A discussion on family, work, self-care, and the struggles men go through. 

Most people don't say they want to “be perfect.” But everything else they say sort of points to that intention. There are points in life when it’s time to reevaluate our priorities --- depending on the stage of life that we’re in. Example: An older gentleman has diligently saved his money his whole life, and now in retirement, he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to spend it. 

So how should we fill up each “bucket” of our life the exact right amount? 

Different important “buckets” of life:

• Work
• Education
• Family
• Relationship
• Self-care
• Friends/leisure

When we anticipate transitions in life, we can plan for them and deal with them more easily. Oftentimes, people strongly identify as parents. So when the kids go off to college, there’s a real grieving process to go through. In older individuals, legacy is an important bucket. 

A lot of our identity is tied to these areas of our lives, and when they change, it can be uncomfortable. 

The upshot? Try not to be too rigid. Understand that the buckets of life will change. Talk about them, be open, and be willing to have identity flexibility. 

So can you be a 'perfect' man? Yes. If by that you mean being flexible and adaptable.