no one "bats 1,000," but most of us have significant room for improvement in our lives. Take time to examine each area of your life, examine the results that you have achieved. What are you batting in health? In wealth? In love? In personal growth?

Be honest and brutal with yourself. Figure out what you need to improve on and then take action. Life is nothing except for a never ending cycle of challenges and growth, if you aren't growing you are dying. Stay in the land of the living; improve everything.

6. Do it Yourself

We live in an age of men who lack self reliance. Society and technology have made us soft. Small occurrences that used to be minor bumps in the road are now considered catastrophic set backs.

One flat tire, one broken bulb, one business project where you don't know exactly what to do, one fitness program that doesn't map out every second of your workout, and we are screwed. Learn to be independent, do things yourself.

Do not rely on others for help or affirmation, just do it! If you don't know, than follow Tai Lopez's advice and "Just darn google it." Do not allow yourself to become dependent on anything or anyone, do it yourself and make your own destiny.

Ash Avildsen is the Founder/CEO of Sumerian Records and was the Founder/CEO of The Pantheon Agency. For the past eight years, Ash has been a key player in the new wave of hard rock music as both an agent and a label owner. Discovering and developing acts like Asking Alexandria, Black Veil Brides, Animals As Leaders and many others from before the bands had ever toured or put out albums. Ash is also the director of his debut film “What Now.”

“Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be happy” ~ The Buddha

1. Success Does Not Equal Happiness

One of the common misconceptions of the modern world is that success automatically equals happiness. While it is true that many successful people experience tremendous levels of happiness, this is not due to their success, it is a product of their character and mindset.

Do what makes you happy, do what makes you fulfilled, do things that no one would have to pay you for because you are so passionate about it.

At the end of the day, you can’t take a single dollar you earn with you, all the material accomplishments and “things” will fade away and all you will be left with is your experiences and the impact you had on the world. So do what you love and don’t worry about the money; your happiness is contingent on your experiences and your attitude, not your bank account.

2. Don’t Let Haters Get to You

“You have made enemies? Good, that means you’ve stood up for something at some time in your life.” ~Winston Churchill.

If you set out to accomplish anything big in your life, regardless of what it is, there will be haters. There will be people who tell you that you can’t do it, that you aren’t good enough, that you’ll never succeed. Ignore every single one of them.

No one great every accomplished anything by listening to the doubters, people who feel the need to try and bring you down are often suffering from their own insecurities and fear that you will succeed and they will not. Learn to accept criticism and ignore “trolling” your life, business, and relationships will all be better for it.  

3. You Have to Have Faith That You Can Do It

“Whether you believe you can or can’t, you’re certainly right” ~Henry Ford

Everything starts with faith. The faith in yourself, your abilities, and your perseverance. You must have faith that if you put in the time, money and effort, you will inevitably succeed. How could you not? When you are educating yourself, learning from the best, taking massive action and learning from that action; success is inevitable.
Have faith in yourself and faith in the process, and at the end of the day, you will achieve the things that you desire.

4. Try to Improve Your Batting Average

No one is perfect, no one “bats 1,000,” but most of us have significant room for improvement in our lives. Take time to examine each area of your life, examine the results that you have achieved. What are you batting in health? In wealth? In love? In personal growth?

Be honest and brutal with yourself. Figure out what you need to improve on and then take action. Life is nothing except for a never ending cycle of challenges and growth, if you aren’t growing you are dying. Stay in the land of the living; improve everything.

6. Do it Yourself 

We live in an age of men who lack self reliance. Society and technology have made us soft. Small occurrences that used to be minor bumps in the road are now considered catastrophic set backs.

One flat tire, one broken bulb, one business project where you don’t know exactly what to do, one fitness program that doesn’t map out every second of your workout, and we are screwed. Learn to be independent, do things yourself.

Do not rely on others for help or affirmation, just do it! If you don’t know, than follow Tai Lopez’s advice and “Just darn google it.” Do not allow yourself to become dependent on anything or anyone, do it yourself and make your own destiny.

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning speaker, author, professor, and retention expert. He's authored or co-authored seven books, including the top-selling Good Teachers Never Quit and Tricks of the Grade.

