Weekly Roundup - 30 Days No Alcohol, Big Decisions and Bedpost Notches

I have now surpassed the 30 day no alcohol challenge and, I think, I’m on day 34 or 35? How do I feel? Exactly how I thought I might - fucking amazing! I keep attempting to write this Weekly Roundup and end up getting myself deep into the rabbit hole of the profound effects abstaining from alcohol has had on me. Not wanting to sound like a newly converted vegan on a mission...

Better sleep
More energy
Saved LOTS of money
Made HUGE decisions
Lost weight

Need I go on?

The biggest decision I made will become apparent in the coming weeks. And, when I say big, I mean BIG!

So, apart from abstaining from alcohol and enjoying my newfound self-righteous status, what else has been happening?

Firstly, I’m fasting approaching the big 40 and my mind seems to be on overload. Not with the obvious things you might think - have I slept with enough woman, have I ticked off enough on my bucket list, am I a success by societal standards...yadda, yadda, yadda

Basically, have I done enough to warrant my existence as a man?

The somewhat strange reality is; I couldn’t give a flying my fuck. Done enough, compared to whom? A fictional movie character, a famous rock star, a mate down the pub who talks out of his arse? And then I realise that achievement and self-fulfillment are purely subjective. Compare your financial success to the likes of Jeff Bezos and you’ll inevitably be disappointed. As you would be if you were to base your sexual accomplishments against the likes of Dan Bilzerian. But, does bedding lots of women make you more of a man?

The answer should be no, and for the best part, it is. However, I’m pretty confident that most of you reading this will have a count up, maybe even Google 'how many women does the average guy sleep with'? It’s 27 by the way.

But, the point I’m making is why do we compare ourselves to other people? Is it a man thing? A woman thing? Or is it simply a human thing? The fact is simply, that we try to foresee how we are doing in the adventure we call life. The thoughts and doubts you have about life, are the same doubts and thoughts most people have. It’s called human nature, and by nature, we are inquisitive beings.

Books I’ve been reading over the last few weeks.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's autobiography - I’m not a football fan but I like people who have character, opinionated and don’t conform to societal norms. The biggest take away I got from this book was the fact that even hugely successful people like Zlatan doubt themselves when they’re put in unfamiliar territory. Put the money, Ferrari’s and sponsorship deals aside, and you realise that even superstars have the same fundamental life issues and insecurities the average man has.

Joey Barton autobiography - same issues different superstar - Insecurities, conflicting opinions, troubled childhood, anger issues etc. There are some interesting similarities between the two sports stars. Misunderstood souls are the common thread here.

I have just started Andre Agassi’s autobiography and once again there is a similarity. Misunderstood, far from perfect role models in their life, a resilience to overbearing input from people who think they know best. I’m only a quarter of the way in, but even at this stage, I can see how this is going to play out.

Random shit

Boxing - I’m looking forward to Dillian White v Joshua Parker fight this weekend. I watched Gloves Are Off and I see such a contrast between the two fighters. Firstly, I have huge respect for both fighters for getting this bout agreed so quickly. No fucking around. But, I do sense that Parker has had his confidence knocked by the loss to Joshua. Dillian, on the other hand, seems so relaxed. He has been here before and has taken a very pragmatic approach. He is also playing mind games and I could see he has planted seeds of doubt in Parker’s head. Interesting to see how this pans out, but I reckon we will see White stopping Parker in the 8th or 9th.

Also, looking forward to seeing Conor Benn's progress. I admire how level-headed and respectful he is regardless of becoming a rising star in the sport. His old man, Nigel Benn, has certainly been a great influence in his life - which is more than can be said for another father and son duo in the sport.

I’ve been getting into the Action Bronson series on Vice. Weed, food, and hip-hop. What’s not to like? Well worth checking out, if you feel like a night of doing fuck all and chilling out.

Talking of chilling out, I’ve also burned through all three seasons of Billions. I’m a sucker for a show like this. It’s simply pure escapism and makes for a great Netflix binge every once in a while.

On a more educational note, I’ve recently watched The Reality Of Truth where they delve into the life-changing effects that ayahuasca can have on peoples lives. Forget hippies downing LSD and tree huggers chanting ommmm. Go check out the film on YouTube.

Podcasts - check out Dr. Chris Ryan, who has such a relaxed approach to his interviews. He also has some amazing guests such as the author of The Game, Neil Strauss; sex expert Maiya Ja and the Ice Man, Wim Hof.

Another 30 days...

Another 30-day challenge I’m going to set myself. This time, 30 days of Bikram yoga. Originally, my plan was going to be thirty consecutive days, but due to weddings, social engagements and commitments, it won’t be possible. So, instead of using them all as an excuse, I’m going to aim for 30 sessions in thirty days. The days I can’t make, I’ll do a double session the following day. I’ve not done Bikram in a good few years, and it’s going to be a hard slog, but a challenge I’m up for nevertheless!

Whoops, I nearly forgot

It’s 9 by the way - the average number of woman a man sleeps in their lifetime (couldnt resist a wind up) Which seems extremely low to me. I mean 9 wtf! In a lifetime? That figure sounds like a decent lads holiday to me. I joke of course. Or do I?

As always, leave your comments below, tweet me or follow me on my personal Facebook account.

Peace :)