50 Ways To Become A Better Man (& A Better Freemason)

As you may already know, Freemasonry is all about taking good men and making them better.

With that idea in mind, today, we’ve decided to publish an extensive list of 50 ways you can become a better man (and a better Freemason).

While I can’t promise (and I don’t expect) for you to agree with everything in this list, this will hopefully help you avoid some of the mistakes I made and put you on the right path to a happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilling life.

Without further introductions, here are…

50 Ways You Can Become A Better Man (& Better Freemason)

Stay Healthy

I’m starting with the most obvious one because without you being alive, healthy, and in shape, there’s not much else on this list you can do.

Eat Right

Ditch the junk food. There’s better food out there for you, and you know it.

Eat your beef, your veggies, and drink your water. Strong men need strong food.

Workout & Yes, Lift Heavy

Yes, you should work out. This is still true if you are 18 or 80.

Work out, go for a walk and lift & move some heavy things.

Stay as fit as you possibly can for as long as you possibly can. No one has ever regretted “exercising too much”.

Here’s a list of simple exercises you can do anywhere.

Take Care of Your Community

Look outside your window. You are part of that community. You can either be a positive addition to it or a negative one.

When you love your community (and your country) and you have a good reason why you do, you tend to make better decisions for yourself, for your family, and for the greater good.

Be The Man Your Family Needs

“Do you spend time with your family? A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never call himself a real man”.

You may know where that line comes from (or not), but either way, it’s correct.

Make sure you are there for your family. We need more stable, functional households in our communities.

Be a Great Father

This goes without saying, but if you decide to have a child, you must step up and be the best father possible.

Children who grow up without a father are far more disadvantaged than others. The data is clear on this.

Make sure you are not that guy and step up and take responsibility (more on this later).

Learn How To Defend Yourself

I genuinely believe every man should know how to defend himself (& his family).

If you’re still of age, learn some basic self-defense or boxing/ jiu-jitsu.

You do not want to be walking around defenseless with a target on your back. Learn and be capable of violence.

Learn How To Survive

You should also know how to survive in worst-case scenarios.

There’s a great survival book called, “100 Deadly Skills” that will teach you everything from escaping/dealing with a live shooter to how to build a fire. Check it out.

Know-How To Become Aggressive (When Needed)

When the time calls for it, you need to become violent you also need to become aggressive.

The world is not an easy place and just like there’s violence in nature, so too there is a place for violence in everyday life.

Get aggressive, show some teeth and grab life by the balls.

Learn How To Make (More) Money

If you don’t have money, get a job, and learn how to make money. If you are making money but it isn’t quite enough for what you want/need, learn how to make some more.

It’s arguably one of the easiest times to learn new skills and improve your earnings. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

As a man, making money is something you must know how to do. You’re the provider, act like it.

Manage Your Money Wisely

While we’re on the topic, you also should learn how to manage your money well.

Way too many millionaires have gone broke and if you look around, you will also see plenty who started from the bottom and are now rich beyond belief.

This all starts with a positive attitude towards money and proper money management.

If you can make it but you can’t keep it, it’s time to re-evaluate some things.

Sacrifice Short-Term Gratification

One thing I would urge you to take away from this list is to be happy sacrificing short-term gratification for long-term greatness.

Understand great things take time to happen and that time will eventually pass anyway.

Learn how to be patient in your endeavors. You need time to develop the skills and experience you need to reach your goals.

Know How To Adapt

As a man, you will be tested. Sometimes you will fail, other times you will succeed. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad.

Learn how to adapt to your situation, your surroundings, and even the micro-events that happen throughout the day.

Understand the ebbs and flows of life and accept it can not be “all good” all the time. This too shall pass.

Help Yourself & Help Others

We’re in this together. We’re all stumbling our way through life with the hopes of eventually finding peace and contentment.

Know you will not be able to do it alone, so learn how to humble yourself and ask for help when needed.

With that said, you should also learn to help others when you can. No one likes a selfish man.

Be A Doer, Not A Shower

There are way too many out there who prefer to look a certain way than be a certain way.

In life, it’s best to be a doer and not a show-er (unless you can do both, in which case – go for it).

Be Mentally Tough

As I’ve said already, life will test you and life will gladfully beat you down if you let it.

Learning how to become mentally tough is one way to rise up to life’s endless challenges and you become mentally tough by doing the hard things that need to be done.

Be Loyal To Others (Your Word is Bond)

If I shake your hand, in my eyes, that’s as good as a written, signed, and stamped legal document. My word is my bond, and I expect yours to be too.

You do not want to be associated with a man who does not keep his word, and nobody else does either.

Control Your Vices, Don’t Let Them Control You

I love my wine. I love my single malts. And I also enjoy the occasional smoke.

This is not a problem, and it has never been.

I understand some people have more of an addictive personality than others, but either learn how to control your vices or avoid them altogether.

Groom & Dress With Purpose

Most people will say “real men don’t care how they look,” and as usual, most people are wrong.

Important, high-value men care about how they look and you should do.

Don’t dress like a slob unless you are one.