In spite of being reared in one of the toughest inner-city ghettos in Miami, Florida, Joe started his first business at the age of 22 and his second at the age of 26. Professor Martin became the youngest, tenured-earning faculty member ever hired to teach at a state University in Florida at the age of 24.

He's now regarded as "The Educator's Educator" and the country's leading expert on new teacher retention and student motivation issues. Joe is a visiting professor and educational consultant and he lectures on more than 60 college campuses a year.

"Watch what most people would do in a given situation and do the total opposite" ~ Dr. Joe Martin

1. Do Not Follow the Crowd

If you want to achieve a life that is different from the crowd, if you want to break away from the flock, and live life on your terms, then you cannot take the same action that the flock takes. You must ensure that every decision you make is as far removed from what the average and mediocre would do as possible. Seek out mentors, find role models living the life that you desire, and model your actions after them.

Do not follow what uninspired and small minds are doing. Ignore their criticism and focus on becoming great.

2. External Trappings Do Not Make You a Man

You can achieve every goal you have set in life. The beautiful wife, the big house, sports car and million dollar business, but none of it makes you a man. The measure of a man is not in the size of his wallet, or number of women he's slept with; the measure of a man is his character and his impact. It does not matter how much money you are making if you are not making it in an honorable manner.

It does not matter how beautiful your wife is if you are not treating her with respect and dignity. It does not what you have achieved if you are not living your life for a purpose bigger than yourself! To be a true man, you must have unwavering values, you must focus on helping others more than yourself, and you must make sure that your existence means something to this world.

3. A Real Man Has Integrity

One of the most essential traits of a real man is integrity. Doing what you say you will do and doing what you know and believe is right…PERIOD. If you set a standard for yourself or commit an action to someone else, it does not matter how you feel in the moment, it does not matter that you are tired or weak or busy.

Do what is right, and do what you say you will do. NO trait is more important than this.

4. Your Purpose is Above Everything

Your purpose in this life is unique. In a world of 7 billion people, no one else has your exact calling, no one has your exact talents, mindset and goals. You must put this calling, this purpose above everything else. You must put it above your relationships, above your bank account and above your momentary desires.

Your purpose is what guides you through everything so you must not forgo it for anything.

5. A Real Man Teaches Others to Be Real Men

An essential transition in every man's journey is when he realizes that he has the obligation to teach and mentor others. Regardless of your status in life or your development as a man, you still have something valuable to offer the world and other men. Do not do yourself or the world the disservice of letting that gift go un-given.

Teach others what you know, help those struggling in trials through which you have already passed and be generous with your time and gifts. Because at the end of the day, the money, cars, and one night stands will amount to nothing and all that will remain is the legacy you leave and the lives you impact

6. You Must Have a Mentor

As men, we are often hesitant to admit our need for help to ourselves, let alone others. However, we must realize that a true man knows his weaknesses and brings other men into his life to help him work through the challenges. Life is confusing, it's scary and it's uncertain, but it doesn't need to be lonely. Open up, be vulnerable, be authentic; find a man that you can trust and ask him to help you, to hold you accountable, to mentor you. Your life will never be the same once you do.

Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning speaker, author, professor, and retention expert. He’s authored or co-authored seven books, including the top-selling Good Teachers Never Quit and Tricks of the Grade.

In spite of being reared in one of the toughest inner-city ghettos in Miami, Florida, Joe started his first business at the age of 22 and his second at the age of 26. Professor Martin became the youngest, tenured-earning faculty member ever hired to teach at a state University in Florida at the age of 24.

He’s now regarded as “The Educator’s Educator” and the country’s leading expert on new teacher retention and student motivation issues. Joe is a visiting professor and educational consultant and he lectures on more than 60 college campuses a year.

“Watch what most people would do in a given situation and do the total opposite” ~ Dr. Joe Martin

1. Do Not Follow the Crowd

If you want to achieve a life that is different from the crowd, if you want to break away from the flock, and live life on your terms, then you cannot take the same action that the flock takes. You must ensure that every decision you make is as far removed from what the average and mediocre would do as possible. Seek out mentors, find role models living the life that you desire, and model your actions after them.

Do not follow what uninspired and small minds are doing. Ignore their criticism and focus on becoming great.

2. External Trappings Do Not Make You a Man

You can achieve every goal you have set in life. The beautiful wife, the big house, sports car and million dollar business, but none of it makes you a man. The measure of a man is not in the size of his wallet, or number of women he’s slept with; the measure of a man is his character and his impact. It does not matter how much money you are making if you are not making it in an honorable manner.

It does not matter how beautiful your wife is if you are not treating her with respect and dignity. It does not what you have achieved if you are not living your life for a purpose bigger than yourself! To be a true man, you must have unwavering values, you must focus on helping others more than yourself, and you must make sure that your existence means something to this world.

3. A Real Man Has Integrity

One of the most essential traits of a real man is integrity. Doing what you say you will do and doing what you know and believe is right…PERIOD. If you set a standard for yourself or commit an action to someone else, it does not matter how you feel in the moment, it does not matter that you are tired or weak or busy.

Do what is right, and do what you say you will do. NO trait is more important than this.

4. Your Purpose is Above Everything

Your purpose in this life is unique. In a world of 7 billion people, no one else has your exact calling, no one has your exact talents, mindset and goals. You must put this calling, this purpose above everything else. You must put it above your relationships, above your bank account and above your momentary desires.

Your purpose is what guides you through everything so you must not forgo it for anything.

5. A Real Man Teaches Others to Be Real Men 

An essential transition in every man’s journey is when he realizes that he has the obligation to teach and mentor others. Regardless of your status in life or your development as a man, you still have something valuable to offer the world and other men. Do not do yourself or the world the disservice of letting that gift go un-given.

Teach others what you know, help those struggling in trials through which you have already passed and be generous with your time and gifts. Because at the end of the day, the money, cars, and one night stands will amount to nothing and all that will remain is the legacy you leave and the lives you impact

6. You Must Have a Mentor

As men, we are often hesitant to admit our need for help to ourselves, let alone others. However, we must realize that a true man knows his weaknesses and brings other men into his life to help him work through the challenges. Life is confusing, it’s scary and it’s uncertain, but it doesn’t need to be lonely. Open up, be vulnerable, be authentic; find a man that you can trust and ask him to help you, to hold you accountable, to mentor you. Your life will never be the same once you do.

Jordan Harbinger, once referred to as "The Larry King of podcasting," is a Wall Street lawyer turned talk show host, social dynamics expert, and entrepreneur.

After hosting a top 50 iTunes podcast for over a decade that enjoyed nearly four million downloads a month at its zenith, Jordan has embarked on a new adventure: The Jordan Harbinger Show, where he deconstructs the playbooks of the most successful people on earth and shares their strategies, perspectives, and insights with the rest of us.

Jordan's business sense, extensive knowledge of the industry, and contemporary approach to teaching make him one of the best and most sought-after coaches in the world.

You can learn more about Jordan and follow his new podcast at jordanharbinger.com

"Fortune favors the bold" ~Latin Proverb

1. Find the Silver Lining

Stuff happens.

It's an inevitability of life.

Things will not go your way. Partners will leave you. Employees will steal from you. Friends will betray you.

This isn't a pessimistic outlook on life, it's simply the reality of the world we live in.

As such, the question is not if these events will happen but how you will respond when they do.

In every negative situation, every layoff, divorce, breakup, and failure, you have one of two choices.

You can throw yourself a pity party, whine, moan, and cry that your life isn't where you want it to be. Or you can find the silver lining and move forward with your life.

Every door that closes opens up a new one. Every failed endeavor frees up your time and resources to pursue a new one. Everything that you currently think sucks has a silver lining... If you're willing to look for it.

Learn to make the best of any situation and use adversity to your advantage and you will become unstoppable in your business, relationships, and life.

2. Dig the Well Before You're Thirsty

There is an old proverb that states, "Dig the well before you are thirsty".

And truer words have yet to be spoken.

In every area of life, you must learn to cultivate a proactive attitude instead of a reactive one.

In your finances, set aside money each month and invest in your future so that when the unexpected happens, you are prepared.

In your relationship, create your own social circle and build your own life so that, even if your partner leaves you, you aren't left out in the cold.

In your business and career, learn to cultivate powerful relationships with people when you have no agenda so that, if and when something happens (like a layoff or bankruptcy) you have a network of friends who will come to your aid and support you.

Take preemptive action in your life to avoid and recover from tragedies before they happen.

