Alpha M https://iamalpham.com Men's Lifestyle Coach for Style, Grooming, and Fitness Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:40:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://iamalpham.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-favicon-2-32x32.png Alpha M https://iamalpham.com 32 32 12 UGLY Accessories That KILL Your Style… INSTANTLY https://iamalpham.com/accessories-that-instantly-kills-mens-style/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:40:00 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54187 Accessories can be a total game-changer for men. But on the flip side, accessories can also be a deal-breaker if the wrong accessories are worn. A lot of guys are close to knocking it out of the style part but are screwing the accessory pooch. I want to discuss some accessories that are killing men’s style.

Deal-breaker men’s accessories

  1. Baseball hats. They aren’t inherently bad, but some kill a man’s style. If the hat looks rough, if it’s not coordinated with your outfit, and if you wear it like a punk, you will kill your style.
  2. Earrings and rings. (a) Many people have a preconceived notion about t men who wear earrings. If you’re going to a job interview, getting a loan at the bank, or other important meetings, take them out. Also, a small subtle hoop is ideal, but you don’t want to go overboard. A simple stud is also great. Anytime you get big gauges, you look low-class and trashy. (b) Rings are amazing, but you should wear only one ring per hand maximum. If you go with a thumb ring, it’s a bit odd. An index finger makes you look a bit douchey. A pinky finger makes you look Italian. Multiple rings look a little low-class, in my opinion. Keep with a simple, clean, masculine ring.
  3. Headphones. They are a modern accessory that a lot of men are using. If you want to engage with people and want people to talk to you, wearing these eliminates that. Nobody will want to come up to you and talk to you if you’re using them. To look a little more aesthetic, go with a pair of earbuds. If you’re using earbuds, make sure they’re not filthy.
  4. Fragrance or cologne. Overpowering body spray, fragrance, or cologne is gross. If you’re using a body spray, upgrade to a proper fragrance. Fragrance is like an invisible accessory that can boost your confidence and get you compliments. It psychologically sends the message that you are sexy, and you will be perceived as more attractive when you smell amazing. However, if you’re wearing too much fragrance or it’s a cheap scent, your sexiness is reduced.
  5. Tech watches. They are functional, but they are not stylish. They’re not mature-looking either. You will not get compliments on a tech watch. It’s not sexy. Every adult man should own a proper watch, which will take you to the next level. I love my new watches from Aura.
  6. Sunglasses. These are potentially the greatest accessories out there. But they can make you look like a huge douche. Don’t ever wear them inside. Once you are three steps indoors, take them off. Also, if they’re big and oversized, you look slightly stupid. Choose one of the three classic styles: aviator, clubmaster, or wayfarer.  Proper sunglasses will help frame your face and make you look more dangerous, mysterious, and aesthetic. Wire frame glasses are also a no-go.
  7. Ties and belts. (a) Skinny ties are out of style, and funky or zany tires are unattractive. Do not opt for a pre-tied bow tie, either. You’ll look like a loser. Know how to tire bow tie. Prefolded pocket squares will make your jacket look crappy. Know how to fold a pocket square, such as a clean, classic fold. Crazy and puffy folds look stupid. Do not buy a pocket square and tie combo. (b) Do not wear beat-up leather belts. Also, do not wear a brown leather belt with black leather shoes. Further, your brown belt should match your brown shoes. Your leathers must match and coordinate, and your belt should not have a big ugly belt buckle.
  8. Phone. You can look trashy and low-class when you have zany cases or your screen is cracked and beat up. Yes, your phone is an accessory.
  9. Backpacks. I’m not a fan of the big, bulky little boy backpacks. Opt for either a simple, minimal option that’s more mature and clean or a simple, clean, minimal leather briefcase
  10. Necklaces and bracelets. Remember that less is more. Instead of wearing five necklaces, go with possibly two and something that is not big, like a medallion. The same goes for bracelets. Less is more. You look a bit foolish if you’re wearing a bunch of bracelets on both wrists. Wear simple and minimal bracelets, like nylon cord or beaded bracelets. A metal cuff is also amazing but shouldn’t be too big, ornate, bulky, or ostentatious.
  11. Piercings. Other than your ears, other piercings are not stylish. The more you jam through your body, the less people want to hire you. You are limiting your potential opportunities.
  12. Tattoos. Some guys look great with tattoos, like a sleeve or something sexy. But some tattoos will make you look like a huge toolbox. Never get a tattoo on your face or neck. Also, do not get tattoos on your hands because even though you may not care right now, you don’t know what you’re going to want or where you’ll be in a few years.
]]>
Young Men, You’ve Been Lied To. https://iamalpham.com/young-men-youve-been-lied-to/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:11:33 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54017 This video may be harsh and insensitive, but it’s not. This video presents the truth you need to hear because, unfortunately, many of you have been lied to by your mothers, fathers, family, social media, society, and the media.

Today’s sugar-coated world

I am thankful I didn’t grow up with the internet or in today’s world. If you wanted a trophy, you had to earn it. When people are better than you, you have to deal with it. Life wasn’t sugar-coated, and people were not blowing smoke up everyone’s asses to make them feel included.

Nowadays, everybody wants to feel good; nothing is wrong with that. But if you want to win, you have to make it happen and put in the work. There’s no blaming somebody else for you not making it.

Instant gratification is not the way the world works. If you want something, you need to work for it. You will appreciate it more when it’s not handed to you.

Stop using your age as an excuse for not achieving anything. Age doesn’t matter. The internet has changed the game and the world. Anyone can be successful if they’re motivated.

When you’re in the mindset that you think that any of this is normal or that you’re special or that somebody is going to come to rescue you, you’ll never get off your ass and do something extraordinary.

The ease of starting a side hustle

Starting a side hustle has literally never been easier. You can take somebody else’s idea, strategy, or blueprint and copy it for yourself. You have to be willing to put in the time and work.

Today, you must ask yourself whether you will be fine being average and coasting. Many people aren’t built to start a business or be an entrepreneur. I would rather risk, fail, and pick myself up instead of never trying in the first place. Don’t fear failure. Fear regret.

You can dress well and be handsome. Still, nothing impacts your confidence like being financially secure and not relying on others. Being financially secure solves problems much easier, and every aspect of your life improves.

That’s why I started the White Label Mpire — to take everyone who wants to join me by the hand and lead them to the front of the line. I have 20 years of experience in business with both successes and failures. And with the internet, if you can figure out how to make a dollar, you can make $10. If you can make $10, you can make $100 and then $100,000+. It’s never been easier.

Today’s society — what are you going to?

Society has become conditioned to think that failure is bad, but failure is beautiful. It means you tried something, and it didn’t work. It’s fine — pick yourself up. These failures build mental strength and character along with integrity. And as far as people judging you, they don’t care about you. They’re worried about themselves. The world does not revolve around you, either.

Society also fears hard work. Our society has become soft, and we’ve become snowflakes. Take control of your destiny and do amazing things.

The truth is that success favors the brave and the bold. Who are you, what do you want to do, what type of man do you want to be, and what kind of life do you want to live? Do you want to play it safe and stay stuck? Or do you want to take action?

]]>
10 Things About Women I WISH I Learned SOONER https://iamalpham.com/aaron-marino-wishes-he-learned-about-women-sooner/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:34:18 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54192 It is not your job to fix somebody who has low self-esteem. It’s up to her, and I learned that the hard way. She can be beautiful and sassy but still be a horrible human being. You shouldn’t be with somebody like that, and you should also not be with a cheater. I also found that out the hard way.

As time passes, the relationship gets more complicated and challenging. It also gets more beautiful and amazing when you find someone you’re compatible with. But you must respect each other; without work and communication, it won’t. Here are lessons I learned the hard way.