Invest in good clothes that fit you well, keep up impeccable hygiene, and keep yourself well-groomed.

Doing this will boost your confidence making many of these things on this list much easier.

Learn How To Cook

Man discovered fire some 2 million years ago (yes, really), yet there are still plenty of men out there who can’t cook a meal to save their lives.

Absolutely shameful. That’s all I’ve got to say about that one.

Travel As Much As You Can

It’s a bit of a cliche these days to say, “travel broadens the mind,” but that doesn’t make it any less true.

As a Freemason, you can travel to just about every Masonic Lodge on God’s green Earth, and when you arrive there, you will find upstanding men who will treat you like a Brother.

If you have the time (and the finances) to travel the world and explore new and different cultures, be sure to do so.

You’ll become a much better man (and a much better Freemason) when you do.

Always Be On Time

One of the most disrespectful things you can do as a man is showing up late.

“If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, don’t even bother showing up.” – Lombardi.

Get in the habit of showing up 15 minutes before your intended meeting time and anticipate factors (such as traffic) that might slow you down.

Keep Your Space Clean, Tidy & Organized

Would you ever want to work with a disorganized, untidy man?

Would you allow that sort of chaos into your business and your family?

Probably not, which is why I strongly recommend keeping yourself, your life, and your space (i.e. environment) clean, tidy, and organized.

It will help you in more ways than you can imagine.

Invest in Good Items

My grandpa used to always say, “I’m too poor to buy cheap stuff”.

Growing up, I never quite understood what he meant by that, but now that I’m an adult myself, I know exactly what he meant.

If you want to have a better, richer life, don’t always go for the “cheap option”.

Instead, invest wisely in comfort and in things that make your life better.

Money is a tool to be used to improve our lives. If you’re not using it to become a better man (and a better Freemason), it’s pretty much useless.

Be A Producer, Not A Consumer

Men are known to be the industrious gender, so even though this may be controversial, I think a man is at his best when he’s producing.

We have enough consumption in the world. Contrary to popular belief, economies thrive when people produce and not consume.

If you’re a man and you can produce, be sure to use your talent for the good.

Get Enough Sleep

According to many experts, getting enough sleep is crucial to a healthy and productive life.

I understand men tend to be on the “ambitious” side but sacrificing your sleep to achieve your goals is, in my opinion, working backward.

I’ve done the “4-hours of sleep per night” thing and it got me nowhere (even though it seemed like I was getting ahead).

It’s my advice to you to get some sleep and rest properly. You’d only be limiting yourself and your potential if you don’t.

Pick Up A Single Piece of Trash When You Go Out

Want to know how you can start making the world a better place starting today?

Pick up a single piece of trash when you’re out and about (ideally, make it a habit to pick up one piece of trash a day).

It may not seem like much, but it’s the easier and quickest way I’ve learned to make the world a better place.

Of course, make sure to use a plastic glove if possible and/or sanitize after.

Do The Best Job You Can

As anyone who knows what it actually means to be a Freemason (and what your Masonic duties are), in life you need to put in the effort to do the best job you can.

I’m afraid (and again, this is just my opinion) society seems to have settled into mediocrity. Good enough is good enough, when in fact, we can all do a little bit better.

I’m not saying you should be a perfectionist (although there’s nothing wrong with that), but what I’m saying is:

Put in an effort, go the extra mile, and try – to the best of your abilities – to perform the best work you can.

Give To Charity (Without Boasting About It)

Freemasons are known to be benevolent. In fact, some might say Freemasonry is more a charitable organization than it is a “secret society”“.

While being charitable is always a good idea, there seems to be a trend lately where people boast about giving to charity (oftentimes recording themselves acting all noble and benevolent).

This, in my opinion, is disrespectful and distasteful.

If you’re going to donate money, don’t do it for the social media clout.

Have An Abundance Mentality

This trait (although often misunderstood) will open you up to more opportunities and experiences than a self-limiting belief will ever do.

Some think having an “abundance mentality” means living beyond your means, which is far from the truth. What it means is don’t limit yourself, i.e don’t live in scarcity.

Scarcity is not just about money. There are many poor people with an abundant mentality and plenty of rich people with a scarcity mentality.

Don’t Be Too Frugal

There are some instances in life where you have to be frugal, but… if you’ve been blessed with good fortune and can afford to splurge on things and experiences that improve your life, by no means should you be frugal.

Life (and money) are meant to be enjoyed. Nobody dies wishing they had collected more money.

Don’t Gossip

When I read the book “Sapiens“, which I highly recommend, I learned that gossiping was a fundamental element to how primitive societies formed and bonded.

This tells me there is a place for gossip in human nature, but with that said, I still don’t think you – the modern-day gentlemen aspiring for a better life – should partake in gossip (especially in your Masonic endeavors).

You do not want to disrupt the harmony in an otherwise peaceful Lodge, would you?

Don’t Start Arguments

Nobody has ever walked away from an argument thinking, “oh, that felt great. I can’t wait to do it again soon”.

Unfortunately, these are sometimes necessary and they can’t be avoided altogether, however, there are arguments which you can avoid, and it’s best to avoid them.

