When most people think of the word “badass” they think of Harley Davidson, the old Oakland Raiders, Iron Mike Tyson in his prime, Rambo, Charles Bronson and Bruce Lee.
But there’s more to being a badass than just being the type of mofo people don’t mess with.
It’s all about living your life a certain way.
Following a certain code of conduct most others don’t adhere to.
Here are 10 ways to become a badass:
1) Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
If you never push yourself outside of your comfort zone you’ll never know what you’re capable of in life. And you sure won’t achieve greatness or badassery.
2) Have the Balls to Say No
Some people can’t say no. As a result they’re always unhappy because they’ve let themselves become a slave.
Every time you say yes to one thing you’re usually saying no to something that would make you happier and possibly more successful.
3) Don’t Ask too Many People for Advice or Opinions
Have the cojones to make a damn decision and stick with it. Don’t call up everyone you know and ask for their opinion. This will result in getting nothing done.
Ever.
At the very most have 1-2 people you go to for advice on major decisions. For day-to-day stuff it’s ready, fire, aim. Pull the trigger and move on.
Execute.
Always.
4) Don’t do Shit You Hate
You’ll never be happy or successful doing shit you hate. That’s pretty simple.
Do what you love, live where you want to live, spend time with people you want to be around, live your life with passion and you’ll be a badass.
Everyone has the power to do this.
Only 5% are willing.
5) Never Wait for Perfect
Stop second-guessing and overanalyzing. There is never a perfect product, a perfect idea or a perfect time.
Just… freaking… do… it.
6) Always do the Right Thing
As Mark Twain said, “This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” That means when people aren’t looking, when there will be no pat on the back or recognition and even when it’s not what you want to do.
7) Apply the 80/20 Rule to Just About Everything You Do
Don’t major in minutia and get distracted by nonsense that makes no difference in the end. This applies to work, training and life.
You cannot overestimate the unimportance of practically everything.”
8) Don’t Fall into the “Busy Trap”
You’re not too busy.
I’m not too busy.
No one is.
If you really want to have dinner with your dad you’ll make the time. If you really want to take saxophone lessons you’ll make the time.
You’re only lying to yourself.
There are amazingly impressive people who get a weeks worth of stuff done every day.
They’re no better than you. They just have more focus.
9) Never Waste Time Arguing
Unless your argument is going to help find the cure for cancer or get a major, life changing bill passed there is absolutely no point in arguing with anyone over anything, ever.
There are so many things to learn, people to meet and places to see.
Are you really going to waste a second of this precious life arguing with someone about trivial bullshit like whether you should eat breakfast or not?
10) Train…Fucking…Hard
That means training with passion and giving it all you’ve got. Never half assing it or going through the motions. The fact that we are healthy enough and lucky enough to go to the gym a few days a week and train the way we like to is a blessing and a gift.
People are at war or living in unspeakable poverty right now.
To not give it your all or tap out on a workout is an insult to yourself.
Guys have had limbs blown off only to return to the gym and do the best they can to make the most of what they’ve got left.
I think of that when I get a little frustrated with some achy knees or cranky elbows.
“Deal with it, you pussy,” I tell myself.
You are very… very… very lucky to be able to do so.
There’s more to being a badass than being a tough guy.
And the world needs more of them.
Like you.
Jay
PS. Got some rules you’d like to add to the list? Please leave them in the comments section below.
