January 9, 2024
We all have an innate desire to feel whole, to live with purpose and power.
Yet, without the right ingredients, we often find ourselves grasping for substitutes that leave us empty.
Here are six foundational habits for men that could help fill the void:
- Cultivating a spiritual practice
- Exercising daily
- Developing healthy male friendships
- Pursuing your passions
- Challenging yourself daily
- Giving your gift to the world
Without each of these ingredients, you’ll subconsciously seek something else to fill the void—something that, ultimately, won’t satisfy.
Cultivate a Spiritual Practice
A spiritual practice anchors you.
Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or simply sitting in silence, it connects you to something bigger than yourself.
In my life, I’ve tried to fill that gap with substances, women, food, and mindless entertainment. But those were fleeting distractions.
When I return to a spiritual practice, I find clarity and peace that no external fix can replicate.
Exercise Daily
Your body is your vessel, and moving it daily is non-negotiable.
Exercise isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental resilience and energy.
Without it, I’ve noticed how quickly I reach for other fillers, like food or alcohol, to numb the restlessness.
Daily movement brings me back to my strength, both inside and out.
Develop Healthy Male Friendships
Men need brothers—guys who lift you up, hold you accountable, and share the journey.
Isolation breeds weakness, and I’ve felt that void when I’ve let those bonds slip.
Healthy male friendships remind me I’m not alone, grounding me in a way that no woman or excessive work ever could.
Alex’s Note: You can host your very own “Men’s Group.” Click here to read the full guide on how to do that.Pursue Your Passions
Life without passion is a slow drain.
Pursuing what lights you up—whether it’s art, business, or adventure—keeps you alive.
I’ve chased mindless entertainment to avoid the emptiness, but it’s a hollow fix.
When I lean into my passions, I feel purpose pulsing through me again.
Challenge Yourself Daily
Growth demands discomfort.
Challenging yourself daily—whether through a tough workout, a hard conversation, or a new skill—builds your character.
Without it, I’ve fallen into the trap of porn or drugs, seeking a cheap thrill.
Real challenges, though, give me a lasting sense of power.
Give Your Gift to the World
You’ve got something unique to offer—your gift.
Sharing it, whether through work, art, or kindness, completes the circle.
I used to think I was incomplete, that something outside me would complete me. But giving my gift flips that script—it’s in the giving that I find myself whole.
Conclusion
Other fillers—like food, alcohol, drugs, porn, a woman, or excessive work—will never complete you.
They merely perpetuate the empty feeling you hope they’ll satisfy.
This pattern is like junk food: it tastes amazing in the moment, but there’s often deep regret and shame after the fact.
But when I return to these six habits, I recapture my purpose and my power. You can too. Pick one habit, start today, and build from there—because a life of fullness is waiting for you.