How to Be a Better Man Today Without Any Excuses — Just Progress

Ever catch yourself thinking, "I should be better than this?" A question like 'how to be a better man' usually appears when something really bothers you. But if you've ever asked yourself this question, you're definitely ready for self-growth. What if the problem isn't in you, but in the path you've chosen?

Robert Kiyosaki turned his financial problems into freedom, and Viktor Frankl developed a meaningful philosophy, despite making mistakes before. They didn't just improve themselves; they taught others how to do so. With advice from their bestsellers like 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' and 'Man's Search for Meaning,' start a self-improvement journey today!

Only 15 minutes daily with Headway's book summaries will take you one step closer to your final goal. Read on to learn how to be a modern man and a better version of yourself in today's world.

In this article, you'll learn

• How to be a better man in 10 quick steps

• Common myths that hold men back from growing

• What it really takes to be a better man today

• Five key areas to focus on 

• Your daily be-a-better-man action plan

• How the Headway app can help you become the man you're meant to be

How to be a better man in 10 steps: Quick list

These 10 powerful actions will help you become a better version of yourself. At first glance, they look simple, but their impact is real change.   

1. Build self-respect by owning up to your decisions.

2. Always set healthy boundaries and protect them.

3. Earn deeper trust by being genuine and speaking purposefully.

4. Be vulnerable, but don't let your emotions take control.

5. Speak less and listen more.

6. Challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone.

7. Train both your mind and your body.

8. Learn how to be financially responsible and independent.

9. Surround yourself with people who share the same values.

10. Empathy, empathy, and even more empathy.

This list is just the beginning: keep reading to learn about other transformative steps. Also, to own life and cut out unnecessary distractions, read or listen to 'The 80/20 Principle' summary — you'll figure out how to prioritize and become more productive.

Five common myths that hold men back from growing

Becoming your best self isn't just about motivation — it's also about challenging outdated beliefs. Many men feel stuck, but not because they're lazy or unmotivated. Unfortunately, most men have been taught to believe things that simply aren't true.

Let's break down a few of the most common myths that hold men back:

1. "Real men don't talk about their feelings."

This belief leads to emotional suppression, damaged relationships, and even mental health issues. In truth, opening up is a sign of strength, not weakness.

1. 2"Success is only about status and money."

Yes, financial stability matters, but don't measure your worth only by money. That will leave you feeling empty. A better life includes emotional connection and purpose, not the amount of money in your bank account.

1. "3You should have it all figured out by your 30s."

Life isn't a checklist. As reported in this New York Times article, it's never too late to make a change: a musician became a pilot just because he wanted to.

1. 4"You need to do it all alone."

Whether therapy, coaching, or reading a book that challenges you, growth happens faster with help. Independence doesn't mean isolation.

1. 5"It's too late to become the man I want to be."

Remember: Personal growth has no expiration date. As long as you breathe, you can still become stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

What it really takes to be a better man today

Real men don't cry or show emotions. That's what we were all taught, right? Back then, a real strong man hunted to bring food to the table. You don't hunt for your dinner, do you? Stop these outdated stereotypes from dictating how you want to live your life.

To be a better man means to evolve: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Here's what being a better man looks like in the real world:

• Taking emotional responsibility

  Example: Instead of getting defensive, let your partner know your feelings and show genuine emotions.

• Living a purposeful life with integrity

  Example: Leave the toxic environment, even if it benefits you.

• Embracing failure and vulnerability

  Example: Own up to your mistakes and don't hide your feelings when things get hard.

• Leading and guiding with empathy

  Example: Listen to your friends and support them, don't try to judge or fix anything.

• Balancing ambitions with current reality

  Example: Try new career paths, but don't lose the connections and people.

If you need more examples of how to react or what to do in various life scenarios, check out this list of best books for men to read.

Five key areas to focus on if you want to be a better man

You don't need to reinvent yourself. Concentrate on these five main areas to be the kind of man you want to be. 

1. Purpose

Knowing 'why' you're doing what you do is key to becoming successful. Everyone is attracted to a focused man who moves with a purpose. Let's say you work at a company that pays you well, but the workload drains you. 

A man with a purpose won't hesitate to find a solution. Picture this: You're in a staff meeting and your boss takes credit for an idea you presented to him the day before. The old you would stay silent and just suck it up. 

But, you know you are a valuable top performer. So, after the meeting, the new you asks your manager for a minute to discuss the situation. See, it's never about doing nothing or saying, 'It'll work out somehow' — it's about actions.

2. Character

At the end of the day, be true to yourself. Your true character is how you act and who you are when no one is watching. Imagine your friends laughing at someone behind their back, and you hate this behavior. Speaking up doesn't mean you have no sense of humor. You're showing the true strength of your character. 

3. Emotional intelligence

Being a better man means being emotionally available, not vice versa. Emotional intelligence helps you better connect not only with others, but with yourself.

Next time you argue with your partner, try not to shoot down or storm out — take a pause and reflect on what just happened. We're lazy human beings, and even showing negative emotions can be helpful sometimes. This is a vital moment for your self-growth and the state of your personal life.

4. Self-discipline

You can't really become a better version of yourself without self-discipline — this is the distance between who you are and who you aim to become. If you commit to going to the gym, keep it that way. Yes, you can miss one or two sessions, but think about the results in the long run.

Here's what to focus on when it comes to self-discipline:

• Start a morning routine if you don't have one.

• Track your progress.

• Set goals — they can be small, but commit to finishing them.

• Read books like 'Atomic Habits' to learn more about the power of habits.

5. Relationships

Your relationships reflect your maturity and quality of life. You probably made a mistake or two when you were a young man. But if you want to become a better man, a man of your word, always be honest. 

Let's imagine you are no longer attracted to someone and decide to ghost them. But try to reflect for a moment: would a good man do such a thing? Instead, communicate with honesty and offer an explanation; this is the least you can do in this scenario.

You can learn this and other core lessons from the 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' summary. In this book, you'll explore the hidden behaviors of men who avoid conflict to keep others happy.

Your daily action plan to be a better man

It sort of goes without saying, but: Becoming a better man isn't possible overnight. It's about showing up for yourself every single day. Yourself, not everyone else. It's not flashy, but it's powerful.

You don't need a perfect routine — you need a realistic one. A routine that helps you grow without burning out. Think of it as your personal reset: Something to bring you back to who you want to be.

You can start now, here's a simple daily plan that actually works:

What are the signs that you're ready to become a better man

It doesn't always hit you like a lightning bolt: Sometimes, the realization that you want to become a better man slips in quietly. Men don't always talk about these changes. Society trains men to push forward and keep performing — for careers, partners, and families.

But there's a moment when the noise fades and the desire for real growth speaks louder. And that's the moment things begin to change. Here are a few subtle and powerful signs that you're ready to grow:

• You're tired of feeling stuck in the same old cycles — whether it's relationships that fall apart or goals that never stick.

• You've started asking more profound questions — not just about what you're doing but also about why you're doing it.

• You want to stop reacting out of frustration or fear and start responding more patiently and clearly.

• You feel a growing urge to live with purpose, even if you're unsure what that looks like.

• You crave honesty — with others, but more importantly, with yourself.

This isn't about chasing some ideal version of masculinity. It's about tuning in, taking stock, and deciding that you're ready for more meaning, accountability, and depth in how you show up every day.

You don't need a complete life overhaul to begin. The most lasting change usually starts with small, intentional steps. That's why Headway exists — an app for daily growth that gives you insights from the world's best personal development books, broken down into a bite-sized format that fits your life.

Because being "better" doesn't mean being perfect — it means paying attention and being honest. These and many other lessons await you in 'Man's Search for Meaning summary' — the notion that we all crave our true meaning in life is a simple matter of fact.

Top 20 books every man should read at least once

Being a better man doesn't mean you have to be perfect. It's about taking small steps for self-improvement every day. The right books should always guide and challenge your mind. With this collection, you can become motivated and find the answers you seek.

Whether you want to be more real with people or get better at handling life, these books are a great starting point. Here are 20 must-read books for every man:

1. 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl

2. 'Can't Hurt Me' by David Goggins

3. 'The Way of the Superior Man' by David Deida

4. 'Daring Greatly' by Brené Brown

5. 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear

6. 'Extreme Ownership' by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

7. 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' by Dr. Robert Glover

8. 'The 5 Love Languages' by Gary Chapman

9. 'Start With Why' by Simon Sinek

10. 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz

11. 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene

12. 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius

13. 'Attached' by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller

14. 'The Obstacle Is the Way' by Ryan Holiday

15. 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' by Mark Manson

16. 'Greenlights' by Matthew McConaughey

17. 'The 80/20 Principle' by Richard Koch

18. 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho

19. 'Iron John' by Robert Bly

20. 'The Richest Man in Babylon' by Charles Conrad

If you want to learn key insights on mastering money and your mindset, then 'The Richest Man in Babylon' is an ideal choice — you can listen to this book summary or read it in the Headway app. If you feel motivated to continue your growth, this list of the best self-improvement apps is ideal.

Make Headway today — Become the man you're meant to be!

No, becoming a better man doesn't mean chasing some so-called 'perfection' — it goes much deeper. When you learn who you are and what you truly want, you'll become a better version of yourself.

• A confident man is the one who isn't afraid to show his feelings. 

• A successful man succeeds in relationships, not in having big numbers in a bank account. 

• A good man isn't the one simply existing — he's the one showing empathy and gratitude. 

With Headway, you can achieve these things. Our library collects the best book summaries of titles that inspire many people to change. Only a few minutes make a difference in your daily growth progress. Prepare yourself for a dynamic ride, because it might get bumpy — self-growth isn't easy.

Ready to start today? Download the Headway app and become the better man you were always meant to be.