Don’t Be Sensitive

Continuing on with “don’t start arguments”, I’d also advise you not to be sensitive.

If you get into an argument known to be a heated one (politics and religion, for example), make your argument and accept you are not likely going to change the other person’s mind.

The other person might also argue a bit too aggressively. At this point, you can either not be too sensitive about it, and/or walk away.

The latter is usually the best choice.

Learn How To Win (Play Chess)

Some men play to participate. Some men play to win.

I say, if you’re going to be playing, why not play to win?

Everything becomes easier and more manageable when you learn how to win. What do I mean by that?

I can’t really explain it, but you should start playing chess if you’re interested in finding out.

Believe In Something Greater Than You

Rightfully so, a core requirement to become a Freemason is to believe in a Supreme Being.

Having that belief in yourself, the world around you, and an intelligent designer/creator will help you make the right decisions in life, all the while keeping your moral compass in check.

Face Your Problems

If you don’t get into the habit of facing your problems head-on, you will live a life running away from your problems, which doesn’t usually end well.

You’ve got problems, I’ve got problems, the poor man in the street got problems, and the richest man in the world got problems.

We’ve all got them. We can’t change that.

What we can change, is how we deal with probelms and facing them is the first step to sort them out. Become aggressive with your problems.

Don’t Be A Clown

There’s being “a funny guy” and there’s “being a clown”.

Don’t be the latter.

What the difference?

The difference is making fun of yourself, which if you make a habit will only lower your status and your self-confidence.

I’m not saying you should be so egotistical that you can’t make fun of yourself. Just don’t be a clown about it.

Have a High Standard

Continuing on from the previous lesson; have a high standard for yourself and for those around you.

Reject mediocrity as soon as you see it. Call it out when needed and choose not to settle for less than you think you deserve.

Having a high standard for life may be a challenge, but it’s a must if you want to live a life above average.

Read Books

Books allow you to digest thousands of years of information in a few simple pages. They really are magical.

Read often and read deeply. Invest in a great collection of books that entertain and educate you and you’ll easily stand out above the rest.

If you’re interested in Masonic literature, we have a great collection of 340+ Masonic books for you here.

Enjoy Your Hobbies

The theme of this entire article is about striving towards becoming a better man, which in most cases takes a lot of work and patience.

This s why it’s imperative you get some hobbies and you set out the time to enjoy yourself. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Become A Free Thinker

Do you get your news from friends (gossip) or maybe the media?

Learn how to start thinking for yourself.

Note the keyword here is learn. That’s because it takes time and effort to learn how to think for yourself.

Deciding what is right and what isn’t takes experience, which you only get by time and practice (but it’s well worth the effort).

Start A Business

If you’d like to challenge yourself, start a business.

It’s one of the best “self-improvement” methods there is, yet it is often disregarded.

You don’t have to be a titan of industry; just start something.

There are many types of small businesses you can start from the comfort of your own home, working just a few hours a day.

Trust me, if you need some responsibility in your life, starting a business is something you should consider.

Chase Your Dreams

The average lifespan of a man in the US sits at 76.1 years. Although that’s quite short when you consider all the things you can do in this world, it’s still more than enough time to achieve your goals.

& here’s the thing, you don’t have to achieve all your goals, chasing them (i,e the hunt) will still be a life well-lived.

So don’t wait. Start chasing your goals today. It’ll make your life much much richer.

Be Consistent

Whether you want to start a new business, a family, become a scuba diver, or all three, be consistent in your actions.

Consistency is one of the untold secrets of success, and I don’t doubt you will achieve your all hopes and dreams IF you are persistent and consistent with your endeavors.

Appreciate The Little Things (Show Gratitude)

As you can see, I deem big worthy goals as something you need to aspire to, however, I would also suggest you be grateful for every little thing you have in your life.

Even the fact you wake up in the morning is still a good enough reason to smile and declare “today is a great day”.

Show some gratitude. Remember that no matter how bad you have it, there are still many who would trade places with you in an instant.

Reject Mediocrity

There seems to be this trend going on where mediocrity is not only accepted but celebrated as well.

As a man, you should aim to NOT be mediocre. Instead, strive for excellence.

It’s really a journey worth exploring. You will never meet your potential if you accept mediocrity as “good enough”.

Live & Let Live

We’ve talked about gossiping before and this ties into it as well. Live your life and let others live theirs.

I know we live in a charged climate these days with everyone trying to tell everyone how to live, but you’d do well in avoiding that.

You can’t fight everything, and you can’t fix everywhere, but you can fix yourself.

Focus on yourself and pray others have the strength to do the same.

Take Responsibility For Everything

Everything that happened to you is your own fault.

I know that’s hard to digest but if you keep this in mind, you’re giving yourself power over your life.

When the going gets tough, see where you may have crossed a few Ts you shouldn’t have, and when the going gets good, pat yourself on the back and own it.

Great power comes with great responsibility, so if you want power over yourself and your life, take full responsibility for every single thing you do.

Share What You Know

Last but not least, I encourage you to share what you know with other people.

If you can save someone from suffering simply by offering some advice, you’d be making the world a better place.

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