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Are you ready to become a better version of yourself in 2025?
Becoming a better man isn’t about drastic changes or impossible goals—it’s about building habits that align with the person you want to be. Whether it’s in your relationships, your career, or your personal growth, the choices you make every day shape the man you become.
So, what habits should you embrace? Well, that’s what we get into today.
We’re diving into seven powerful habits that can help you grow, improve, and truly thrive in 2025.
Let’s get started.
1) Regularly exercising
If there’s one habit that can transform nearly every aspect of your life, it’s regular exercise.
Staying active isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, both mentally and physically.
As noted by Healthline, exercise can boost your energy, improve your focus, and help you manage stress.
It also builds discipline, which spills over into other areas of your life, like work and relationships.
Last but perhaps most importantly, it’s one of the best things you can do to safeguard your health as you age.
You don’t need to become a gym rat or train for a marathon to see results. Find an activity you enjoy—whether it’s weightlifting, running, yoga, or even a daily walk. The key is consistency.
2) Giving thanks
When was the last time you paused to truly appreciate the good in your life?
Gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful habits you can cultivate. It shifts your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to recognizing what’s already here.
As the philosopher Marcus Aurelius wisely said, “Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.”
Gratitude isn’t just for the big things—it’s about noticing the small blessings, too. A good cup of coffee, a conversation with a friend, or even the fact that you woke up to see another day.
In 2025, make it a habit to give thanks regularly. Whether it’s writing in a journal, saying it out loud, or simply reflecting at the end of each day, practicing gratitude will enrich your life, and the lives of others and strengthen your relationships.
3) Putting yourself in others’ shoes
Empathy is one of the most underrated skills a man can have—and one of the most transformative.
Taking the time to truly understand someone else’s perspective can strengthen your relationships, improve your communication, and make you a better leader.
As marriage and family therapist Andrea Brandt noted in a Psychology Today post, “Empathy makes the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.” It’s what allows you to connect on a deeper level, resolve conflicts with compassion, and show up for the people in your life.
Before reacting or judging, take a moment to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Ask questions, listen without interrupting, and try to understand where they’re coming from.
This simple shift can make a world of difference—not just for others, but for you, too. Empathy fosters meaningful connections and creates the foundation for a life filled with respect and mutual support.
4) Having a growth mindset
I can personally attest to the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset.
A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a rut. I was unhappy with my job, and I felt like I was going nowhere. It was easy to blame my circumstances, my boss, or the economy for my situation.
But then I started reading about the concept of a growth mindset, the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This was a game-changer for me.
Instead of seeing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, I began viewing them as opportunities for growth. Instead of beating myself up over mistakes, I started learning from them.
This shift in mindset didn’t happen overnight. But gradually, I began to see changes – not just in my career, but in my relationships and overall well-being.
Developing a growth mindset isn’t always easy. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. But trust me, it’s worth it. And it’s definitely a habit that can help you become a better man by 2025.
5) Aiming for the greater good
In today’s world, there’s so much emphasis on individual success—your goals, your ambitions, your life. While personal growth is important, it’s just as crucial to look beyond yourself and consider the bigger picture.
The truth is, none of us exists in isolation. We’re all part of communities—families, workplaces, societies—and when we work together, we thrive together. As Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wisely observed, “What is not good for the hive is no good for the bee.”
This isn’t about abandoning your own goals but aligning them with something greater. Think about how your actions contribute to the well-being of those around you. Can you mentor someone at work, volunteer for a cause, or simply support a friend in need?
Aim to be someone who lifts others up while striving for personal excellence. Working for the greater good doesn’t just help the world—it gives your life deeper meaning and purpose. And that’s a win-win for everyone.
6) Letting go of grudges
We all have them—grudges that linger, fueled by past hurts and disappointments. But here’s the truth: holding onto them is doing no one any good…including you.
This isn’t just anecdotal; it’s well backed by experts.
As the folks at Very Well Mind explain, “Having a bitter reaction to hurtful situations can cause estrangement from family members, ruin friendships, or otherwise limit the number of people with whom you socialize.”
And the effects don’t stop there. Psychotherapist Sean Grover noted in a Psychology Today post that the stress from holding grudges can even lead to increased anxiety and depression.
Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean condoning bad behavior—it means freeing yourself from the weight of resentment. It’s about reclaiming your peace of mind and making room for healthier, happier relationships.
7) Making time for self-care
This one might sound strange on a list about becoming a better man, but it’s actually one of the most important. The reality is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. To truly show up for others, you first need to show up for yourself.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Experts agree, too. As noted by Choosing Therapy, self-care practices are associated with lower stress levels, improved productivity, and happier relationships.
When you take the time to care for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges and support the people you care about.
In 2025, commit to prioritizing self-care. Whether it’s carving out time for hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or ensuring you get enough sleep, these small acts of kindness toward yourself can have a big impact on your overall quality of life.
In conclusion: It’s about growth
The journey towards becoming a better man isn’t about overnight transformations or a sudden leap into perfection. It’s about growth.
It’s the incremental changes, the small victories, that gradually shape us into better versions of ourselves. The habits we’ve discussed here are all stepping stones on this journey.
But remember that change is a process. It’s okay to stumble, to struggle. What’s important is that you get back up and keep moving forward.