Rise & Shine.

Welcome to Man Morning - a weekly newsletter for good men, who are up to good things, and who are committed to playing to win.

Every week, I share actionable lessons, stories, and insights to help you get better.

A quick reminder:

The last thing to grow on a fruit tree is the fruit.

Today In 3 Minutes

• 🎢 5 Things You’ll Never Regret

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Don’t Let Them Down

• 📖 Book Of The Week

• 🌐 Smarter, Stronger & Healthier

• ⚡ Man Morning Reflection

🎢 5 Things You’ll Never Regret

The quest for a life free of regret is universal.

It’s a driving force behind many of our decisions.

When we reach the end of our lives, we want to look back with satisfaction knowing that we made the most of our days.

Here are 5 investments you can make in your life that you will never regret:

1. Take Care Of Your Body

Our bodies are the vessels that carry us through life. Investing in our personal health and fitness is a commitment you will never regret.

It's more than just regular physical exercise - though that indeed strengthens the body, fortifies the mind, boosts self-esteem, and lifts the spirit.

It's also about nourishing our bodies with foods that fuel and nurture us, that give us the energy we need to thrive rather than deplete us or pave the way to disease.

Making time for health and fitness is not just making time for yourself, but for your longevity and quality of life.

Suggested Reading: How Men Can Live Longer

2. Build Strong Relationships

We're social creatures. The value of building and maintaining relationships can’t be overstated.

We thrive on connection, understanding, and community. Nurturing relationships with family and friends are at the heart of a great life.

However, there's a special kind of growth and inspiration that comes from surrounding yourself with men who make you better, who encourage you, and who hold you accountable.

This intentional brotherhood of like-minded peers can push you to be the best version of yourself.

They can fuel your ambition, broaden your perspective, and anchor you in times of uncertainty.

A circle of trust, respect, and mutual growth is a powerful asset.

Suggested Reading: 5 Men You Need In Your Life

3. Live By Standards

Your character is defined not just by your aspirations or intentions, but by your actions.

It's through discipline and consistency that we truly display our values in the world.

Living by high standards is a worthy pursuit, but what enriches it is the presence of clear, well-defined values that guide those standards.

Commitment to doing what you say you're going to do isn’t just about dependability, but also about personal integrity and respect for your own word.

The consistency of action, even when it's challenging, even when no one's watching, is the true hallmark of discipline.

Values like honesty, respect, courage, and compassion, among others, serve as an internal compass, guiding all you do.

Suggested Reading: The Unseen Hours

4. Do What Brings You Alive

Your passions, your dreams, those ideas that keep you up at night – they’re not just random thoughts.

They’re the things that bring you alive, that ignite a spark, and they deserve to be pursued.

It's easy to let the demands of daily life crowd out the things that bring you joy.

Yet, dedicating time each day to those things, even if it's just 15 minutes, can make a significant difference in your life (15 minutes a day over a week adds up to almost 2 hours).

Treating what brings you joy with the same respect and commitment as your professional obligations changes the game.

By carving out and defending this time, you send a powerful message to yourself and those around you about the value of your passions.

Suggested Reading: The Art Of Living An Adventurous Life

5. Never Stop Learning

The pursuit of knowledge provides infinite returns. It not only strengthens your intellect but also enriches your life.

But in today's busy world, it requires a committed choice to engage in ongoing learning and self-improvement.

In an age of easy entertainment, it might seem tempting to wind down with Netflix or lose yourself in social media. But consider redirecting that time toward learning something new.

Books, podcasts, audiobooks - these are all powerful resources that can be accessed even while commuting, working out, cleaning, bathing, or during your downtime.

Expand your horizons by attending professional conferences or enrolling in online courses.

Even YouTube can provide a wealth of knowledge if used productively.

And remember, learning isn't just for your professional life. Exploring a new hobby or interest can bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Suggested Reading: 5 Books Every Man Must Read

These are the paths to a life free of regret, all within your reach.

However, reaching them requires more than mere desire.

It demands commitment and recommitment each day.

Remember - no one owes you anything but you owe yourself everything.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Don’t Let Them Down

📖 Book Of The Week

Learn what it means to live a standards-based life.

Ben Newman (Performance Coach for the University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and Kansas State University football teams) shares the time-tested 4-P process of Problem, Planning, Performance, and Payoff to put your standards to work for you.

Learn how standards are integral to the success of legends like 7-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, Alabama head football Coach Nick Saban, and Michigan State basketball Coach Tom Izzo.

🌐 Smarter, Stronger & Wiser

🩺 Who Gets Sick And Who Doesn’t Isn’t Accidental 

🥗 Slow Meals = Life

📜 The Proust Questionnaire (great for dinner parties)

💚 How To Do What Your Love

🏎️ Don’t Get A Porsche (or should you?)

⚡ Man Morning Reflection

3 things you’ll never regret doing:

1. Working out

2. Eating healthy

3. Going to bed early