Sunday, March 6, 2011

Swagger 360's List of 36 THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD DO.

Funny how many people e-mail me asking for me to re-post this list. Since Fashion Week tends to bring new people to the site, I figured it was the time to re-post it... but this time, I'd like to ask you to let me know what you would add to your list.

Here is the list as posted initially + 1 I added (because of an anonymous viewer's comment):

You have become accustomed to seeing the images on the site, but should also expect to read some gems from time to time. Recently I came across an Australian Magazine (Men's Style) and their list of 69 must do things... So out of inspiration I wrote my list before reading theirs ... only to find that great minds think alike on many things)

I present to you 36 things every gentleman should do before dying. Of course this is not etched in stone (or in any particular order) and you may decide some don't apply... the point is to create your list at some point and do your best to live it.

Because Street Style should never be just about street photos... Live with Swagger.



1. Travel to Paris, and New York.
These cities have a certain mystique about them... it's well deserved. Plan to visit one (preferably both) and be sure to experience what makes those cities unique. Side note - Real gentlemen don't do tour buses.

2. Master the omelet.
This is one of those things every man should learn. know how to create an omelet and know how to find those hidden and forgotten items in your refrigerator. Nothing goes better with that good morning kiss than that good morning breakfast.

3. Travel to a third world country.
Nothing will ground and humble you more than this experience. walk down a third world street and take a moment to reflect on what's important in your life.

4. Get a manicure.
A real manicure and afterwards, might as well cater to your shoes - get an old fashioned shoe shine outside while people watching.

5. Throw a real party.
I mean prepare every detail. from rolling the sliced turkey, to mixing the olives, to slicing the french bread, to lighting the candles. Select the right music,, chill the white and let breathe the red wine. Throw a white table cloth on the table and invite the big boys.

6. Write a love letter.
A high school note doesn't count. Take time to write a real love letter to someone deservant. No e-mail, no text, a hand written love letter that speaks from the soul. (keep a copy for yourself, you'll be glad that you did in the future)

7. Establish a reputation
A gentleman, a scoundrel, a dandy, a lazy bum. People will perceive you a certain way and there is power in perception. Hopefully you'll choose to present yourself in a favorable way.


8. Give something away just because.
One day when someone tells you they like something you have, just give it to them as a gift. it may be a book you're reading, your watch, your pen, the point is to simply give away something simply because the person complimented you on it or because they noticed it.

9. Fast for 3 days.
Not a juice fast where you fill your belly with sweet stuff, go 3 days only consuming water. Take time to reflect on yourself, your life, and literally let the inner you relax.

10. Give up something you enjoy.
Practice self control and decide to simply give up something you enjoy. be it soda, a certain type of meat, candy, a tv show. The point is to practice self control, you'll be fine... even a bit stronger.

11. Buy an Antique.
Take a day and search through an antique shop. Find a piece that you enjoy and add it to your home. Find a piece that adds character to your home and you'll find it may become one of your favorite things at home.

12. Repair a piece of furniture.
Now I don't mean go build you an elaborate cabinet with hidden compartments, or putting together an piece from Ikea. Take the time to strip down a table, buff it, refinish it. No need to make it a habit, but at least experience it once.

13. Play chess.
If you don't know how, learn... if you already know how, play it more often. Chess is for the big boys, gentlemen don't play checkers.

14. Have a suit tailor made.
Pick out the material, discuss the process with your tailor, enjoy he measuring process. While everyone can't afford a bespoke suit, this is one of life's guilty pleasures you should make a point of experiencing.

15. Give away a keep sake.
Find an item, hold on to it for a while (maybe a coin, a token, a lucky pebble, a money clip) then give it to a friend after you've had it for a while.

16. Write a book.
Now everyone may not be able to do this, but everyone should at least try. Take time to document something worth documenting.

17. Have a hobby.
Every gentleman should have at least 1 hobby. be it card collecting, stamp collecting, pens, or watches. Nothing gives you as much peace of mind as sitting home relaxing looking over what you've taken time to gather.

18. Spend a quiet evening ALONE.
Cheese, wine and candlelight or a cold beer and pizza - learn to enjoy your own company.

19. Vacation alone.
This one needs no explanation... ALONE.

20. Have a wall full of photos.
Select a section on your wall and frame photos of close friends, family and loved ones in general. A picture paints a thousand words... a wall full of photos speaks volumes of love.

21. Stay up all night working.
I'm not talking about working the graveyard shift. Spend all night working on something you enjoy, something you're passionate about. Then, look out the window at daybreak before you go to bed.

22. Bid at an auction.
Don't just bid, WIN. it may be an item you may not cherish forever, the point is the thrill of the win.

23. Strike up a conversation with someone you're not attracted to.
Take the time to strike up a conversation with a woman on the merits of simply making her smile. Not because you think she's beautiful, but simply because making a stranger smile is a beautiful thing.

24. Celebrate your birthday.
Celebrate your birthday by giving something back to the world. It has allowed you to see another year, why not give back... write a book, a poem, make it about what you give, not what you get.