Lessons I wished I had learned about women sooner

  1. Don’t date someone with a low self-esteem. When someone has low self-esteem, it will manifest in unhealthy ways. You don’t want to be the collateral damage in their inability to love themselves.
  2. Kindness is better than pretty. I’m not saying that you should be with somebody who is unattractive. Still, even if someone is super sassy and banging, their moral compass and integrity are more important. If you’re interested in somebody who is using their body or looking for a job or money, be careful because this can be tied to self-esteem. Unfortunately, our society gives pretty people a pass. But remember that appearance is a depreciating asset and will fade.
  3. Ditch those who are lazy. You should only be with her if she has a good work ethic. A good work ethic benefits your relationship because good relationships take hard work. Both people need to be willing to do the work to be successful. If she’s lazy, she won’t put in the time.
  4. Run if she’s a cheater. Once you find out she cheated, run the hell away. Don’t accept apologies or let her talk her way back even though it’s painful. You didn’t fail as a man. There’s no amount of love that you can give somebody who’s fundamentally broken like a cheater. Cheating is not preventable, and you need to stand up for yourself.
  5. You have to be happy with yourself. You will not be happy in a relationship until you’re happy with yourself. Often, people will bounce from relationship to relationship when the issue is themselves not making themselves a priority. Build yourself into the man you want to be first. Get the pieces falling into place, and deal with the baggage you have carried from your childhood or past relationships. Therapy is a gift that you give yourself. You deserve to be happy. Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp therapy and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help.
  6. She doesn’t allow you to have friends or your own life. Your girlfriend should accept that you have your own life and friends. Being with somebody who understands it’s okay to have friends is critical. You are not supposed to morph into one unit in a relationship or a couple. You should have your own goals, dreams, and friends.
  7. She has only guy friends, which is a red flag. If guys surround her and she doesn’t have girlfriends, there’s a reason. It’s not normal.
  8. She has substance abuse issues or is a bad drunk. It won’t get any better, so run away. It’s not your responsibility to save her. Men like to be the hero, but it’s impossible. If someone is not willing to do the work themselves, there’s nothing that you can do.
  9. She disrespects you. (a) You should not be with her if she puts you down, talks down to you, makes fun of you or fights dirty. These are monstrous red flags, and it will not get any better. (b) She keeps you from your family. A relationship is a bad idea if she tries to keep you from seeing your family, and it’s even worse if she has a bad relationship with her family.
  10. She tells you who she is. You better listen and not think that you can change them. Also, a relationship is a commitment, and it is not advisable if you have different views on politics, religion, and other topics. Further, you’re not on the same page sexually (not wanting a physical relationship or using sex as a weapon), this is a warning sign to get out. You need to be on the same page.

 

]]>
https://iamalpham.com/54181-2/ Sat, 30 Mar 2024 15:45:56 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54181
In today’s environment, men face many diverse and ever-changing issues. Men’s roles are changing quicker than we can keep up with. However, one of these issues is in the top 10, which I’d like to discuss today. That issue is men, money, and the pressure to be financially ‘successful.’

Sure, you need enough money to pay your bills and live within your means. The pressures make men feel like failures for not living up to society’s expectations. Career jobs are less secure and have fewer benefits, such as pensions. Adding more pressure to men is the tradition of men being the providers for their families. Even if both spouses are working, it is still assumed that the husband will ensure the family is financially okay.

But is being financially successful actually being ‘successful’? Webster defines success as achieving wealth, respect, or fame. I think this definition sucks and is precisely why so many men feel like failures. We feel we haven’t lived up to some arbitrary success standards.

I think it’s time to reevaluate what we’re taught at a young age. At a young age, simply winning made you feel like a success. Think about it — it’s the goal in sports. Once out in the ‘real world,’ young men think success should look like pursuing life, liberty, power, and a ton of money.

When I was younger, every time I analyzed myself and my accomplishments, I felt like a failure because I didn’t have power, fame, or a ton of money. My view of success mirrored what I and others saw in magazines and TV: if you’re successful, you have a lot of cash, and with that cash, you garner a lot of power.

But I came to the realization that I didn’t care about having lots of cash or power. I acknowledged that if I had enough money to be comfortable, that was enough. Money wasn’t my motivator, so why would I tie my feelings of success to it?

This realization rocked my world and totally changed my perception of everything. I truly felt like a thousand-pound weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I felt freed by my new realization. But what did success look like to me now? What did I need to do to feel fulfilled and happy?

  1. Financial success just meant that I had enough money so that I didn’t need to worry about money.
  2. Professional success meant that I was doing something that I loved. I was able to touch other people’s lives and make a difference.
  3. Personal success meant having deep and meaningful relationships with people I love. I let people know how I feel, communicate love, and reciprocate love.
  4. Emotional success meant that I was in touch with my feelings & emotions and was good with the person I saw looking back at me in the mirror. It’s about having a solid character and confidence.

If I could achieve those four things and then maintain them, that is how I redefined what success meant to me. Every day, when I wake up, I focus on these. I focus on what success means to me.

Take a look at yourself and identify what success means to YOU. The first step is throwing out all the preconceived notions you’ve been bombarded with from your parents, society, social media, television, movies, and everywhere else. Start with a blank, clean slate and determine what success looks like. Does success mean traveling? Time with your loved ones? The arts? Gardening? Philanthropy? Living on the beach? Whatever it is, don’t let anybody dictate what should make you feel happy and fulfilled.

Success is what you envision it to be and what you strive to do. To some, success is having an abundance of wealth & assets and having a well-paying job. For others, success is having a partner that they love and care for, knowing they will be happy with them for a long time. Successes can be smaller, like completing a project at work, and much larger successes, like overcoming addiction. Success differs from person to person, but generally speaking, it’s when you know you’ve met your goals and when you are happy with life.

For most basically able people, success is a combination of working your ass off and being at the right place at the right time. But working your ass off partly means working on the right things. Beyond professionally, your personal life will be more successful when you realize you have time for what you make time for. Take an honest look at how you spend time, and then prioritize your life in a way that makes you happy.

After you figure it out, write it down. Then, when you get up every morning, focus on what will make you feel whole and successful. Once you figure it out, you will feel contentment, self-assurance, and peace fill your life. THIS, MY FRIEND, IS A GIFT.

]]>
6 Ways to Be MORE Attractive than 99% of Men https://iamalpham.com/ways-to-be-more-attractive-than-99-percent-of-men/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:53:32 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54161 I started posting YouTube videos to help men feel amazing about themselves. Unfortunately, I’ve gone a bit overboard. Some topics I discuss on this channel boil down to six essential steps to look good and feel amazing.

I want to go over these six things because I don’t want you to go down the rabbit hole of self-improvement, not thinking that you’re good enough, and constantly worrying that you’re not doing something you should be doing. If you do these six things, you will be ahead of 99.9% of other guys.

The Essential Six

  1. Have a nice body. Most guys are sloppy and have doughy dad bodies. Looking around the beach or pool, do you look better than most guys? If the answer is yes, you’re ahead of most people. If not, you must get to the gym and eat better. Clean up your diet and stop being stupid.
  2. Dress well. Your style will change the way other people perceive you. It also changes how you perceive yourself when you look in the mirror. If you like what you see, it boosts your confidence and makes you feel better.
  3. Effective body language. A strong stance is critical to master and will set you apart from others whose heads are buried in their phones. Stand up straight and walk like you mean it. Shake people’s hands, smile regularly, and look people in the eye. Give out compliments as well. Engage with people and talk with them. Sound confident and be interesting (as well as interested).
  4. Well groomed. Make sure your body hair is managed, grow a beard, and clean up your eyebrows and nose hair. If you want to regain your real hair if you’re losing it, visit Bosley.
  5. Man of integrity. Are you comfortable in your own skin, or do you put others down? Do you try to act like you’re something you’re not, or are you comfortable being you? Do you follow the herd, or are you your own man? Stand up for what you believe in and be a leader. This will set you apart from others and make you more confident.
  6. Good man. (a) Helping others will improve your self-esteem and confidence. Look for opportunities to assist others, making you look more attractive and confident. It’s good for your soul and will bring you happiness. Happiness should be the goal for everyone. Feel good about life and the man you are. (b) Being a good man doesn’t mean you’re a nice guy or a people pleaser. It doesn’t mean that you’re kissing people’s asses. Have a good moral compass, be a man of integrity, and do what’s right.
]]>
STOP Wearing Your Suit WRONG! 3 Rules to PROPERLY Suit-Up in Spring/Summer with Suitsupply https://iamalpham.com/spring-summer-mens-suit-suitsupply-wear-warm-weather-suit-proper-rules/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 22:39:42 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54168 Nothing makes a man look sexier, more refined, and more powerful than wearing a perfect suit. On the flip side, nothing makes a man look more uncomfortable and awkward than wearing the wrong suit in Spring and summer. I want to discuss my favorite style destination, Suitsupply, and build myself a custom spring/summer suit. I will show you how to do it and share some pro tips to help you maximize your sexiness and minimize your sweatiness.