As I've already said, it's not a matter of if something bad will happen, it's a matter of when.

Plan for these crises and prepare for them before you need to.

Your future self will thank you.

3. Don't Wait on Other People

Whether it's a business partner, spouse, or friend you can never allow your momentum in life to be dictated by another person.

Don't wait for someone else to get on board with your mission and vision.

Simply take action and move forward.

If your business partner or significant other is dragging their feet and screwing around with regards to your vision and important goals, fine. Take action without them and move forward on your own.

You can spend years or even decades waiting for someone else to come through, all the while missing opportunities and possibilities in your own life.

Don't let this happen to you...

Chart your own path and move forward whether the people around you are on board or not.

4. Don't Sacrifice Success for Other People's Comfort

In many relationships, people will avoid having difficult conversations with their partner because they don't want to hurt the other person.

For example...

A wife might avoid talking to her alcoholic husband about his drinking problem because she doesn't want to upset him.

A man might avoid talking to his girlfriend about her lackluster work ethic and spending problem because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings.

A business partner might avoid calling his team out for laziness because he doesn't want to be seen as overly critical or negative.

Stop!

In all of these situations, the uncomfortable conversation is necessary.

Unless you are willing to step up, make other people uncomfortable, and call them out on their b.s., they will never change.

You will never move forward in life and eventually, the relationship will implode.

Be willing to take a stand for yourself and let other people know when they've violated a boundary or acted in a manner that is unacceptable.

Otherwise, you will live in a constant fairytale and fail to achieve the life you want.

5. Do the Things Today that Your Future Self Will Thank You For

Every day, you have a choice.

You can either choose to live for the moment or the future.

While it's all fine and dandy to be present, it's even more important that you are acting in a way today that your future self will thank you for.

What would make your future self-smile?

Eating that piece of cake or eating a salad?

Skipping the gym because you're tired or staying commited to your training?

Talking to that cute guy/girl or letting fear hold you back from the relationships you want?

Working hard on your side hustle or goofing off with YouTube and video games?

You have a choice to create the life that you want.

The only question is, "What choice are you going to make?"

Thanks for listening! If you found this content helpful, please pay it forward by sharing it on your favorite social media channel so that other men can benefit from the lessons and strategies we've discussed.

If you'd like to learn more about the concepts and strategies I've shared here today, then you can get my FREE 3 part video training series on becoming a stronger more Grounded man so that you can build a life of freedom, success, and happiness. Just click here to claim your free training today.

Jordan Harbinger, once referred to as “The Larry King of podcasting,” is a Wall Street lawyer turned talk show host, social dynamics expert, and entrepreneur.

After hosting a top 50 iTunes podcast for over a decade that enjoyed nearly four million downloads a month at its zenith, Jordan has embarked on a new adventure: The Jordan Harbinger Show, where he deconstructs the playbooks of the most successful people on earth and shares their strategies, perspectives, and insights with the rest of us.

Jordan’s business sense, extensive knowledge of the industry, and contemporary approach to teaching make him one of the best and most sought-after coaches in the world.

You can learn more about Jordan and follow his new podcast at jordanharbinger.com 

"Fortune favors the bold" ~Latin Proverb 

1. Find the Silver Lining 

Stuff happens. 

It's an inevitability of life. 

Things will not go your way. Partners will leave you. Employees will steal from you. Friends will betray you. 

This isn't a pessimistic outlook on life, it's simply the reality of the world we live in. 

As such, the question is not if these events will happen but how you will respond when they do. 

In every negative situation, every layoff, divorce, breakup, and failure, you have one of two choices. 

You can throw yourself a pity party, whine, moan, and cry that your life isn't where you want it to be. Or you can find the silver lining and move forward with your life. 

Every door that closes opens up a new one. Every failed endeavor frees up your time and resources to pursue a new one. Everything that you currently think sucks has a silver lining... If you're willing to look for it. 

Learn to make the best of any situation and use adversity to your advantage and you will become unstoppable in your business, relationships, and life. 

2. Dig the Well Before You're Thirsty 

There is an old proverb that states, "Dig the well before you are thirsty". 

And truer words have yet to be spoken. 

In every area of life, you must learn to cultivate a proactive attitude instead of a reactive one. 

In your finances, set aside money each month and invest in your future so that when the unexpected happens, you are prepared. 

In your relationship, create your own social circle and build your own life so that, even if your partner leaves you, you aren't left out in the cold. 

In your business and career, learn to cultivate powerful relationships with people when you have no agenda so that, if and when something happens (like a layoff or bankruptcy) you have a network of friends who will come to your aid and support you. 

Take preemptive action in your life to avoid and recover from tragedies before they happen. 

As I've already said, it's not a matter of if something bad will happen, it's a matter of when. 

Plan for these crises and prepare for them before you need to.

Your future self will thank you. 

3. Don't Wait on Other People 

Whether it's a business partner, spouse, or friend you can never allow your momentum in life to be dictated by another person. 

Don't wait for someone else to get on board with your mission and vision. 

Simply take action and move forward. 

If your business partner or significant other is dragging their feet and screwing around with regards to your vision and important goals, fine. Take action without them and move forward on your own. 

You can spend years or even decades waiting for someone else to come through, all the while missing opportunities and possibilities in your own life. 

Don't let this happen to you... 

Chart your own path and move forward whether the people around you are on board or not.  

4. Don't Sacrifice Success for Other People's Comfort 

In many relationships, people will avoid having difficult conversations with their partner because they don't want to hurt the other person. 

For example... 

A wife might avoid talking to her alcoholic husband about his drinking problem because she doesn't want to upset him. 

A man might avoid talking to his girlfriend about her lackluster work ethic and spending problem because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings. 

A business partner might avoid calling his team out for laziness because he doesn't want to be seen as overly critical or negative. 

Stop! 

In all of these situations, the uncomfortable conversation is necessary. 

Unless you are willing to step up, make other people uncomfortable, and call them out on their b.s., they will never change. 

You will never move forward in life and eventually, the relationship will implode. 

Be willing to take a stand for yourself and let other people know when they've violated a boundary or acted in a manner that is unacceptable. 

Otherwise, you will live in a constant fairytale and fail to achieve the life you want. 

5. Do the Things Today that Your Future Self Will Thank You For 

Every day, you have a choice. 

You can either choose to live for the moment or the future. 

While it's all fine and dandy to be present, it's even more important that you are acting in a way today that your future self will thank you for. 

What would make your future self-smile? 

Eating that piece of cake or eating a salad? 

Skipping the gym because you're tired or staying commited to your training? 

Talking to that cute guy/girl or letting fear hold you back from the relationships you want? 

Working hard on your side hustle or goofing off with YouTube and video games? 

You have a choice to create the life that you want. 

The only question is, "What choice are you going to make?"

Thanks for listening! If you found this content helpful, please pay it forward by sharing it on your favorite social media channel so that other men can benefit from the lessons and strategies we’ve discussed.

If you’d like to learn more about the concepts and strategies I’ve shared here today, then you can get my FREE 3 part video training series on becoming a stronger more Grounded man so that you can build a life of freedom, success, and happiness. Just click here to claim your free training today.

Dr. Andrew Hill received his PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA in 2012, studying how attention operates in the brain. He is currently lecturing for the Undergraduate Education Initiatives program at UCLA, teaching a course sequence gerontology, and the neuroscience of healthy brain aging.

Dr. Hill has published chapters on measuring and modulating human attention, and continues to research self regulation.

"Do what you love and the money will follow" ~Marsha Sinetar

1. If you do not do what you love, you may achieve success but it will not be your success

Many men exemplify the qualities of successful individuals. They have drive, they have ambition and they have an innovative mind. But if you are not actively putting your skills and traits into building the life and business of your dreams, the successes you achieve will not fulfill you.

As the old saying goes "You may climb all the way to the top of the ladder only to find it is leaning on the wrong wall." Don't lean your ladder on the wrong wall. Life is short, make the most of it. Do what you love, do it with a passion, do it will more heart and soul than anyone else, and all the fame, recognition, and money that you have sought after will come.

2. Practice Meditation

One of the only free methods of cognitive training, mindful meditation has been proven to aid in several neurological functions. From improving your attention control, to memory to, to reducing stress and inflammation, meditation is one of the most beneficial and accessible forms neuro training available.

Studies have also shown that the amount of time you spend meditating actually matters less than the consistency with which you practice, so 3 minutes a day immediately after waking up is more beneficial than an hour once a week.

3. Basic Healthy Habits Increase Brain Health

The best way to increase overall brain health is to improve the quality of your overall health. Eat a diet that is low in starch and sugar and high in fats, exercise in some way every day, and ensure that you are getting at least 6 hours of quality sleep every night.

Without a basic foundation, no amount of nootropics or electrode stimulation will turn you into the high achieving machine you want to be.

4. Exercise Caution when Using Nootropics

A relatively new form of supplement, nootropics are cognitive enhancers that aid in: memory, mental agility, alertness, and overall brain function. However, because of how new the industry is, and the lack of FDA regulation, a large number of supplements on the market are complete bs. Before you purchase or more importantly ingest any nootropic, make sure that it is backed by research, testing, and lots of scientific evidence.

For a simple starter with nootropics, purchase L-Theanine oil and add it to your morning coffee. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring cognitive enhancer found in many teas and other similar drinks. It is inexpensive, completely safe to use, and overall, one of the best introductions to the world of neuro supplements.

5. Figure Out What You Would Do if You Knew You Couldn't Fail

Many of us waste time in careers that don't inspire us, relationships that don't excite us, and lifestyles that don't fulfill us. Of the many excuses and issues surrounding our complacency, one problem surfaces most of all: Fear of failure. What we must understand about failure is that it is rarely final, and almost never as devastating as we make it out to be in our minds.

Whatever you want to do, go after it like you knew you couldn't fail. Put in the hours, grind it out, do the work, and what you will discover is that the failure you so dreaded likely never come to fruition. Instead you will be left with a fulfilling and exciting life like nothing you could have ever imagined.

6. Don't Screw Around

You only have a limited amount of time on this planet. Despite the societal idea that "30s are the new 20s" you will not live forever. You need to get your tail into gear now and start hustling to create the life that you want to live. Don't wait for some day, don't put off what you love for something you "have" to do, and don't waste time on partying and intoxicants.

Start building the life you want now, so that you can have the future others will only dream of

Dr. Andrew Hill received his PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA in 2012, studying how attention operates in the brain. He is currently lecturing for the Undergraduate Education Initiatives program at UCLA, teaching a course sequence gerontology, and the neuroscience of healthy brain aging.

Dr. Hill has published chapters on measuring and modulating human attention, and continues to research self regulation.

“Do what you love and the money will follow” ~Marsha Sinetar

1. If you do not do what you love, you may achieve success but it will not be your success

Many men exemplify the qualities of successful individuals. They have drive, they have ambition and they have an innovative mind. But if you are not actively putting your skills and traits into building the life and business of your dreams, the successes you achieve will not fulfill you.

As the old saying goes “You may climb all the way to the top of the ladder only to find it is leaning on the wrong wall.” Don’t lean your ladder on the wrong wall. Life is short, make the most of it. Do what you love, do it with  a passion, do it will more heart and soul than anyone else, and all the fame, recognition, and money that you have sought after will come.

2. Practice Meditation 

One of the only free methods of cognitive training, mindful meditation has been proven to aid in several neurological functions. From improving your attention control, to memory to, to reducing stress and inflammation, meditation is one of the most beneficial and accessible forms neuro training available.

Studies have also shown that the amount of time you spend meditating actually matters less than the consistency with which you practice, so 3 minutes a day immediately after waking up is more beneficial than an hour once a week.

3. Basic Healthy Habits Increase Brain Health

The best way to increase overall brain health is to improve the quality of your overall health. Eat a diet that is low in starch and sugar and high in fats, exercise in some way every day, and ensure that you are getting at least 6 hours of quality sleep every night.

Without a basic foundation, no amount of nootropics or electrode stimulation will turn you into the high achieving machine you want to be.

4. Exercise Caution when Using Nootropics

A relatively new form of supplement, nootropics are cognitive enhancers that aid in: memory, mental agility, alertness, and overall brain function. However, because of how new the industry is, and the lack of FDA regulation, a large number of supplements on the market are complete bs. Before you purchase or more importantly ingest any nootropic, make sure that it is backed by research, testing, and lots of scientific evidence.