25. Buy a painting.
No litho, no generic painting, save up some money and buy an original.

26. Prepare a picnic.
Plan it, surprise her, and enjoy it.

27. Custom make a piece of jewelry.
Although you may think it may be too expensive, you'd be surprised. Design a piece and bring it to a jeweler. It'll have a special meaning and will be one of a kind ... like you.

28. Write yourself a note.
Write about the temperature, how you feel that day, your thoughts on love, life and in general. Date it and tuck it away Come back to it a few years later (if you remember where you hid it) and reread it.

29. Dance the Waltz.
At least (try it) once. You'll be surprised.... and the electric slide!

30. Write a thank you note.
Write a note to a close friend, a family member simply because. Let them know what role they played in your life.

31. A Kodak moment.
Capture a special event on film. Time surely flies, but memories have a way of lingering when captured.

32. Buy an Item with the intention of giving it away.
Save it for someone much younger and give it to them when they can appreciate it.

33. Volunteer for a good cause.
Invest one day in something you always wanted to support. giving back is golden.

34. Buy an elderly person lunch.
One day while you're buying yourself lunch, just turn around and offer... no, insist on paying for the elderly person's lunch behind you.

35. See an opera, and/or play.
Dress the part.

36. Live with Swagger.


+1. An anonymous person sent me a comment and corrected a few errors that he/her found. This led me to add one more thing to the list.
Humble yourself when wrong, and acknowledge your mistake(s).
Thank you anonymous.

32 comments:

  1. thank you for the list! to find it in my reader makes my day even a bit brighter.
    best rené

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  2. I love this list, my only complaint is, it should be a list for everyone to do!

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  3. I was with you till the third world country thing. Comparing your self to "less fortunate" people seems a little... off.

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  4. As always I thank everyone for speaking their mind and always encourage you to do so. So feel free to always comment and keep me in check when need be.

    Producestand, I did not say to compare yourself to the "less fortunate" I never even used those words. Being grounded and humbled comes not at the misfortune of others, instead the experience itself, the peacefulness, the quiet pace, and other factors play such a role that they are what make you appreciate life a little more.

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  5. Thank you for these thoughtful ideas.

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  6. True, the "less fortune" was more of my word. But in visiting the third world country, you're not doing anything but belittling the people there. I come from what is technically a "third world country" and to have some one visit there then go home feeling a bit "humbled" seems insulting. Though I'm sure that's not your intention.

    A better suggestion would probably be helping out or joining a group that promotes the betterment of a group of people.

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  7. Producestand, I humbly disagree with you. I am from a "third world country" and truely when I go back home I am reminded that happiness does not come from things accquired. I do not need to have 50 pairs of shoes. I agree that everybody should visit a developing country because for most it is a life changing experience... For one, you realize how biased the media is. Secondly, if you open your heart to the experience, you will come back a changed person.

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  8. PS: Karl, I love, love your blog!! *Muah*

    Already swaggering into 2010!!!

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  9. I love this list! It made me smile to think that others are trying to live better and truly enjoy life. I am def going to try number 21. As a writer, I think that this is mandatory.
    Great list!

    windowshop78.blogspot.com

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  10. I just found your blog and I really like it a lot! I really appreciate this list and have done a good percentage of these, but never thought of them from some of the aspects that you covered. I still have some to go. So thanks for the inspiration...

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  11. Guerre you are a true model for the modern day man. I adore you!

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  12. Please do something similiar for women.

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  13. hey--i just discovered your blog via the GQ post on men's style by tommy ton... i really love this post!!! so glad i stumbled upon this. you have an entertaining and intelligent blog.

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  14. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! THANK YOU!!!

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  15. Many of these apply to women as well as men! I especially like thank you notes.

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  16. Great post man. I just started checking your site, and I'm loving what you're doing. It's good to see fellow black blogger out there with style. Keep up the good work.

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  17. I like this.... gotta make my own.
    M.L.

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  18. HI 
    What a fantastic post!
    I am new to your blog, but I love it...

    Greetings from Norway....
    Have a great day:)

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  19. Thank you for the very thoughtful list. All I can add to the list is to fall in love. Love changes everything, even more so than money.

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  20. I've been enjoying your blog, especially the shoe mad posts - that's just the main attraction but your whole blog is divine ... this just cemented you in my top 10 favourites. Divine - and as another commentor said, this is a list for everyone to follow.

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  21. #37: Create your own list of Things Every Man Should do and spread the love!

    This was great Guerre, adds some dope dimension to the blog.

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  22. I'll pass on the 3 days fasting, if I get sick who's going to pay my medical bills?

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  23. I love this list, I'm female but still would do most of these things. I will be passing this on to my male friends.

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  24. Such a great list, makes me wish I were a gentleman... although I can still do most of those things. I was glad to see you today, such swagger! Cheers.

    -purple hair girl at Tuileries

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  25. Women should do all of this too.

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  26. Not all men date (or are attracted to-) women...

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  27. Nice list! But what about planting a tree?

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