There’s no better store for a man who wants to dress refined and stylish than Suitsupply. It’s a style destination, suiting you from super casual to super elevated. Suitsupply is at the next level with cut, fabric, styling, and everything in between, such as shoes. You can visit Suitsupply in person or online. There’s also a hybrid option where you can start the process at home and then make an appointment to meet with your style advisor to get the perfect fit.

My warm weather suit

A spring/summer suit will have a lighter fabric construction. I prefer linen blended with silk or wool to add more structure and reduce the amount of wrinkling. Also, for this season, go with a lighter color, which is fresh and fun. You can elevate your aesthetic. The options can get overwhelming, but you can work with a style advisor to help you walk through the process. They can make recommendations.

  • I opted for two buttons, a natural shoulder, peak lapel, full canvas, half-lined jacket, and monogrammed. I’m also picking buttons that are horn.
  • For the pants, I am opting for a flat-front with tapered pants. Also, make sure your pants fit your hips tight because if they bellow out, you’ll have more of a feminine aesthetic, a bit more pear-shaped.

The finished product — wow!

Check out my finished suit. The fabric is a lightweight windowpane check. I paired it with a T-shirt and loafers. I could also swap those out for sneakers for a more casual look. I could also go the opposite and add a collared shirt and/or tie. The suit is very versatile, and the fabric is buttery smooth.

]]>
The END of Pete & Pedro Products (We Need to Talk) https://iamalpham.com/pete-and-pedro-discontinuing-products-skus/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 23:29:07 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54171 I’ve been putting off this video because I’ve been trying to figure things out with the Pete & Pedro vendors first. We will have to take a loss on some of Pete & Pedro’s products due to a situation I want to discuss today. I want to share what’s going on with Pete & Pedro because you are why we are successful.

Lesson One | Nothing in business is flashy

One thing that sucks is when you do the best job that you can, and it doesn’t matter. That is what’s happening with Pete & Pedro, which has been a grind for the last ten years. My team and I have been doing what we can to make the business profitable and prosperous, growing the company to nearly $10 million annually.

The first lesson I’d like to share is that nothing’s flashy regarding business. It’s not what you see on social media. It’s not fast, and you have to focus on fundamentals. Building a business requires you to be profitable, which means you need to manage inventory. Inventory is the lifeblood of any business, which brings me to the problem I’m having.

Lesson Two | Cash flow is king

About a month ago, one of our most prominent vendors announced that they were killing off a large portion of their business, which included about 700 businesses. Pete & Pedro is large enough that we were not killed off in the process, but the vendor raised their minimum order quantities to an astronomical amount. For our hero products, it’s okay, but it’s a non-starter for many of our other products that don’t move in significant quantities. We want to avoid tying up our cash in inventory.

We will have to discontinue some products, including ones I love. The critical issue is that some of these products are mid-level, where we need to sell more to justify the unit order. So we’re having to make some hard calls. We’re going to have to move some of these dead soldiers out the door and be able to afford some bigger orders coming up.

Lesson Three | You’re going to get punched in the face. Get back up!

Last year, we had our best year ever. We were starting on a great track this year and moving in the right direction. Then, this bomb dropped on us, presenting another business lesson. In business, you need to be able to get punched in the face repeatedly and get back up. You need to be able to move forward. You will get smacked in the knee with a baseball bat when you think everything is good and moving in the right direction. You need to pick yourself back up and figure out what to do.

Running a business involves systematically solving problems that never stop. When you think everything is cool and comfortable, you must adjust and be nimble. Unfortunately, Pete & Pedro will lose some of its outstanding products. The good news is that we have a lot of amazing products, and we’re going to do our best to bring back some of the other SKUs that we’re having to kill right now or in the near future.

]]>
8 T-Shirts Men Should NEVER Wear https://iamalpham.com/tee-shirts-men-should-never-wear/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 14:45:50 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54142 T-shirts are a must-have for every stylish dude. They work incredibly well dressed up or down. You can wear them with shorts or chinos or even underneath the suit. But, men’s T-shirts were not created equal. Some can make you look sloppy, while others can make you look like a sex machine. That said, I want to discuss a few T-shirts men should never wear and cover a few T-shirt-wearing pro tips to ensure that the T-shirt you’re rocking always looks sexy.

Look better by NOT wearing these T-shirts

  1. Worn out bacon collars. Do not wear a T-shirt where the collar is all messed up.
  2. Deep v-necks. A simple v-neck can make your shoulders appear broader and draw the eye down. But if the v-neck is super deep, you can look like a super douche. Also, never wear a deep v. It used to be stylish, but it’s not anymore. It shows a lot of man cleavage, which needs to be eliminated from your wardrobe. 
  3. Too long sleeves. If sleeves come down too long, your arms will look skinny. You want to make your guns look jacked by exposing your triceps, which make up 2/3 the size of your arm. So, if your sleeve covers your entire arm, it will look teeny weenie. If your shirt sleeves are too long, cuff them.
  4. Not the proper length. Proper T-shirt proportion is all about nailing the length. Whether it is too short or too long, test to see. First, if you lift your arms up and you can see your midsection, your shirt is too short. When too short, you look like you’re wearing a little boy’s T-shirt. If you’re standing straight and your T-shirt comes to the bottom of your crotch, the shirt is too long. When too long, your legs look super short.
  5. Striped. T-shirts look best when solid because striped men look like little kids. They are less refined and can’t be dressed up. 
  6. Oversized or too tight. These will make you look super skinny and won’t accentuate your positive attributes. Reciprocally, if you see a lot of pulling or whiskering or if you can see your gut, that’s bad. If you lift your arms up, you should not see your midsection.
  7. Athletic. Sports T-shirts like Nike shirts are casual for working out but look too casual for dates or social events. Avoid sports shirts that are super shiny or tight. Also, avoid graphics and logos unless they’re very minimal. You should not have logos if you want to dress up a T-shirt.
  8. Offensive. Even if you think it’s funny, you will look low-budget and low-class when someone sees an offensive graphic or word on your T-shirt. Don’t look like a loser.

What T-shirts you SHOULD wear

If you wear the appropriate T-shirt, you can wear it seamlessly with shorts, jeans, khakis, or even underneath the suit. Make sure the proportions fit you. ‘No pocket’ T-shirts will be more versatile. In my opinion, you should have a white and black T-shirt in your wardrobe. Black can be worn with many looks and is more dangerous and mysterious. White T-shirts can get discolored and yellow pits. Make sure that you inspect your white T-shirts. You can also opt for muted or some dude colors that are more aesthetic and timeless.

My favorite T-shirts come from Cuts, featuring the perfect fit and style, such as a flat front, crew neck, and split hem. Cuts T-shirts fit you strategically snugly in the chest and arms.

]]>
I was petrified by confrontation — you too? https://iamalpham.com/petrified-by-confrontation/ Sat, 23 Mar 2024 15:45:13 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54175

Fear of confrontation is a common experience, and feeling anxious or nervous in situations when you feel like you must stand up for yourself is normal. But remember that confrontation can be a healthy and necessary part of communication, so learning to manage and navigate confrontation is an essential and critical skill in all types of relationships. And most crucially, learning to say ‘no’ is powerful; you can never really say ‘yes’ until you can say ‘no.’

Confrontation is characterized by an exchange or discussion accompanied by intense emotions. Confrontations can erupt from unresolved conflict or future conflict, and if handled correctly, the confrontation can build a greater understanding (aka trust). Regardless, many of us fear (think petrified) of confrontation — like me.

As a younger person, I never fought back or spoke my mind, and I bottled it all up. I felt standing up for myself, saying it is not ‘okay,’ or arguing put me at risk. By the time I went to college, I had lost my ability to stand up for myself. It took years and therapy to finally find my voice, confidence, and ability to say, “No, you’re not going to treat me that way.”

Later in life, I opened some nutrition stores with this guy. I worked more than I should because I could never say ‘no.’ And I never stood up for myself. I was paralyzed by fear of confrontation—I was actually petrified of confrontation. And it never fails—when somebody tries to take advantage of you, you never see it coming. This is a significant issue when conflict comes at you out of left field.

Ultimately, it wasn’t worth working with this guy I was in business with. It was easier to say, “Deuces, I’m out!” That’s the choice I made. I don’t know if it was right or wrong, but I felt good about it. So, where is this fear coming from?

  • Your upbringing– a past situation can make you fearful of confrontation (aka abusive relationships, bad break-up).
  • Fear of failure – not wanting to be ‘wrong’ in front of others.
  • Fear of not being liked — not wanting the other person to stop liking you.
  • Being in a group — being outnumbered can be frightening in terms of confrontations.
  • Lack of effective communication skills — worried that you can’t speak good enough or you won’t get your point across.
  • Not thinking before speaking — listen and process the information before speaking.

I realized that I had a problem standing up for myself. It really started to bother me, so I decided to see a therapist. This was one of the best decisions I ever made. I realized and accepted that I wasn’t comfortable standing up for myself in certain situations and with certain people. I needed to leave those environments because it would never get better. The anxiety that I felt even thinking about standing up for myself was way too much for me.

One of the most eye-opening pieces of advice I ever received was this: We teach people how to treat us. This idea was groundbreaking, and I started analyzing my various relationships. I realized that I was absolutely teaching people that it was okay to treat me a certain way because I would never stand up for myself.

Standing up for yourself may cause you to lose friends, careers, or a significant other. The alternative is being eaten alive inside, and that was just something I wasn’t willing to deal with. When I left that nutrition business, I started asserting myself and caring for myself. When I felt I was being treated poorly, I’d say something.

Sure, I would get a crazy amount of butterflies at first and almost pass out. I’d also get so much adrenaline and nervousness. But, it’s like anything else: you’ll incrementally find it much easier the more you practice. Also, when you stand up for yourself, these toxic people will start to go away because they are more comfortable putting you down than you standing up for yourself.

Being nice and kind doesn’t mean that you have to let people take advantage of you. But on the flip side, standing up for yourself doesn’t mean you have to come across as a jerk. You also don’t have to put down people in the process.

Standing up for yourself is simply taking pride in being valuable and your own person. You don’t need to let anybody run over or exploit you. Don’t let people push you around. But you have to be ready and be aware of your situation. Don’t get caught off guard.

Standing up for yourself all boils down to developing confidence and knowing that you’re an amazing person who deserves to be treated kindly. You are responsible for your happiness and your success. Life is too short to not feel good about who you are or the people you’re around. Learn to say ‘no.’ I developed the ability, and you can too.

]]>
If She Says, “Let’s Be Friends”… DO THIS IMMEDIATELY! https://iamalpham.com/if-she-says-lets-be-friends-do-this-immediately/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:16:01 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54149
The Friend Zone can happen to the best of us. But if you implement my 30-day plan, you will become sexually desirable to her.  These steps will automatically boost your sex appeal so you’re viewed as more attractive.

Thirty-Day Plan Out of the Friend Zone

  • Avoid this person for 30 days. Ghost her completely, and don’t post anything on social media. Create space. Stop being readily available. Don’t always be there.
  • Dress better and modify your style. Ensure your clothing fits, and buy strategic items (jeans, T-shirt, jacket, underwear). Get rid of the little boy underwear and upgrade to Sheath. Enjoy a special 20% discount on your total order. The code is automatically applied when you click the link. But if it does not work, use code alpha2024 at checkout.
  • Up your grooming game. Grow your facial hair, get a better haircut, fix your face with a solid skincare routine, bleach your teeth, get a new fragrance
  • Tighten up your diet and fitness. Reduce your carbs and stop eating processed junk. Drink 120 oz of water per day. Get to the gym or workout at home (calisthenics like push-ups) daily.
  • Look for (3) daily opportunities to do something nice or kind for someone else. This will make you and the other person feel good, which will help your self-esteem.
  • Say ‘yes’ to every social invite. Hang out with friends, meet new people, and get active. Practice your social skills.
  • Reintroduce yourself to social media after four (4) weeks. Post pictures of the fun things you’ve done and how you look happy, stylish, and sexy.
  • Send a couple of texts to that person — something like “Hey! I saw something that made me think of you today.” or “Hey, stranger! I was wondering if you could help me out with something.” This is a powerful psychological move when you ask for help, as it connects you a bit deeper. You could also ask for advice on a dating problem (real or fabricated), which will get her started thinking about you differently.
  • Don’t wait too long to escalate it to a date. One reason guys get friend-zoned is waiting too long to escalate. It can be simple: Tell her you want to try a bar or restaurant. Then, ask her if she’s been there. When she says ‘no’, suggest you two go on Saturday.
  • If she still considers you a friend after this 30-day plan, realize you have enough friends and don’t waste more time. Besides, your sex appeal is through the roof after completing these 30 days.
]]>
8 Weird Habits That Made Me Millions https://iamalpham.com/weird-habits-that-made-aaron-marino-millions/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:49:38 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54155 I recently received an email asking what habits have made me successful and wealthy. I started to think about this because whenever you hear people discussing success and related habits, you hear about them getting up at 5:00 a.m., reading tons of books, and other things that are not reality.

That said, I’d like to share some of my habits, some of which can be weird. These habits set you up for success and lead to a stronger mindset. These, in turn, will lead to more opportunities because you’re willing to take chances and risks. All of this translates into making more money.

My weird habits for success

  1. Being selfish. When it comes to my time, I am selfish. I am obsessively selfish, specifically regarding my exercise and fitness. If I don’t start my day with cardio or working out, I am sh!t the rest of the day. My mind isn’t right, so fitness is not negotiable. I don’t schedule meetings or calls during that time. I also have a strict schedule to the point that I am boring. I am a creature of habit that does the same thing every single day, and it never changes. I genuinely feel like this is one of the things that has allowed me to be super successful because I am boring.
  2. Being a homebody. I don’t go out with my friends, I don’t party, and I don’t drink alcohol. Refraining from alcohol is one of the reasons I’ve been successful. Consistently engaging in self-destructive behavior, whether it’s looking at p^rn, drinking, smoking, or smoking weed, you’re not at your best. You will become more successful when you eliminate self-destructive behaviors.
  3. Who I am associating with. (a) Finding the right woman has helped me. I’ve been with her for 20 years and am the luckiest guy in the world. I am with somebody who can deal with me and who loves me. We are not perfect, but we are perfect together. When you stop chasing girls, you can focus and not think about women. When I was thinking about women, I was running around, drinking a lot, and going out all the time. I was always looking for dates through online dating services, which was all-consuming. When you take all of that off the table, you can focus on other things that matter. (b) Having better friends. Who you surround yourself with (your tribe) makes a huge difference in helping you move in a positive direction, facilitate healthy conversations, and inspire you to improve. Shed the dead weight of those who pull you down and hold you back.
  4. Taking risks. I am willing to take risks, and if you ever expect to be successful, you also need to push down that fear and negative voice in the back of your head. One of my biggest motivators is trying to prove something to my young and insecure self. I have started over 20 businesses, and some of them have failed. Some are successful, such as Pete & Pedro, making $10 million this year. My newest venture, White Label Mpire, features a community where I am helping people start businesses. I am making millionaires in that group, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I welcome you if you’d like to join us.
  5. Not waiting for perfect timing. There is no such thing as perfect timing — and you can never fully be prepared. If you want it, go get it. Jump! Success happens to those who take action versus people who just think about it. Sure, don’t take uncalculated risks, but you need to trust yourself at some point and be willing to take control of your life. Successful people are not the ones who play it safe. They take more significant risks for the bigger reward. Nothing great was ever accomplished because it was easy or safe. Get uncomfortable.
  6. Being uncomfortable. Whenever everything is going well, I need to do something different because I know I’m not being challenged whenever I feel complacent. I love to have hardship, and that has helped me. I love to embrace being uncomfortable, and it makes me dig deep. I refocus.
  7. Working every day. I want to debunk a myth. It says that once you find something you love doing, you’ll never work another day. That’s crap. I love what I do, but I work every day. I also try not to mess things up. I always look at myself in the mirror when I get up and say the same thing: don’t f^ck it up today. Every one of us is one or two bad decisions from being broke or in jail. Every day, I’m thankful I’m happy and healthy, and I remember my failures. I feel that if I don’t keep running every day, my failures will catch up with me. I know this is a bit weird and twisted, but that is the fire and passion that keeps me motivated.
  8. Being vain. I care tremendously about my looks; many think it’s self-centered. But it makes me feel good about myself and puts me ahead of others. Life is competitive, and it’s never been a more competitive time. You need every advantage because competition is coming to eat your lunch. I care about my personal packaging, including style, grooming, body language, and appearance. When you start dressing better, it’s a sign of respect. It means you respect yourself & others and demonstrates you can be taken seriously. Look, if two people show up for the same job, and one is dressed well and is groomed while the other is not, who do you think gets the job, even if the sloppy guy is a little more qualified? And who do you think gets the girl? If you take care of yourself, you get the advantages.
]]>
12 {Nice Guy} Mistakes Making You Look LOW-STATUS https://iamalpham.com/nice-guy-mistakes-making-men-look-low-status/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:37:09 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54130 Unfortunately, some of you guys are making mistakes that are common to ‘nice guys.’ It’s a problem because nice guys are perceived as having low value. They will not get the high-quality spicy senoritas, will get everyone’s sloppy seconds, and will not make as much money or have as many friends. In other words, they will not live the life they could if they were perceived as having higher value. I will review some nice guy mistakes that hold men back.

Don’t let these behaviors hold you back!

  1. No boundaries. This is very important and one of the most attractive traits that a man can possess. If you’re always available and open, you’re constantly allowing people to take advantage of you, which indicates to other people that you have low value. Set personal boundaries for people and situations.
  2. Fake nice behavior. This behavior is typical for nice guys. They make nice gestures or kind things with ulterior motives. Just be a good dude.
  3. Conflict avoidance. If you’re always saying ‘yes’ or never standing up for yourself or the people around you, that signifies that you are a p^ssy. Nobody’s attracted to a weak man.
  4. Being needy. Whether or not it’s with people, girls, or whatever, there’s nothing sexy about a guy who is always needy, pathetic, and not coming across as confident. Kissing people’s asses is not respectable.
  5. Submissive body language. Communicate better by standing confidently, having good posture, looking people in the eye, smiling, and shaking hands. A weak shake makes you look low value. It’s all about confidence and how you carry yourself.
  6. Sloppy appearance. Don’t look doughy because others will think you suck, look weak, and have low value. High-value men care for their bodies and have body fat under 15%. They do what they need to do to take care of their temple.
  7. Messy dressed. Dressing is one of the quickest and easiest things you can do to elevate your perception. Dress with style and intention. Dress like a grown-up. Invest in a tailored, high-quality suit to make you look confident and successful. You can also dress the suit down by wearing the slacks with a polo shirt, which is not your daddy’s polo. Mine’s from Collars and Co. The fit, fabric, and construction instantly upgrade your shirt game.
  8. Overcomplementing. Giving compliments is essential, demonstrates comfort in your skin, and makes others feel good about themselves. But there’s a fine line between giving compliments and overdoing it. A compliment must be authentic, so giving multiple complex compliments in one conversation makes you look low-value.
  9. Being passive. If you’re never taking action, not making decisions (always saying you don’t care), you’re acting like a nice guy. You need to have an opinion and be concise and decisive with your actions to look high value automatically.
  10. Having low standards. If you settle because you think you can’t get better or you’re worried that you’ll fail, then you don’t try, and you’re reducing your standards. Whether dating, getting a job, or pursuing your dreams, you must have high standards, translating into being viewed as a higher value. High-value men have high standards for carrying themselves and interacting with others.
  11. The Martyr Syndrome. Nice guys act like victims to gain attention. They try to get a helping hand or have people do things for them. Do not act like a victim. You are strong, capable, and competent. Take ownership of your actions.
  12. Not accepting responsibility. Low-value men deflect responsibility for their mistakes and say it’s not their fault. They’re always looking for an out and blaming other people. This automatically makes you look low value. High-value men accept responsibility for their mistakes and apologize when something is wrong. But they don’t overly apologize. Do not apologize for things that aren’t your fault because that will make you look weak and feel less confident.
]]>
Does dressing your age make sense? https://iamalpham.com/does-dressing-your-age-make-sense/ Sat, 16 Mar 2024 15:45:32 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54119
A razor-thin line separates looking stylish and looking foolish regarding dressing your age. When it comes to dressing age-appropriately, taking style risks to evolve stylistically. The problem arises when older dudes try to dress too young or aren’t consistent. It’s about what you do and what you wear consistently. If you’re a young guy, always dressed up and looking polished & presentable, you’ll be respected more than those young dudes wearing baggy sweatpants.

Young guys’ biggest complaints are that they aren’t respected, and a quick solution is to upgrade and elevate their style and aesthetic. Wear clothing that fits, get rid of logos and graphics, and wear clothing that’s timeless and elegant. It doesn’t matter how young you are; you will look better than your peers. On the flip side, if you’re an older dude ready to embrace a better aesthetic, take some chances and wear clothing that fits you, play around with colors, and find clothing that makes you feel like the man.

For everyone, if you start with mediocre style and add one or two trendy, edgy, or classy items, the look is bad and is ‘trying too hard.’ But if you’re dressing purposefully, consistently, and authentically, you can make strong style statements at any age. I’d caution against a lot of trend hopping after a certain age, as getting a firm handle on your tastes the older you get is more genuine than chasing pop culture’s changes. Sure, everyone can try new stuff; however, the older you get, filter trends through a more mature sense of understanding and preference.

A great rule is fit, fitness, and style — in that order. With fit, ensure your clothes fit you. Fit means no extra material or not too tight. Avoid big and baggy anything. Big and baggy clothing doesn’t look great on anybody and is a trend more suited to the younger demographic. First, baggy clothing makes everyone look short. Also, big and baggy clothing is sloppy. The general rule is always to dress in clothing that fits your body, which goes for shirts, pants, and outerwear. Likewise, ensure your pants are not too tight. Also, make sure your pants don’t bunch at the pockets and pull with a lot of whispering. Tightness in the crotch indicates that the pants are too tight and need to be sized up.

Take your measurements, measure the clothes that fit you best, and then buy clothes that match those measurements. You can also get items tailored as an item will look fantastic regardless of age if it is tailored correctly. Tailoring is one of the quickest ways to make yourself look badass. A cheap suit looks crunchy; the shoulders are big & bulky, the lapels are super thin, and the pants pull, bagging, and bunch at the ankle. When tailoring a suit, address the jacket as well as the pants. Make sure the pants get tapered down by the ankle.

Regarding fitness, clothes look and fit better if you’re in shape, regardless of age. Physique makes such a big difference. I find that the difference between people who let themselves go and people who maintain fitness snowballs as you age. If you’re a fit middle-aged guy, you’ll have more style latitude than an overweight, out-of-shape man of the same age.

Many people keep the same style from their twenties, so when they hit their forties, they look dated and out of style. The issue is not age so much as not adapting to current styles (an older guy still wearing JNCO jean shorts rather than Nike shorts, DC skate shoes rather than Chuck Taylors). But there’s a fine line between adapting to the styles of the time and being trendy.

Sure, younger guys can pull off wearing trendy items, but they need to understand the financial impact of trends — they come and go quickly. However, when the older gentlemen go trendy, they look like they’re trying too hard. If you’re more mature, avoid trends and go to more classic styles. Look around you and online at what men are wearing that you like for inspiration.

All ages need to know where they’re shopping. Certain stores are designed specifically for teens and young 20-year-olds. Some stores skew older, like Brooks Brothers, which is a great store but will look more old-money aesthetic that lends itself to an older generation.

Brand doesn’t really matter when dressing age-appropriate as long as what’s being worn is the right fit and style. Remember that non-brand name items may not last as long due to less quality construction. But don’t have brands and logos plastered all over your clothes. One of the mistakes that many younger guys make is thinking flashy logos are stylish. Logos can make men look youthful. Conversely, if an older guy wears the same thing, it can make him look ridiculous.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 14 or 44; get into the habit of always dressing above the level of dress in the room. If you do, you will always look appropriate and stylish. One aspect that makes young men look immature is being under-dressed, which a simple solution is being overdressed. You’ll look better than everybody else in the room.

Conversely, understand different levels of casual dress. You can dress as an older gentleman and look fantastic, timeless, and sexy wearing a simple hoodie and joggers. But there’s a difference between that and even more casual options that a younger guy could get away with wearing, such as an everyday hoodie and sweatpants. Super casual clothing looks better on younger men, but that doesn’t mean younger men wouldn’t look better and more mature in more refined, elevated-quality casual clothing.

And for anyone, whether young or old, you look stupid with too many accessories. Chains and necklaces should be limited to one or two, which also applies to bracelets. Wear one ring, maybe two. And Apple watches are a big thumbs down.

The bottom line is that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Clothes that don’t fit properly, have bumper sticker slogans, or look like you stole them from your deadbeat uncle will make you look less appealing. Further, keep your temple in tip-top shape no matter how old you are. Clothes look better on a well-cared-for body.

And dress stylishly. Adapt outfits for the setting, and invest more in good items, as they’ll last longer. Over time, your wardrobe will grow. Buy classics such as plain tees, Polos, button-downs that fit well, and pants that don’t sag or are too skinny. Unfortunately, the world will judge you based on your attire, which may impact potential dates and employers. Zero in on fit, fitness, and style as appearances go a long way, gentlemen, regardless of age.

]]>
5 Tricks to FIX Bad Genetics https://iamalpham.com/tricks-to-fix-mens-bad-genetics/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:35:07 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54126 I am genetically predisposed to being a pork chop. This may surprise you, but I got a little porky when my wife and I moved in together. I learned how to beat my genetics and would like to help you. I want to cover some of the most common genetic issues men face that can make them insecure and less sexy, including muscle, face, hair, height, and Big Al.

Tell your genetics to F-off

Physique. My entire family is short and fat because they’re Italian, and they don’t take care of themselves.

  • You want to avoid being skinny or fat by being consistent at the gym and with your diet.
  • It’s all about prioritizing certain muscle groups, as some groups could be better and need extra work to help them grow and catch up. Some of us will always have imbalances, which should be embraced and worked on to create an aesthetic physique.
  • Diet is also something you need to improve by making healthy choices.

 

Facial attractiveness. Although most people were not born with Greek god-like bone structures, you can create a more angular and aesthetic face.

  • Reduce body fat. Even a reduction in body fat by 10 pounds will result in a significant reduction in your face. This weight loss also translates into a reduction in man-boobs and love handles.
  • You can also decrease the amount of subcutaneous water by increasing the amount of water you consume while reducing sodium intake.
  • Further, decrease processed junk food.
  • You can strengthen jaw muscles by having a better head posture.
  • Working those jaw muscles by chewing gum.
  • Beards are also a way to add interest, structure, and strength to a weak jaw. It’s the male equivalent of female makeup. If you’re struggling with a patchy beard, wait. A lot of times, just waiting will increase the formation of your hair follicle.
  • Lift heavy weights to increase your testosterone. Exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses will release testosterone to help create a thicker beard.

 

Hair.

  • Unfortunately, when you have high testosterone, you may experience thinning on the top of your head. This is because of the conversion from testosterone to DHT. Bosley can help.
  • If you’re losing your hair or going bald, adding a beard will absolutely make you look better.
  • Contact Bosley if you’d like to get thicker hair or regain the hair you’ve already lost. Get TWO MONTHS FREE at BosleyRX. To get started, use coupon code ALPHAM to claim this exclusive offer on any solution. Not sure which solution is right for you? Grab The Complete Guide to Hair Restoration and a free $250* off Gift Card, or schedule a Free Consultation with a hair restoration specialist.

 

Height. If you’re a short dude, you can take steps to maximize the illusion of your height.

  • Make sure you stand up straight because posture is critical.
  • You can also wear boots for shoes with a bit extra height or a heel.
  • Dressing dark, monochromatic outfits to look taller, longer, and leaner.
  • Clothing that fits your body correctly also helps. Wear clothes that are tailored whenever possible.
  • Anything that breaks the visual line from your head to your toe must be modified and eliminated. Do not wear horizontal stripes, for example.
  • Stick with solids as well.
  • On a side note, if you’re thin, use lighter colors to make you appear larger.

 

Big Al.

  • Pumping works.
  • Surgical procedures are also available, but I do not recommend them. I cover each of these in the video.
  • You could also try using L-carnitine or l-citrulline, which are amino acids that increase nitric oxide to relax your blood vessels and increase blood flow to Big Al, increasing solidness, thickness, and hardness.
]]>
25 Items Men Over 25 Should NEVER Wear https://iamalpham.com/style-items-men-over-25-years-old-should-never-wear/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:03:37 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54117 With the evolution of style, teens are trying to figure out how to dress. So you’ll get a pass if you’re under 21, as some of the style choices that you’re making are questionable. But once you reach 25, you should make better stylistic choices. That being said, I will review some items that a man should never wear over 25.

When you’re evolving your style, eliminate these ASAP

  1. Business boy uniform. This is what I call khaki pants, button-up shirts, and ties being classified as ‘dressed up.’ As you evolve, you’ll have more events to dress up for, such as weddings, award ceremonies, and hot dates. By 25 you should be wearing your own suit.
  2. Cheap, unfitted suit. Your suit can be inexpensive, but spend a little cash on tailoring it properly. It should not be big and roomy, the length of the sleeves should expose about a half to a full inch of the cuff when your arm is down, and the pants should be cropped or hemmed. The pants should also be tapered.
  3. Long pants. If your pants puddle around your ankle, they’ll make you look short. If your pants are long in the crotch, your legs will look short. 
  4. Wide and baggy pants. This will also make you look short.
  5. Saggy pants. You don’t want your pants to be sagging off of your butt, either. Pull them up and wear a belt. Make sure your belt buckle is not flashy or big. Your belt also should not be a counterfeit designer belt. Choose something like an Anson Belt.
  6. Too many rings. You look stupid if you have more than one ring on your hand.
  7. Apple watches. Sure, they’re functional, but they’re not grown up. Upgrade your watch. There are a lot of fantastic badass watches under $100.
  8. Fake leather jackets. Some jackets are more timeless and classic than others. Opt for a bomber jacket with a simple zip-up and collar. You could also go for a racer jacket without a collar that is age-appropriate for anyone. Biker jackets with all the zippers are definitely more stylized, and if you’re a bit older, in your 40s, this may look funky.
  9. Fake leather shoes. These look funky, and you should never wear them. Leather is higher quality, not much more expensive, will last you longer, and will look better. You’ll be more confident wearing it. Spend the money and upgrade.
  10. Beat up belts. Too many belts have holes, dings, and lines. Upgrade your belt to an Anson Belt with a track system. It’s clean and sexy.
  11. Unmatched belts. Match leathers to look stylish. You can add a pop of color and express yourself stylistically.
  12. Dumb sunglasses. When you’re young and stupid, you may be wearing stupid sunglasses. Upgrade your eyewear because it’s a fantastic accessory. Look for styles such as the Wayfarer, Aviator, or Clubmaster. These styles are clean, classic, and mature.
  13. Big, bulky boots. Don’t even think about it.
  14. Running shoes. Only wear them when you’re running.
  15. Dirty shoes. Any dirty shoes are horrible and are not acceptable.
  16. Crotch-covering shirts. One of the big style mistakes guys make with button-ups is wearing them untucked. Guys think they can wear an untucked dress shirt when they can’t. Button-up casual shirts are designed to be worn untucked specifically. If your shirt covers your crotch, you will look super short.
  17. Graphic t-shirts. An occasional graphic t-shirt is fine, but one that is outlandish or offensive is not cute.
  18. Big-brimmed hats. Be careful with this choice.
  19. Baseball hats. When you wear them backward, you look youthful. If you wear them to the side, you look stupid. Wearing a baseball hat to the front is fine, but don’t tuck your ears in. That’s a big, huge no. I also make sure your baseball hat fits you correctly.
  20. Little boy backpacks. Upgrade your bag when you’re 25 years old and not living at your mom’s house. Elevate your aesthetic to a more refined look.
  21. Tight t-shirts. No, you don’t look jacked. You look like a sausage and are trying too hard.
  22. T-shirt with too long sleeves. If your t-shirt covers your entire arm, it will look smaller. Lift up those sleeves to make your arms look a lot bigger.
  23. Oversized t-shirts. This trend looks okay on younger dudes trying to express themselves and keep up with trends, but as a grown-ass man, wear a t-shirt that fits your body.
  24. Pit stains. If you have pit stains on your white shirts, toss them.
  25. Items you don’t love. Go through your wardrobe and toss or donate anything that you don’t enjoy wearing. Don’t keep it just because you have it. Make sure what you have in your wardrobe fits your body and makes you feel sexy and confident.
]]>
11 Weird Signs You Are Actually Attractive AF https://iamalpham.com/weird-signs-men-are-more-attractive-than-they-think/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:03:07 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54111 The other day, I stumbled upon the seduction community on Reddit, and there is some good content. We will discuss one question that got my attention: what are signs that a man is more attractive than he thinks?

You’re more attractive than you think if you are…

  1. Catching people looking at you multiple times in public
  2. Getting away with being weird or awkward (you get a pass)
  3. Getting touched by women because women don’t touch people they aren’t attracted to
  4. Giving you things or doing nice things for you
  5. Compliments from other men. Make sure you don’t deflect it
  6. Being told by your mom that you’re very handsome
  7. Waking up with your c^ck in a random person’s mouth
  8. Getting women looking at you and then shying away if you catch them. Also, if women are preening (hair flipping, touching their lips, covering their mouth, adjusting their clothing or glasses) or smiling at you.
  9. Getting random women walking up and telling you that you’re handsome when you dress with purpose and wear clothing that you keep finding you get compliments on
  10. Having both genders hit on you
  11. Getting that kind of a smile with your service
]]>
Top 10 Men’s Shaving DON’TS {THIS MUST STOP} https://iamalpham.com/top-ten-mens-shaving-do-not/ Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:58:31 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54081 I love everything about grooming, from the trimming to the shaving to the tweezing. But I don’t love ingrown hairs, razor burns or bumps, and cutting my balls. Technically I didn’t love that time when I got too close to the old rosebud with a grooming tool and cut my butthole. So, needless to say, I have learned a few things over the years. I want to share those shaving notes that you should never do.

First, I want to talk about razors because one of the problems why men suffer from ingrown hairs, burns, and bumps is because of the modern razor. The modern cartridge razor is good because you’ll get super smooth, but it’s bad for several reasons. The cartridge razor has five blades and one head, which means every stroke is like five passes, and the problem is hair getting pushed or shaved below the skin’s surface. When it grows back, unless you’re exfoliating, it will get stuck and trapped.

Never do any of these when shaving or removing body hair

  1. Do not shave before you trim. If you grab your razor and go to town shaving, it’s a great way to cut yourself, but it also irritates you. Trim it down as short as possible before shaving.
  2. Don’t skimp on your grooming tool. Every guy needs a grooming tool to maintain a sexy beard and body. Whatever I’m trimming, I use the Brio Beardscape 2.0. It is the best tool I’ve ever used. You can take it in the shower, but honestly, trimming wet hair is not something that you should be doing. Brio also has skin-safe technology, including titanium rakes, ceramic blades, LED displays, and many double-sided attachments.  The Brio Beardscape is amazing for trimming your beard, fading, shaping, and manscaping. Special limited-time offer includes a FREE Zero Blade ($24.95 value).
  3. Don’t shave off your sideburns. Sideburns are sexy and give your hairstyle a finishing edge. They also provide detail and dimension, but you don’t look good when you shave them off at the top of your ear or when they are too short.
  4. Always shave your balls but not your butt cheeks. You do not want to look like a troll doll in a headlock. But before you shave your balls, ensure your hair is short enough. Also, never shave your butt cheeks. When your hair grows back, it’s like sitting on a cactus. You’ll also get a crazy amount of ingrown hairs and bumps because the hairs will get trapped. Using a grooming tool is a better option.
  5. Leg & arm shaving is a personal preference. If you want to shave your legs because you feel cleaner or more aesthetic, shave them. You’ll see more definition with shaved legs. This is also why I shave my arms. Shaving your arms with a razor is fine. Shave your armpits with a grooming tool. I shave my armpits because I feel like I’m cleaner & drier, and I don’t smell. I also don’t like hair that gets clumpy with deodorant stuck in it. Again, it’s personal preference.
  6. Exfoliate whatever you shave. Exfoliating will keep the pores open and prevent hairs from getting stuck and ingrown. It will help to eliminate bumpy and infected areas. Exfoliate with a puff or some type of rag.
  7. Never shave your brows. Pluck them instead. If you shave them, you’ll have fat cross-sections that look like a 5 o’clock shadow of stubble on your brow. Remove hair with tweezers by plucking from the root so the hair will grow back at a fine point. Also, don’t shave a widow’s peak. The more natural you leave your hairline, the better.
  8. Do not shave your pubes. After shaving, you’ll wear pants or underwear, which will start to rub the hair that is growing in. They’ll become ingrown unless you’re exfoliating diligently. I use a grooming tool and trim it up. I take it as short as possible.
  9. Groom your Happy Trail to Big Al’s base. If you have stomach hair, I recommend trimming it short but not shaving it. You run the risk of problems if you’re not exfoliating. Shave the base of Big Al because it’s more aesthetic and clean-looking. Also, shave your nipple hair.
  10. Don’t shave your face. Every dude should have facial hair, making you look more rugged and aesthetic. Unless you’re a Greek god with a chiseled bone structure like Adonis, hair on your face will help strengthen a weak jaw and make you look better.
]]>
Is your body pool and beach ready? https://iamalpham.com/pool-and-beach-ready-body/ Sat, 09 Mar 2024 16:45:57 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54097
When I met my wife, I weighed 152 lb. I was lean and looking pretty good. She is a southern girl from Georgia, and she started cooking. I love to eat, and I’d never known the deliciousness of bacon until I met her. In the span of a year, I went up to 175 lb. I was mortified that none of my pants fit my ass.

My butt gets huge when I gain weight, and then my pants and shirts don’t hang correctly. I felt my butt look like two possums fighting over a turnip under a black tarp. It was ridiculous. I was that guy who didn’t want to take his shirt off at the pool or beach. Well, the season is coming for being at the pool and the beach.

It’s awful when I see a guy wearing a button-down shirt like a Tommy Bahama shirt while hanging out at the beach or the pool and not taking his shirt off. I know the reason. It’s not that he hates the sun because he can wear sunscreen. It’s because he’s embarrassed.

I corrected my shirt season situation, so I want you to take the same direction. I want you to feel fantastic when you take your shirt off at the pool or the beach this summer. I want people to notice that you look great in your clothes and out of your clothes. I don’t want you to be embarrassed. You should take pride in the body you have underneath your clothes. So, let’s talk a little bit about how to get there.

Image is so important, and the way your body looks underneath clothing is just as essential as how it looks wearing clothing. We talk a lot about how clothes should fit and what they should look like. Still, the real framework in which those clothes sit will dramatically impact how your clothes look and how you present yourself. This includes how other people receive you.

Exercise is about 20% of the equation regarding how your body looks. The other 80% is your diet and what you put into your body. That being said, working out with weights can transform how your body looks. I work out 3 to 5 days a week. It needs time to rebuild and regenerate once you break that muscle down from working out. If you’re working out of a specific body part more than once a week, it doesn’t have enough time to rebuild. And when you tear it down, it builds a little bigger. Keep doing that, and suddenly, you have muscles. So, like I said, work out one body part one day a week and work out 3 – 5 days a week.

You might also want to think about hitting your shoulders and triceps when working your chest. When doing a pushing exercise, such as chest exercises, you’re also working shoulders and triceps indirectly. So, when working them with your chest, you don’t have to do quite as much to fatigue and break them down. It will save you time. I don’t like to be in the gym working with weights for more than 45 minutes. If you quickly complete sets, your heart rate will stay elevated, and you will be burning fat. You’ll get a fantastic workout.

As I said, I’m in the gym 3 to 4 days a week. I do chest, shoulders, and triceps on one day, back and biceps on another day, and legs on another day. I want to mention this: do not use super heavy weights due to risking injury. Who really gives a shit how much can you bench press? It’s more about being lean, seeing your muscles when you take your shirt off, and looking good with my shirt off in the summer.

Muscles don’t mean a damn thing if you can’t see them, and by seeing them, I’m talking about reducing your body fat percentage. And getting your muscles to show means doing cardio and eating a healthy diet. I do cardio seven days a week because I love eating while looking good with my shirt off. But cardio needs to be done at your target heart rate.

Your target heart rate is how fast your heart beats when exercising in your target zone. Your body will be using fatty acids as an energy source to keep you going. If you work out above your target heart rate, you will burn muscle, glucose, and glycogen. You’ve heard the term burning muscle. That’s what that means. Exercising below your target heart rate burns calories, but you’re not really doing much. So, how do you determine your target heart rate?

If I’m exercising in the zone, it doesn’t matter if I’m jumping rope, riding a bike, or running on a treadmill. I will be using fat as an energy source and burning body fat. Some cardiovascular equipment has a heart rate monitor, but you could also invest in a heart rate monitor.

So, how do you get your abs to show? Crunches won’t do it. You need to get on the treadmill. That is the only part of the way to get your body fat down. Your diet is key to you looking good with your shirt off. The older you get, the more your metabolism slows down. When I hit my 30s, my metabolism told me to work harder and eat better. That’s what I’ve been doing.

The best recommendation is to eat 4 to 6 small meals daily to keep your sugar intake low so your insulin levels don’t spike high. You want to get a lot of good-quality protein low in saturated fat. You should go out and investigate. Many books have been written on different types of healthy eating, and you should find one that fits your lifestyle and tastes.

You want to ensure your calories are low enough to burn off calories and have a calorie deficit. You will lose body fat if you burn more calories than you’re taking in. If you take in more than you are burning, you will gain body fat. It’s a simple equation.

The bottom line about shirts off-season is if you want to be comfortable taking your shirt off at the pool or beach, you need to spend less time on the couch and more time on the treadmill and pumping some iron. You need to spend less time at McDonald’s and more time caring for yourself and making your own food. If I can do it, you can too!

]]>
7 UGLY Body Problems MOST Men Experience {and How to Fix Them} https://iamalpham.com/ugly-body-issues-most-men-experience-and-how-to-fix-each/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 01:06:56 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54092 Men face particular issues concerning their bodies that are annoying, embarrassing, and definitely not sexy. Features like man boobs, back fat, dark circles, hair loss, patchy beards, double chins, tiny wieners, and bloated bellies are definitely not sexy and, unfortunately, sometimes inevitable for a lot of men. The good news is that I will show you how to fix them.
  1. Boobies. If you carry excess chest fat, you can minimize it by building muscle underneath to round out your chest. You can also lose body fat because a simple reduction of 10 pounds can be evident in the chest area. A compression garment underneath your clothing can also help. A tight undershirt or a tight muscle shirt are also options to camouflage and minimize boobies.
  2. Weak jaw. Nobody wants chubby cheeks. You can grow a beard, even if it’s a slight 5:00 shadow. It’s an incredible way to strengthen your jaw and make your face look more angular. When you shave, the line on your cheek goes from your ear to your mouth to draw the eye down. Also, allow the hair on your chin to be slightly longer than on the sides of your cheeks. Taper this to draw the eye down. Ensure you don’t carve up underneath the neck fat area, which could make your jaw look weaker and worse. Reduce facial fat by losing weight, and drink a gallon of lemon water daily.
  3. Abs and back fat. Back fat is the last fat you will lose, but it is one place where most guys start accumulating it. You can wear looser pants to avoid spilling over like a can of biscuits. Work out your abs, not just with crunches. Do weighted exercises to help build and develop muscles to create deeper separations, encouraging them to show even if your body fat goes above 7%. Another tip is to do cardio on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to dip into fat stores and use fatty acids. Follow a healthy, clean diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein to make a dramatic difference in how bloated and gassy you are. Take a pre- and pro- biotic, which I use Symbiotic Plus by Ritual. For 25% off your first order, use my link.
  4. Puffy eyes and dark circles. These are super annoying and definitely unattractive. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, which you can get by taking melatonin. Having a dark room and cooling your room to around 65° are also helpful. You can also sleep naked and not look at your phone, which messes up your circadian rhythm. Also, use ice packs, ice rollers, or cold spoons to combat puffy and dark eyes.
  5. Patchy beards. You could dye your beard to look thicker and more masculine. You can use Rogaine on your beard to stimulate the dormant follicles. You can also boost your testosterone by lifting weights and lowering your body fat.
  6. Stature. Height is a confidence killer. Make sure you stand up straight, wear boots to add up to 3 in, and wear monochromatic outfits to enhance your visual height.
  7. Big Al’s size. If you’re concerned about Big Al’s size, lose body fat because the fat pad at the base of your pubic bone will make your wiener look smaller. Take some natural supplements such as L-Arginine and L-Citruline will facilitate nitric oxide protection to relax your blood vessels and increase flow into your main-vein for a stronger and bigger Big A. You can also use a pump.
]]>
10 Items EVERY Adult Man Needs in His House https://iamalpham.com/10-items-every-adult-man-needs-in-his-house/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:42:32 +0000 https://alpham.com/?p=54079 Today, I will review what every man should have in his home or apartment. These are a direct reflection of him. These are little things you can do to upgrade your home from a little boy to a grown-ass sexy dude.

What separates a grown man from a little boy

  1. Art. What you have hanging on your wall separates men from the boys. If you have nothing on your walls, that’s boring and basic and doesn’t show personality. But posters and cheap ugly stuff on the walls also make a lousy impression and look like a little kid. Invest in some higher-quality art. You don’t have to buy expensive original pieces, but you can find cool or different items that resonate with you. You can also elevate your space’s aesthetic with inexpensive blankets or some decorative pillows. These are a great way to affordably add another level and layer of complexity and detail to your place.
  2. Proper bed. A proper bed is not a futon. A proper bed has a matching bedspread or comforter and sheets. You can never go around with white, which is clean and sexy. Also, keep an eye on the thread count.
  3. Aesthetic bathroom. If guests are coming over, ensure your toilet is squeaky clean. Have some wet wipes available. Your towels should also be upgraded so they’re matched and nicer quality. Simple white is perfect. Your hair dryer and his breath should also be upgraded.
  4. Organization. Have a leather caddy to drop items you use daily, such as your keys, wallet, watch, cufflinks, and jewelry. You don’t want to throw them on top of a dresser or end table.
  5. Plants. Plants are an incredible way of adding freshness and greenery to your space. They also add a personality, indicating you are responsible and reliable.
  6. Candles. Candles add ambiance when you have company over. It sets the mood and also allows relaxation and decompression. They are warm and inviting.
  7. Speakers. Have the ability to produce background noise in your place. It also makes your place feel more high-end and luxurious. Having low-key background music when people come over makes your house less echoey and sets the mood.
  8. Glasses and plates. I’m a big fan of clean, basic white dishes. Have matching plates, cutlery, and glasses (that way, you can serve a cocktail or glass of wine inside real glasses, not Solo cups). Know the difference between white and red wine glasses. You could also invest in some highball glasses for serving cocktails, which would set you apart from 99% of little boys.
  9. Rugs. Rugs come in all different sizes, and the cool thing is that even if you have carpet, throwing a small rug on top of it is a great way to add texture and interest to your room. You can also add a pop of color.
  10. Sofa or couch. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it needs to be clean. A decent couch is always a good idea because it’s comfortable and a cool place to chill daily. You can work from it, watch TV, make out, and get sexy. Make sure it’s not nasty, dirty, or filthy. If you have animals, make sure it repels moisture.
]]>