For a simple starter with nootropics, purchase L-Theanine oil and add it to your morning coffee. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring cognitive enhancer found in many teas and other similar drinks. It is inexpensive, completely safe to use, and overall, one of the best introductions to the world of neuro supplements.

5. Figure Out What You Would Do if You Knew You Couldn’t Fail

Many of us waste time in careers that don’t inspire us, relationships that don’t excite us, and lifestyles that don’t fulfill us. Of the many excuses and issues surrounding our complacency, one problem surfaces most of all: Fear of failure. What we must understand about failure is that it is rarely final, and almost never as devastating as we make it out to be in our minds.

Whatever you want to do, go after it like you knew you couldn’t fail. Put in the hours, grind it out, do the work, and what you will discover is that the failure you so dreaded likely never come to fruition. Instead you will be left with a fulfilling and exciting life like nothing you could have ever imagined.

6. Don’t Screw Around 

You only have a limited amount of time on this planet. Despite the societal idea that “30s are the new 20s” you will not live forever. You need to get your tail into gear now and start hustling to create the life that you want to live. Don’t wait for some day, don’t put off what you love for something you “have” to do, and don’t waste time on partying and intoxicants.

Start building the life you want now, so that you can have the future others will only dream of

Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, an online, graphics-design service, and an executive fellow at the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley. Formerly, he was an advisor to the Motorola business unit of Google and chief evangelist of Apple. He is the author of The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and ten other books. Guy has a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

"If you believe it, you will see it" ~ Jesus Christ

1. Things Are Seldom as Good or Bad as You Think

In life, you will be presented with numerous challenges and triumphs. Accompanying these experiences will be a roller coaster of emotions from tear drenched depression and frustration to euphoric highs of achievement. However, despite what you may feel in the present moment, things are rarely as good or bad as they appear.

The failure in your business or relationship is not the end of the world, and generating your first 7 figure company is not as life-alteringly incredible as it once seemed. As the Latin proverb states "En medio stat veritas," the truth lays in the middle.

Learn to see life's struggles and accomplishments for what they truly are and always keep perspective on the good and the bad.

2. Life is Short

Don't waste time waiting for tomorrow. If you want to build the business, build it, if you want to talk to the girl, do it, if you want to pack up and travel the world, now is as good a time as any. Do not wait for all the lights to turn green or for the stars to align, if you want something, make it happen. The only certainty in life is death, act in accordance.

3. Your Customer Cannot Tell You What They Want

Your customers are an excellent source for improving existing products, but they lack the innovation and vision to tell you what they really want. They did not know that they wanted an iPhone or Amazon.com or any of the other industry shattering creations of the past. It is up to you as a producer and entrepreneur to innovate and create something that alters the way the industry works

4. The Goal is To Ship

Your goal as a businessman is not to secure funding or build capital, but to ship. Ship your product or service as soon as humanly possible. Then, after you have shipped; learn, improve and ship again.

5. Tell a Story

If you want to connect with a customer or client, tell a story. Don't hash out the same, dried up marketing hype surrounding every new product. Tell them a story that they can relate to, tell them a story about what your product can do for their lives, tell them a story about who you are and why you are doing what you are doing.

If you can engage your audience into your story, into your journey, you have a much greater chance of closing the sale and building customer loyalty in the long term.

6. Man Up

Quit whining, grow a pair, and put in the work. Quit complaining about how unfair life is and make something of it. If you want something, than go after it, pursue your goals tirelessly, never quit, and at the end of the day, you will achieve what you want.

7. Take Advantage of Opportunity

The biggest key to being a successful entrepreneur is to have the ability to seek out and take advantage of opportunity. When you see a viable opportunity, don't be like most people who simply say "That's a great idea," or "Someone will make millions off that one day." See the opportunity and take it. You never know when you may pass up on the next billion dollar enterprise

8. Work Your Butt Off

"Good things come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle." ~Abraham Lincoln

You cannot sit on the sidelines and expect the world to hand you the life of your dreams. You have to be willing to put in the work to make it happen. Wake up before everyone else, stay longer, train harder, invest more, educate yourself more. Do not settle for mediocre work. Strive to be above average, to be extraordinary.

Be willing to put in more work than anybody could reasonably expect of you, and you will achieve the results you want in less time than anyone could reasonably expect of you.