The Art of Living All In: A Guide for Young Successful Men
September 21, 2025 | Benji’s Patio, Bellevegas
Morning Reflections: Gratitude, Pride, and Intention
Gratitude is the foundation of a life well-lived. Today, I’m thankful for long, restorative sleeps, the freedom of social-free days, and the creative muse that keeps me inspired. There’s something magical about waking up refreshed, with no obligations pulling at your time, and a spark of creativity ready to ignite.
I’m proud of committing to SilentSunday (concept from The Connection Effect)—a day of introspection and quiet focus. It’s a bold move in a world that’s always screaming for attention.
My emotions? Loving, blissful, and energized. I’m setting an intention to keep this day social-free, filled with long strolls to clear my mind and connect with my inner self. I’m also looking forward to connecting with a few friends, reflecting on my own journey, and finishing listening to the energy session with the healers from Monday’s.
Key Lesson Learned: Sleep is non-negotiable. As I rebuild my life, I’ve realized that rest is the cornerstone of resilience and creativity. Without it, the climb back to the top is impossible.
Exercise: Walks and push-ups are my go-to right now. Three to four hours of walking daily has been a game-changer for my mental clarity, and bodyweight exercises keep me grounded in my physical strength.
The Joys of Being All In on Yourself
Gentlemen, the path to becoming your most authentic self is an ultramarathon, not a sprint. It’s about embracing the process—loving deeply, letting go of what no longer serves you, and evolving in every area of your life. Success isn’t just about money or status; it’s about crafting a life that aligns with your core values and dreams. Patience is your greatest ally. Trust in divine timing, and know that every step forward is progress, no matter how small.
I’ve had my share of highs and lows. A few years ago, I was on top—financially secure, living large. Then life hit hard, and I crashed to the bottom. From fancy hotels to hostels, from stability to homelessness, the descent was fast and humbling. But here’s the truth: when you hit rock bottom, you have two choices—keep digging or start climbing. I chose to stop digging. Securing an apartment in Bellevegas has given me a foundation to rebuild. It’s a reminder that stability is a privilege, and I’m grateful for it every day.
Choosing Values Over Money
Let me tell you a story. A few years back, I was on a trip to Bahamas for a Young President’s Organization speech with my then business partner Brad and his best friend Joe. After the speech we had a few days to rest and recharge. One of the members invited us to Atlantis for a day of adventure, water slides, laughter, and good vibes—until Brad disappeared for hours. Turns out, he’d met a girl and slipped away. No big deal, right? Except he lied about it, and when confronted, he blew up. Things got heated, and we nearly came to blows. He was bigger, stronger, and could’ve flattened me, but I stood my ground because he was wrong. I chose my morals over backing down, even when it could’ve cost me.
That moment wasn’t about pride—it was about integrity. I’ve walked away from large sums of money multiple times in my career because they didn’t align with my values. Money is a tool, not a god. It’s great to have, but it’s never been my driving force. As young men, we’re often told to chase the bag at all costs. I’m here to tell you: chase your truth instead. The money will come when you’re aligned with your purpose.
The Power of a Hard Reset
Life has a way of forcing you to start over. I’ve gone from penthouses to park benches, from thriving to surviving. Living in Mexico was a highlight—yoga, cheap food, and a simple, stress-free life by the beach. But hostel life? Not my favorite. Still, those experiences shaped me. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of simplicity.
Now, I’m in small-town Canada, wondering why I’m not on a beach somewhere. With a laptop and a phone, I can create from anywhere. The beach life calls to me—its freedom, its calm. But I’m also excited about the future. I’m rebuilding, one step at a time. My weight’s up to 180 after over a decade at 165, and I’m a few weeks away from getting those abs back. Walking 3-4 hours a day and eating clean has been a lifeline for my mind and body.
Dreaming Big: What If Money Wasn’t an Issue?
If money were no object, how would you spend your time? For me, it’s simple: I’d be writing, creating content, traveling the world, and sweating it out in a sauna daily. I’d still listen to a podcast a day to keep my mind sharp. I’d be in bed with a queen, living life on my terms. The beauty is, I’m already building toward that vision.
My next steps? Monetizing a new podcast community and tapping into that internet money. I’m also working on a product around The Connection Effect—a concept that’s been brewing in my mind. Losing the original manuscript of my book was a gut punch, but I’m reaching out to everyone I shared it with to get a copy back. The process of starting over is messy, but it’s part of the adventure.
Actionable Advice
Prioritize Sleep: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is the foundation of success. Walk It Out: Physical movement clears your mind and builds resilience. Aim for 10,000 or more steps a day. Choose Values Over Money: Wealth comes and goes, but integrity lasts a lifetime. Embrace the Reset: Life will knock you down. Use it as a chance to rebuild stronger. Dream Big, Act Small: Have a vision, but focus on the next step. Patience is power. Leverage AI: Tools like AI can handle the heavy lifting for your projects. Test, iterate, and evolve. Create Anywhere: All you need is a laptop and a phone. Don’t wait for the perfect setting—start now.
The Climb Back: A Call to Action
Fell far? That’s okay. The climb back is where you forge your character. I’ve been homeless, broke, and lost, but I’m still here, building a life I’m proud of. My soul craves adventure—maybe a beach in Tanzania or a sail around the world. The possibilities are endless when you believe in yourself.
Young kings, this is your time. Be all in on yourself. Love the process, embrace the struggle, and trust that everything happens in divine time. Let’s create, evolve, and live the lives we dream of.
Into infinity and beyond. Boom, baby, boom.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton