100 Tough Things Every Guy Should Do

100 Things to Do Before You Die

What makes a man … well, a man? Much has been written on the subject over the years, but it would be a stretch to suggest that there’s any real consensus on the issue.

Has he hit a certain age? Have his testicles dropped? Has he started growing pubic hair? Or facial hair? How about chest hair? Has he masturbated or had sex? Has he hunted and killed an animal? Does he have a job? Has he consumed alcohol — legally or illegally? Does he have muscles? Or is he a father?

There are as many definitions of manhood as there are men, and frankly, not all of them are particularly useful. Often, there’s a perception that what defines a man is something unpleasant, or when he’s suffered through something potentially traumatizing. It’s fair to suggest that a man is someone who does, has done, and will continue to do things that he could not as a child.

Another interesting way to think of manhood is as an accumulation of successful achievements. You’re not a man when you do X thing or accomplish Y task, but you’re a man through being someone who confronts challenges directly. You also approach life with a can-do attitude and apply it whenever and wherever possible. It’s less about your age, and more about your approach to life.

Of course, everyone is on their own path and facing different challenges. If you really want to see how manly you are, you might want to try these 100 tasks on for size. When done in full, they paint a picture of a man who’s courageous, generous, active, curious, passionate, and kind — someone who’s led a full life, had a positive impact on the world, and who’ll be greatly missed when it’s his time to go.

And isn’t that the kind of man you want to be?

1. Compete in a Race

There are lots of ways to race: on foot, in a car, kayaking, cycling, scavenger hunting, etc. You’ll never know how fast you are — or what you’re made of — until you compete against others.

2. Learn a Second Language

Life is a beautiful and complicated thing. Don’t settle for living it in just one language. And yes, Computer programming languages only count for half.

3. Ask Someone Out

Most guys manage this at some point during their teens, but it’s important to note that life is too short to keep your feelings under wraps forever. If you’re shy, this is your push. Do it.

4. End a Relationship

Don’t be so afraid of being alone that you stick around in a relationship way longer than you should. If you’re miserable, it’s time to leave.

5. Learn to Drive

Yes, cars are bad for the environment. No, not everyone needs to own one. Still, you should know how to drive one in case of an emergency and/or a designated driver situation.

6. Donate to a Cause

A real man stands for something. Find a cause that matters to you and pitch in.

7. Buy a Sex Toy

A When it comes to male sex toys these days, a Fleshlight is too obvious of a choice. If you’ve never spend a single dime on your sex life, what are you even doing? Get some lube, a sexy blindfold, a prostate stimulator, and live a little!

RELATED: The Best Sex Toys for Men

8. Ask for a Promotion

Whatever your job is, you should go to your boss and tell them you want to take things to the next level. Stagnating is not a very impressive move.

9. Go Off the Grid

Your ancestors were tougher than you know. Put your phone down for a while and disconnect — it’ll be there when you get back.

10. Stand Up for Someone

The world is full of underdogs getting bullied. Watching it happen and not doing anything about it isn’t the best look. Let someone know they’re not alone.

11. Get in a Fight

Fighting is bad, generally, but if you’ve never got in the middle of a tussle before, that might mean you’re turning a blind eye to things with the hope that no one will notice. If you need to step up and throw a punch (or take one, for that matter), do what’s necessary.

12. Experiment Sexually

Whatever your sexuality is (but especially if you’re straight), it wouldn’t hurt to try something new — whether that’s hooking up with someone unexpected, jerking off to a different kind of porn, or just going somewhere fresh with your fantasies.

13. Considering Therapy

Being a man means being pushed to conform to certain masculine stereotypes. Being a mensch means taking care of your s—t. Quit being a coward and talk to a professional about your issues. Yes, it’s OK to have issues.

14. Pursue Your Dreams

How many people die without ever admitting what they really wanted to do with their lives? Quit making excuses and try to make your dream become a reality.

15. Change Your Diet

Go vegetarian. Or vegan. Try paleo. Cut carbs. Cut fat. Cut salt. Go smoothie crazy. Overhaul your diet and see what changes. Pizza and fries will still be around when you come back.

16. Fix Something Broken

Fixing broken possessions is a lost art. Patch up a ripped shirt. Paint over a scratch. Hammer, glue, stitch or tape something back together. Throwing things away is a coward’s move.

17. Travel Far Away

Is there anything sadder than someone who grows old without ever seeing the world? You might not have jet-setting money, but you should at least try to go somewhere completely different just for the experience.

18. Own Up to Something

Getting away with someone you did wrong means you miss out on an opportunity to grow. Admitting you were in the wrong (and accepting the consequences) is the mark of a real man.

19. Take Care of a Pet

Not everyone has the space or the budget to own a pet, but there’s a lot to learn from forming a bond with an animal — even if it’s just pet-sitting for a friend.

20. Educate Yourself on Consent

One of the most important sex education lessons you can learn is how sexual consent works. Being able to talk about (and respect) boundaries is an invaluable skill that’ll benefit you and your sexual partners.

21. Make an Unexpected Friend

So often, we make friends with people who are like us — same gender, same age, same skin color, same class background, same beliefs, same tastes. But there are a lot of people out there that you’re writing off. Go out on a limb and try to befriend someone you typically wouldn’t gravitate towards.

22. Learn to Cook

Real men are self-sufficient. Meaning, they don’t constantly rely on delivery services and fast food seven nights a week. Eating home-cooked food is cheaper, healthier, and knowing how to cook is sexy. Make it happen.

23. Make Someone Cum

Lots of guys mistake sex as a place to seek out their own orgasm, rather than a place for two people to encourage each other’s. If you don’t give a damn about your partner’s pleasure, you’re not having sex, you’re using their body to masturbate. Be a gentleman and dole out some orgasms.

24. Speak Out Against Hate

All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing. Don’t be silent — when you see people spreading hate, condemn it.

25. Decorate Your Own Space

There’s more to interior design than a movie poster. Make it work within your budget, but put some work into how your space looks. That could mean a single room, parts of an apartment, or a whole house.

26. Get Your Inbox to Zero

Partly, that means responding to emails you’re avoiding, but also feeling confident enough to ignore and/or delete the ones you don’t need to care about. Living with unread emails is bad for the soul (the same goes for texts, DMs and the like).

27. Keep a Journal

Think of it as a lighter version of therapy. Writing down how you feel is not only a great way for your future self to see what past you was like, it’s also a great way to vent, process and deal with your emotions.

28. Get Into Female Artists

The deck is stacked in favor of male artists. Movie directors, rock bands, famous painters and sculptors, legendary authors — your faves are probably looking pretty sausage-festy. Make an effort and absorb some art from the other half of the population.

29. Develop a Wardrobe

They say clothes make the man, and they’re right. How you dress influences how people see you, and how they treat you. Start thinking of your wardrobe as a weapon in that personal arsenal of your life. Dress like you mean it. While you’re at it, throw out those ratty old T-shirts you still have from 15 years ago, too.

30. Create a Legacy

Start a foundation. Found a company. Win an award, or create one. Build something. Create something. Go down in the record books. Don’t leave the planet without doing something you’ll be remembered for.

31. Push Past Your Physical Limits

We all have different physiques, but you don’t need to compete in the Olympics to outdo your past self — you just need to work a little bit every day at getting stronger, faster, or better. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try.

32. Own a Perfectly Fitted Suit

Owning a suit says to the world that you can be taken seriously, and owning one that fits you just right says you’re one step ahead of being average. Get a second-hand one tailored if you can’t afford a new one, and make it your own.

33. Pass Up Tempting Sex

What separates humans from animals is our ability to go against our basic instincts. At some point in their lives, most guys will probably have the opportunity to have really hot sex when they know they shouldn’t. Show that you’re in control, not equipped with a reptile brain, and walk away. It won’t be as fun of a story, but it will be the right thing to do.

34. Do Konmari

You don’t need to have read Marie Kondo’s book or watched her Netflix series to understand the impact of her work. The concept is simple: Do a triage of what you own, and get rid of the clutter. Think of it like a diet, but for your stuff.

35. Make a Bucket List

These are fun, but they’re also useful. You get to think about what you really want to accomplish in life, and what that says about you. Pro tip: Throw a few of the items on this list in the mix. You’re welcome.

36. Plant Something

A tree. A garden. A little herb collection in a box on your balcony railing. Plants are a miraculous thing, and helping one grow will be a lesson in being responsible for the life and well-being of another living thing.

37. Give a Wedding Speech

Giving a speech at a wedding says a few things about you: You’re brave, you’re trustworthy, you’re eloquent, and at least one person in your life cares deeply about you. You can’t really force this one, but you do have control over whether you’re the type of person your friends and loved ones would want to speak at their wedding.

38. Go on a Hike

Exerting yourself physically in nature can teach you perseverance, commitment, and’ll show you just how far you can push yourself. Plus, if you climb a small mountain, you’ll have a great view. Double-win.

39. Raise a Child

Not “have a child” as not every guy can, and not everyone is cut out for full-time parenting. It takes a village to raise someone from birth, so be a part of that village. That could mean a father, an uncle, babysitter, tutor or teacher.

40. Demand a Raise

Know your worth, and speak up about it. They’re not going to give it to you unless you ask.

41. Plan a Party

Rare is the person who looks back on their life and wishes they’d spent more evenings at home alone, watching TV. Great parties can give you so many memories, but they don’t just magically occur. Get your people together and have a ball.

42. Find Your Scent

Your scent shouldn’t just be “sweaty, hasn’t showered lately” or “deodorant and shampoo.” Classy gentleman own at least one cologne that becomes their signature.

RELATED: The Best Colognes for Men

43. Fall in Love

This doesn’t necessarily have to be with a person. If there’s nothing and no one in this life that you care about passionately and would lay down your life for, why are you even living?

44. Set Yourself Up to Fail

Lots of guys are so concerned with projecting a certain image they never take the time to consider how valuable failure is. Failure is how we learn. Quit trying to play it cool and embarrass yourself. Fail at things — and get better at them.

45. Forgive an Enemy

You don’t have to forget, but forgiving is good for the soul It takes maturity, strength of character, self-confidence and wisdom.

46. Eat Your Words

Humility and an ability to own your mistakes are an important part of a balanced diet. Next time you realize you were wrong about something, tell someone and apologize.

47. Develop a Skincare Routine

Most guys think skincare is for women, but acne, chapped lips and dry, flaky skin and sun damage are issues that anyone can have. Be a man and invest in a few basic products. Your skin will thank you.

RELATED: 8 Skin Care Dos and Don’ts You Should Know

48. Donate Your Body Parts

Money’s not the only thing in life you can donate. Think things like blood, bone marrow, or a kidney. At the very least, sign your organ donor card. Your body has things others don’t — and need.

49. Expand Your Consciousness

Try meditation. Or microdosing. Or fasting. Life if short — why spend the whole time seeing things from the exact same perspective? The thoughts that you can have at the limits of human consciousness are pretty far out, man.

50. Be Extra Generous

Give $20 to a homeless person. Tip someone 100 percent of the bill. If you have enough money to throw a little bit away, there’s someone out there whose day — or week, maybe even month — you could make with it.

51. Encourage the Vote

If you live in a democracy, choosing not to vote is pretty messed up. So “vote” by itself isn’t even on this list as political engagement extends beyond just going into a booth and ticking off a box. Instead, try volunteering for a party or candidate you believe in, or helping register people to vote.

52. Contact Your Democratic Representatives

In theory, politicians exist to enact the will of the people. Don’t leave them guessing about that will — contact your representatives and let them know which issues are important to you.

53. Make Some Art

We’re all creative beings, and if you weren’t so worried about being bad at art, you might actually get good at it. Take an acting class, buy some painting supplies, take up an instrument — it’s never too late.

54. Seek Medical Attention

Guys raised on being tough often think it’s cowardly to take physical pain seriously. This is a terrible approach that can have devastating consequences. Take an active role in your health and well-being and get regular check-ups.

55. Tell Someone a Painful Truth

Little white lies are the fabric of society, but sometimes you just need to be real with someone you care about, even if it’ll make for an awkward conversation. Think of it like telling a friend they have something stuck in their teeth, writ large — don’t be the guy who keeps quiet just because it’s easier.

56. DIY Something

There’s more to life than apps designed to make your life easier. A real man can fend for himself, so decide on something you love, and then figure out how to build it with your own two hands.

57. Build a Book Collection

Film director John Waters famously said, “If you go home with somebody, and they don't have books, don't f—k 'em!” Film, TV and hell, even video games can all communicate transcendently beautiful narratives. But books are special, and not owning any is bleak.

58. Help a Stranger

Be the kind of man who carries a stranger’s suitcase or stroller up a set of stairs, who buys a meal for someone who can’t afford one, and is kind to strangers for no reason without a need for something in return.

59. Go Through With a Romantic Gesture

Romantic gestures should always have pure, well-intentions, and being a boyfriend, partner or husband who’s literally never romantic is a terrible idea. Buy the flowers, book the trip, plan the date, bake the cupcakes — it’ll pay off.

60. Trace Your Lineage

Who are we without our history? You don’t need to mail your DNA to find out a bit about your past. Talk to relatives, do some research, read through some dusty old tomes. Remember the past as it might change your understanding of the present.

61. Try a Cuisine You’re Unfamiliar With

Life may be too short for some things, but it’s too long to only eat the food you ate growing up. If you haven’t yet, for the love of God, start branching out.

62. Cross-Dress

Life is richer when you can see other perspectives ... like what it’s like to wear high heels, or how much work it takes to apply makeup, for example. Next time you’re presented with an opportunity to wear something aside from your everyday attire, show the world you’re comfortable with your manliness and dress as a woman.

63. Cut Someone Toxic Out of Your Life

We all carry relationships of varying degrees of healthiness with us through the years. At some point, you have to recognize that there are people in your life whose presence is actively bad for you, and whether you want to or not, it’s best to just cut ties.

64. Develop a Skill

Whether it’s woodworking or networking; podcasting or fly casting — a real man is good at something. Find what you’re passionate about and practice until you don’t suck.

65. Take a Social Media Break

Yes, there’s such a thing as being online too much. You don’t need to give up your apps forever, but try deleting them and spending your free time on something else in the real world for a bit.

66. Challenge Your Own Mindset

Read things you don’t believe, engage in debates, or do actual research. It’s easy to be ideologically stagnant if you always surround yourself with people you agree with.

67. Send a Handwritten Letter

Texts, DMs and emails are great, sure, but there’s something really special about getting a letter. Allow someone to read your thoughts that you took time to put down in ink.

68. Boycott a Brand

Brands listen to their customers. Vote with your dollars — and maybe with a strongly worded complaint.

69. 69 With Someone

What, did you think No. 69 on this list would be something else? It’s no one’s favorite sex position, but it’s a truly cool experience that you should try at least once.

70. Go Cold Turkey on an Addiction

We all have our addictions — cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn, social media, just to name a few. Figure out something you’re over-dependant on and cut it out of your life. And then, if it doesn’t take, try again.

71. Reconnect With Someone

Don’t let old friends slip out of your life for good. Social media has made it easier than ever to find and reach out to people you used to hold close. It might just be the re-beginning of a beautiful friendship.

72. Develop a Signature Meal

Every guy should have at least one tasty meal he can cook from scratch without needing to consult a cookbook, a YouTube video or an app. What’s yours?

73. Get a Gym Membership

Not everyone’s a gym person, but how will you know your true feelings towards pumping iron until you try it? You might lose some pounds or develop some muscles in the process.

74. Get to Know Someone With a Different Sexuality

The world is a more beautiful place when we look past our prejudices and learn about lifestyles that differ from our own. The more straight people and queer people that hang out with each other and understand each other, the better.

75. Own a Watch

Yes, all of our phones tell time now. That’s not the point of watches. Instead, think of it like a suit for your wrist.

76. Fulfill Someone’s Fantasy

The world is a better place when people’s dreams come true. Be the fantasy fulfilment you want to see in the world and try something new to make someone happy.

77. Donate What You Don’t Need

The things you take for granted might make a huge difference to less fortunate people.

78. Make Someone Feel Valued

Is there anything as fulfilling as an unprompted, specific and detailed compliment where you tell someone how much they mean to you? Don’t wait until it’s too late to make the people in your life feel loved.

79. Thank Your Parents

Some people have absent, dead, or terrible parents. But regardless of blood relation, thank the people who raised you — the people who taught you life lessons and helped you grow.

80. Make Life Easier for Disabled People

Read up on disability — what’s difficult for disabled people, which words to use and which ones not to, ways you can help.

81. Cry in Public

One of the bravest things you can do as a guy is be vulnerable. Cry at the movies, at the ball game when your favorite team wins, or at the table in a diner when you’re going through a breakup. Let it all out, man.

82. Bite Your Tongue

Sometimes it’s not worth saying the thing you really want to say. Listening is an under-utilized skill — get good at letting other people share their thoughts and see what you learn.

83. Take a Masturbation Break

We all do it, and there’s nothing wrong with it per se, but it wouldn’t hurt to show your animal instincts who’s boss. See how long you can go keeping the snake in its cage.

RELATED: How Quitting Masturbating Helped Me Succeed

84. Tell Your Female Coworkers What You Make

For a variety of different reasons, women are often paid less than men for the same work — and social taboos when it comes to discussing money keep that from changing. Give your female coworkers some ammunition when it comes to bargaining for more equal salaries and tell them what you make.

85. Do Something With Your Body Hair

Wax it. Shave it. Trim patterns into it. Grow a funky beard, or a curly mustache. Society is pretty lax when it comes to male body hair, so you might as well have fun with it.

86. Wingman a Friend

We could all use a little help here and there when it comes to dating. Set two people up on a blind date, rave about your buddy’s sense of humor, show your pal’s crush pictures of their dog. Couples need someone to thank at their wedding.

87. Build a Website

You might not know how to code, but that doesn’t mean you need to have zero internet presence. If not to promote yourself, your services, and your ideas, at least make one just so you can say you have.

88. Dance

What, are you going to spend your entire life off to the side watching everyone else do it?

89. Confront Sexual Harassment

Sexual misbehavior thrives when bystanders don’t do anything. If you see something, do something.

90. Comfort Someone Through a Tough Time

At any given time, someone in your life could be going through a tough time. Hold them when they’re crying. Do their chores for them. Buy them a drink or bring them soup. All you have to do is ask what’s wrong and listen.

91. Modify Your Body

Get an earring, a nose ring or a tongue piercing. How about a tattoo ... or two, or six. You start off with the same blank page as everyone else — what are you going to do with yours?

92. Keep a Secret for Someone

Sure, gossiping is fun, but keeping an important secret is the trust equivalent of power-lifting.

93. Do Karaoke

If you love music at all, you should sing karaoke at least once in your life.

94. Kill an Animal and Eat It

Vegans and vegetarians can skip this one, but if you’re a meat eater, you should be brave enough to put that into practice. Don’t let factory workers do it for you.

95. Get a Museum Membership

Being able to appreciate the past — whether it’s art, natural history, or both — is an underrated attribute in modern men.

96. Confront Your Racial Prejudices

Real men recognize any prejudice or bias they feel and work on it so they can treat everyone with respect and understanding, regardless of their background.

97. Go for Jury Duty

Don’t try to lie to get out of it. No, it’s not pleasant. Yes, it’s a necessary part of a criminal justice system that has any chance of actually evoking the word “justice” in its name.

98. Pick Up Litter

Humans are cruel enough to nature without even getting into the depressing reality of litter. Whether it’s in a forest, in a park or on the sidewalk, do your part and clean up some trash here and there. The rest of the community will benefit.

99. Stand Up for Trans Rights

Trans people do not have it easy. If you were born and raised male and that’s how you identify, you’ve had a pretty smooth go of it, gender wise. Make life easier for trans people — educate yourself on their struggles and how to be an ally.

100. Come Up With Your Own Definition of Being a Man

At the end of the day, gender is just an idea. What does being a man mean to you? Whatever it is, go out there and make it work. So long as it doesn’t involve being a total jerk.

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