Brian on Health

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. But let’s be real: There are certain standards you should hold yourself to if you want to be productive in society. Whether you like it or not, people judge by appearance. Take some time to wallow over that idea, and when you get over it, join me as we work together with these 10 steps to a better you.

Note: This is all advice I aim to follow myself, that’s why I’m sharing it with you!

First, you must accept that you will not make an impression on people if you do not have any LUCK, and by that I mean Labor Under Correct Knowledge. There is no such thing as overnight success or a pill you can take to look great, but there are still many things you can do to look and feel your best every day from this moment on.

Start with your body. Stand naked in front of a mirror. If you’re not impressed with what you see, time to get to work! Always accept yourself, but don’t settle for less than you deserve as an excuse to be lazy. Looking good naked means feeling happier, healthier and more confident about yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that’s not true.

To get going, at least walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes per day around your neighborhood. This is something I do almost every day. Grab your iPod and sneakers, put on a good song, and take some time to collect your thoughts and get your body moving. From here, move on to running. I know, it sucks! But try at least a mile or two at 5-7 mph every day. Or, try cycling outside, or start up with yoga.

When you go overboard with exercise, at best you won’t stick with it, and at worst you’ll injure yourself. Sad but true, consistency is what really matters when it comes to fitness. You are better off exercising a little bit every day and building up from there rather than over-exerting yourself once a week in attempt to be competitive or look like a magazine model.

As you’re working out, remember that every minute you invest in your personal fitness is another drop in the bucket towards a healthier, more attractive new you. There is nothing wrong with shameless vanity if it motivates you to get active. Picture what you want to look like and then write down specific goals to approach your ideal. Think: in just a few months your body will be looking better than ever.

Now let’s talk about your diet, another important aspect of health. This is a topic for a whole other article, but here are some basic tips that I’m sure you know already but may or may not actually apply in your life. You would be surprised how much food affects how you look, feel, think, exercise, study, work, and interact with other people.

Number one most effective step: Cut the crap! Stop eating the things that you don’t need to be told are unhealthy, and then work from there. Random examples: soda, french fries, cookies, chips, greasy food, processed meats, and so on. It is hard to let them go at first, but when you fill up on what your body needs, junk food cravings soon fade.

Bypass the need for diet scams, pills, tricks, gimmicks, and supplements and start eating the real food that has produced the strongest, most fit people for centuries. That means lots of fruits, vegetables and high quality sources of proteins and fats. Don’t forget to drink enough water too! Keep a water bottle with you and always start the morning with water. This is nutrition in a nutshell.

Next step is basic hygiene, people. I say this because I care and want to remind people that simple cleanliness is a huge part of looking good. You don’t have to look like Taylor Lautner or Megan Fox, but you do have to keep yourself groomed. Seriously, if most people just did these baseline things, a lot of relationship and self-esteem problems would disappear.

Brush your teeth at least two times a day and aim for two minutes. Forget fancy products, just get a good electric or regular toothbrush and do it. It matters how well you brush, not what brand of toothpaste you’re using. Floss before bed to get out pieces of food, strengthen your gums, and work towards whiter teeth (it works). If you really have bad breath, use mouthwash. No one likes bad breath.

Get your hair in order, because hair is an important, noticeable, and manageable way to make your appearance appealing. Take a shower every day or at least every other day and use a good shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair looking moisturized but not greasy. When you get out of the shower or get up in the morning, comb your hair so you look like you actually cared to check the mirror before entering the public. These things are straightforward but so often overlooked.

Go to a stylist and ask for tips on getting a nice haircut that suits your style and facial shape. Smooth and classic goes a long way! It’s fun to experiment with weird hairstyles, but my recommendation (after having long hair as a guy for two years) is to just play along with society and save expression for more valuable outlets if you want to attract friends, relationships, money and influence people in a positive way. I’m just being honest here.

Lastly, some miscellaneous tasks to tend to. First off, wear deodorant if you sweat a lot. You could be the nicest one on the block or in your school or workplace but no one will go near you if you smell. Next, clean your nails and keep them cut at a godly length (no nail biting or ridiculous manicures). And finally, work on clear skin with gentle washing, healthy diet, and an acne product if you need it. This is one of my biggest struggles too, so I place priority on it and keep in mind that clear skins means confidence.

Looking good so far! Now to clothe yourself with some clean stuff that FITS YOU. You don’t have to go over the top: a t-shirt, hoodie, and a good pair of jeans and shoes always works in casual settings, and standard Western business attire or “church” clothing will work for more formal events. Clothes really make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself. Keep to your style, but when in doubt, classic works!

There’s much more to say, but to save time and cut to the punchline, people skills are what really matters. When you exuberate a positive impression to the world, people are more likely to like you, listen to you, hire you, work with you, date you, and more. Simple common sense and wisdom on dealing with other people is what holds the test of time.

At the very least, don’t do damaging things. Even if you are not the most suave or intelligent person, it only takes a free, conscious choice to NOT do and say stupid things to people. Just like avoiding the junk food, often the most worthwhile method for personal success is to do no harm. So that means: don’t be rude, don’t make fun of people, and don’t try to “act cool” to get where you want to be.

Give compliments that aren’t overboard. Examples: Hey, I love your outfit, where’d you get it? Hey, your hair looks great! Hey, great job on your presentation today! Hey, I just wanted to say I really am happy to be your friend. Hey, thank you for your support and for being a great listener. Hey, you know, you are really a breath of fresh air! Hey, I think you’re a great person and am honored to know you. Easy, effective, and friendly.

When you talk to someone, look them in the eye and forego all sarcastic or superior tones. We are all guilty of it at times, and it’s fun with friends and family sometimes, but really no one likes “that guy” or “that girl” who always has a snide remark up their sleeve.

And always stand up straight with your two feet on the ground, avoid slouching when you sit in a chair, and project yourself so people can hear you. You’re better off being made fun of for being too loud and confident than being too timid to hear! We want to know what you have to say, but maybe we just can’t hear you!

Last but not least, smile. Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. When you smile, you tell everyone: I am happy with who I am and am happy to be here with you. Let’s have a great time and work together for a healthier, more passionate world. I hope this has inspired you to keep up the good work and continue moving forward with your dreams! Stay strong!

Brian Greco

Bonus tip: When you take photos, be graceful. The photos that get the most likes on Facebook are the ones that show the natural beauty and happiness of you or your friends and family. Duck faces, weird poses, and hand signals just make you look like an idiot. And plus, you won’t need them anymore when you work on your fitness, style, and smile!

Stay tuned for my next advice article: 10 Doable Steps for Getting Your Shit Together Today

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Question of the day: What other tips do you have for being your best you?

Brought to you by Brian Greco

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P.P.S. - Need some new easy ideas for fruits and vegetables? Check out my book here.