Forge Ahead: A New Book to Ignite Young Men’s Potential in 2025
Hey, it’s Gordon, and I’ve got something burning in my brain today. I spent way too many hours lost in podcasts—great stuff, but it pulled me from making cash, writing my next book, and tackling my to-do list.
Sound familiar? That moment when you realize you’re consuming more than creating, talking more than doing. But here’s the thing: I looked in the mirror, owned it, and decided to act. That’s the spark behind my new book (working title), Forge Ahead: A Blueprint for Young Men to Thrive in a Changing World—a lean, no-BS guide for guys 18-30 to stop drifting and start dominating their lives.
Why This Book, Why Now?
I get it—life in 2025 is a minefield. Social media’s got you comparing yourself to filtered millionaires, 1 in 4 guys your age lack close friends, and the job market feels like a gamble. I’ve been there. At 23, I was still working on my first book and parking cars to pay for my lifestyle. But I clawed my way out, building multiple businesses by 30 through discipline, mentorship, and relentless action. I’ve now helped thousands do the same. Forge Ahead is my playbook for you— packed with practical steps to master your career, relationships, and mindset.
This isn’t another self-help tome preaching theory. It’s a call to action for young men who want money, confidence, and real connections—yes, including women. It’s about knowing when to dive in, when to pause, and how to trust your gut to make shit happen. And yeah, I used AI to craft the outline fast, because why overcomplicate it? AI’s a tool, just like your brain—use it to create, not just consume.
What’s Forge Ahead About?
This book is your blueprint to thrive in a world designed to distract. It tackles what drives you: building wealth, forging bonds, and becoming a man you respect. Here’s a taste: Discipline: Mastering Your Time – Learn to cut the noise (like my podcast binge today) and stack small wins for big results. Mental Toughness – Neuroscience-backed tricks to handle stress and self-doubt, so you don’t crumble under pressure. Career Forge – Practical steps to launch a side hustle or land a job, even in a shaky economy.
Money Mindset – Basics of financial freedom, because let’s be real—money’s a motivator.
Brotherhood – Build real friendships and navigate dating without the BS, addressing what guys want head-on.
Mentors Make Men – Find guides to push you and become one yourself (more on this below).
Each chapter’s got stories—like how I went from broke to six-figures to broke again—and actionable challenges you can share on TikTok or X with #ForgeAheadChallenge. Plus, a free companion app tracks your progress, because accountability is king.
Sneak Peek: Chapter 8 – Mentors Make Men
Mentorship changed my life, and it’s a cornerstone of Forge Ahead. At 23, I was stuck, scrolling facebook instead of building. Then Adam, a tech founder, called me out: “You’re wasting your potential.” His daily check-ins forced me to act, leading to my first big win. Chapter 8 shows you how to find mentors in workplaces, gyms, or online communities like Discord, and how to become one for your peers. Here’s a quick look:
Why It Matters: Mentors cut through the chaos—70% of young guys feel lost without role models. A 2023 study says mentored men are 40% more likely to land stable jobs.
Real Stories: Take Marcus, 25, who emailed a local entrepreneur and went from retail to a marketing career in six months. Or Coach Alex, whose gym mentorship turned Ryan, 22, from jobless to a community leader.
Action Plan: A 14-day plan with tasks like emailing a mentor for career advice or sharing a budgeting tip with a friend. Post your progress with #ForgeAheadChallenge to inspire others.
Science: Oxytocin from trust and the “protégé effect” from teaching make mentorship a brain hack for growth.
This chapter’s got grit—4,800 words of practical steps, stories, and tips to build connections that propel you forward.
Why Young Men Will Eat This Up
Guys 18-30 want three things: money, confidence, and women. Forge Ahead gets that. It’s not about shaming you for wanting those—it’s about channeling that drive into action. Want to make cash? Learn AI basics to start a side hustle, like creating content or automating tasks. Want better relationships? Build real brotherhoods and learn dating skills that aren’t sleazy. Want confidence? Stack small wins to rewire your brain, backed by science like dopamine triggers.
I’m not just preaching—I’m living it. Today, I caught myself slacking, but I’m writing this post, pushing Forge Ahead forward, and sharing it with you. That’s the vibe: own your slip-ups, then act. The book’s challenges, like posting daily progress on TikTok or joining our Email, make it interactive. It’s not just a read—it’s a movement.
The #ForgeAheadChallenge: A Viral Push
Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, Forge Ahead comes with a viral hook: the #ForgeAheadChallenge. Each chapter includes tasks you can share online—think 15-second TikToks of you tackling a goal, like emailing a mentor or hustling a side gig. Tag three friends, and watch it spread. Why? Because young men consume short, real content—80% are on social daily. This isn’t just a book; it’s a call to create, connect, and inspire. Plus, the app tracks your progress, making it easy to stay on track.
Why AI and New Traditions Matter
I used AI to outline this book fast, and you can use it too. Chapter 9 (Digital Mastery) teaches you to leverage AI for money—think automating content creation or analyzing market trends. It’s simple, actionable, and tailored for 2025. The book also pushes new rituals: instead of outdated rites, you’ll build modern ones, like weekly mentor check-ins or peer meetups. These traditions ground you, giving you purpose in a world that’s all noise.
Be the Example
I’m not just writing Forge Ahead—I’m living it. Today, I chose to stop scrolling and start creating. You can too. This book isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s for guys who want to be the example they wish they’d had—whether that’s landing a dream job, dating with confidence, or building a legacy. Join the #ForgeAheadChallenge, grab the book when it drops, and let’s forge a generation of men who don’t just talk but do.
Get Involved: Follow me on X or Instagram (@gordonbufton) for updates. Post your first #ForgeAheadChallenge video today—what’s one goal you’re crushing? Tag me and three friends. Let’s make 2025 your year.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton