Rise Up: A Template for Young Men to Dominate Life
September 18, 2025. I’m writing this earlier than usual—at 3:34 PM—and it feels like a game-changer. We’ve been guilty of pushing these sessions way too late into the day, letting the hustle bleed into the night. But today marks a shift: reclaiming control over our time, starting strong, and setting the tone for dominance. Young men out there grinding to build something real—this post is a template. It’s about harnessing discipline, embracing change, and turning chaos into opportunity. In a world full of distractions and excuses, the ones who rise are those who bet on themselves relentlessly. Let’s break it down, step by step, with real talk and actionable insights.
Lately, I’ve been stretching my nights to squeeze in those essential miles—logging walks under the stars just to hit my goals. It’s meant sleeping in a touch more than I’d like, but here’s the silver lining: a simple upgrade to my room and bed has revolutionized my sleep schedule. It’s incredible how one small adjustment—like better ergonomics or a quieter space—can ripple into massive improvements in energy, focus, and productivity. Think about it: poor sleep sabotages everything from decision-making to physical performance. Without it, you’re fighting an uphill battle. I’m still on the hunt for that perfect sauna to elevate my recovery game (saunas boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and even aid in detoxification), and I need to chase down that gym refund that’s been lingering. But these tweaks remind us: success isn’t always about grand overhauls; often, it’s the micro-optimizations that compound into exponential gains.
On the financial front, I made a smart move by selling my bus pass effective next month, unlocking an extra $40 in monthly cash flow. It might sound minor, but in the game of wealth-building, every dollar counts—it’s about momentum. That $40 could fund a coffee meeting that lands a deal or get reinvested into something with upside. Speaking of which, I’m primed and ready to secure a multi-thousand-dollar consulting client. I’ve invested the hours, honed the skills, and built the network. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s the culmination of consistent effort.
Young men, understand this: the ability to pivot—to create new income streams, establish a stable base, and gear up for travel again—is what separates the dreamers from the doers. I’m talking about crafting a grounded foundation that supports growth, whether that’s through diversified revenue or smart investments like crypto. Crypto, in particular, offers asymmetric opportunities: with volatility comes potential for outsized returns, but only if you educate yourself, manage risk, and play the long game. It’s not gambling; it’s strategic positioning in a digital economy that’s evolving faster than ever.
The goal here? To generate real wealth—not just for luxury, but for freedom. Freedom to explore, to innovate, to shine your light into the universe and keep lighting up the world. In a society obsessed with quick fixes and superficial success, true fulfillment comes from creating value that echoes beyond your lifetime. It’s about impact: mentoring others, building communities, and leaving a legacy that inspires.
This morning’s deep dive with Russ on North America’s predicament was eye-opening and frustrating in equal measure. We unpacked how segments of the right are bizarrely celebrating the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, framing it as a victory while hypocritically undermining the very free speech they claim to champion.Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk—following an apparent assassination attempt or related controversy—sparked backlash, leading ABC to pull his show indefinitely amid pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and affiliates. Trump himself cheered the move, even suggesting critical networks could lose licenses, which reeks of authoritarian overreach. This isn’t about accountability; it’s selective censorship. They tout free speech only when it aligns with their views, but cry foul otherwise. It’s pathetic and infantile—like kids bickering on a playground over trivialities while the real house is on fire. North America has squandered its global dominance, entangled in internal divisions that distract from pressing crises.
Let’s get real about those crises, because ignoring them won’t make them vanish. The problems boil down to a profound mental health epidemic, exacerbated by over-medication and systemic neglect. What happens when you blanket an entire population with psychiatric drugs without addressing root causes like isolation, economic stress, or trauma? The stats are damning: From 2019 to 2023, the percentage of U.S. adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19.2% to 23.9%, with many relying on prescription meds. Yet, this approach hasn’t stemmed the tide of despair. Consider the overdose crisis: While provisional data shows a nearly 24% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths to about 87,000 from October 2023 to September 2024, that’s still an astronomical number—far too many lives lost to preventable causes like fentanyl-laced substances and inadequate support systems.
Then there’s suicide: Official figures peg it at around 49,316 deaths in 2023, making it the 11th leading cause of death overall and the second for young adults. But underreporting is a real issue—stigma, misclassification as accidents, or incomplete data could inflate the true toll. Some estimates suggest the actual number might be higher, though not as exaggerated as anecdotal claims; regardless, even the reported 49k is a national tragedy, equating to one death every 11 minutes. Add in preventable medical errors, which some studies rank as the third leading cause of death, claiming over 251,000 lives annually due to misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or systemic failures. This isn’t just statistics; it’s a failure of priorities. We’re talking half a million preventable deaths when you tally these up—deaths that could be mitigated with better policies, education, and resources.
And we haven’t even touched obesity, which affects 40.3% of U.S. adults as of 2021-2023, with severe obesity at higher rates among women. This epidemic fuels comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease, straining healthcare and economies. Meanwhile, wealth inequality widens: Billionaires amass fortunes while average folks struggle with inflation, stagnant wages, and debt. The money-hungry elite aren’t just passive; their lobbying and tax avoidance exacerbate the divide, leaving communities impoverished and hopeless. North America—America and Canada alike—is lagging behind in addressing these, too busy with geopolitical meddling and overthrow attempts abroad. It’s time to pivot: Focus inward, invest in mental health infrastructure, promote holistic wellness, and foster economic equity. Otherwise, we’re witnessing a slow societal decay. But here’s the empowering flip side: We don’t have to be victims of this mess. You can create the world of your dreams, young men, but it demands hard work and introspection. Sure, systemic change is needed, but waiting for it is a cop-out. Evolve personally: Audit your habits, build resilience, and stop blaming external forces—whether it’s governments, billionaires, or bad luck. Blame keeps you stuck; ownership propels you forward. I’m committed to betting on myself, knowing that this phase—the late nights, the small wins, the relentless grind—is integral to the journey. It’s about willingness to adapt, to do things differently, and to love unconditionally: Love your vision, love the process, love those who support you, and even love the challenges that forge you.
We possess infinite potential in this lifetime. The mind is the ultimate gatekeeper—train it with discipline, feed it with knowledge, and unleash it on your goals. Whether it’s landing that client, scaling your side hustle, or exploring the world, the barriers are mental. Break them. Young men, this chaos isn’t a curse; it’s your arena. Step in, dominate, and build a legacy that inspires generations. Rise up, shine your light, and watch the universe respond.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton