Last year, my grandpa died suddenly and left our family in shock. At the funeral, I couldn’t help but think about my own life and the things I want to do before I die. My grandpa lived an incredible life and did great things. I am proud of all he was a part of and all he did.
As men, we are not meant to live boring lives but lives full of adventure and challenge.Death has an interesting way of reminding us of the lives we are currently living. As men, we are not meant to live boring lives but lives full of adventure and challenge. So here’s a challenge—20 things every man should do at least once. Nothing on this list will make you more or less of a man, but each will teach you things about the world and yourself.
1. Catch a fish.
There is something exhilarating about having a tight line on a fishing pole and bringing in fish.
2. Hike a mountain.
When you start, it seems impossible to reach the top, but when you get there, you find out it was worth every step.
3. Cook something foreign to you.
I learned how to make tortillas and I appreciate the process more when I order them at a restaurant.
4. Cook a perfect steak.
I like mine medium rare and it is a beautiful thing when you slice into a perfect steak that you cooked yourself.
5. Sharpen a knife.
In order to make a knife sharp and useful, it must first pass over a hard stone with precision and technique. Mastering this reminds us of the hard times we go through. They will make us dull if we resist but if not, they will sharpen us.
6. Make a big purchase with cash.
Delaying gratification by saving up and paying cash instead of going into debt helps you value the things you currently have.
7. Run or walk a 5K.
Put the number on your chest and finish the race. You will be proud of yourself.
8. Start a fire.
Do it in a fire pit and try to use flint and steel only.
9. Do a ponytail.
You never know when your wife or daughter may need your help—give it a shot.
10. Sleep under the stars.
Not in a tent! Sleep in the open under the stars, and enjoy creation.
11. Volunteer.
There are plenty of opportunities to serve around you; make sure you do it at least once.
12. Paint a room.
Painting may be the cheapest way to spruce up your place. It’s a pain, but you’ll have a finished product to admire afterward.
13. Hunt.
Hunting for your food forces you to appreciate the time, energy, and effort behind it when it hits your plate.
14. Try boxing or MMA.
Combat sports are not for everyone, but trying them might show you something inside yourself that you didn’t know existed.
15. Fix something on a car.
The feeling of accomplishment after fixing it on your own is worth your time.
16. Tie a tie.
You might not usually wear one, but at some point, you’ll probably need to, and you’ll want to know how.
17. Donate anonymously.
Give a gift to an organization without any recognition.
18. Teach someone a skill you have.
If you have a skill, share it with someone for free.
19. Take the lead on something big.
Be the point person for your next big trip or adventure and lead out from the front.
20. Visit historical markers in the world.
This is an easy way to learn from our past and appreciate our future.
Sound off: What are some other things every man should do at least once?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is one thing you’ve never done before that you want to do?”