When you think of the skills you need as a young man, the ones that come to mind typically refer to work or relationships. Think hard skills like engineering or soft skills like communication. However, other skills that you need to succeed and be happy are practical life skills. From basic grooming to everyday grocery shopping, here are some of the most important life skills that you should have in your arsenal:
1. How to cook from scratch
Although more men are becoming comfortable in the kitchen, surveys show that 80% of couples still have women doing most of the cooking. Thus, as early as possible, you should learn how to cook from scratch. Not only is cooking from scratch healthier but it can also be cheaper than using pre-made meals. Another extra advantage of learning to cook from scratch is that you can tweak the flavor as you like. If you’re new to cooking, try to learn dishes that only require one pot or a few ingredients. Think varieties of pasta or stew, to start. With practice, you’ll soon learn to develop your own recipes and techniques to make every meal your own.
2. How to shave properly
Given that up to 60% of men experience razor bumps after shaving, it’s safe to say that many men are not learning the proper technique. While most men are taught to use shaving cream, what is less often shared is that you also need to exfoliate and moisturize. Exfoliating your skin prior to shaving removes any built-up dead skin to help the razor glide more smoothly and closely. Afterwards, you should also practice an aftershave skincare routine. After you’ve rinsed off the shaving cream, apply a hydrating moisturizer with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. This soothes and softens skin that may be red or rough. Lastly, do apply sunscreen. Freshly shaved skin is extra sensitive, so sun protection is a must. Over time, you’ll notice you get a better shave and your skin is less prone to irritation.
3. How to mend clothes
If you’re the type to just toss clothes once they’ve gotten torn, you’re wasting a lot of money. With the correct mending techniques, clothes with rips or tears can still look good as new. Since a large chunk of men’s wardrobes includes dress socks and button-ups, you should learn how to sew on a button and fix holes. To mend most clothes all you’ll need is a thread, a needle, scissors, and a thimble. If you’re not sure how to pick these out, craft stores have prepared kits to choose from. Ideally, you’ll want a kit that has a variety of neutral-colored threads and different-sized needles. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. With a little practice, your repairs will look more polished.
4. How to maintain cars
Considering that 1 in 3 drivers will experience a vehicular breakdown annually, knowing how to keep your car maintained is crucial. This protects your car from breaking down and saves you on costly repairs. Hence, if you’ve got a car, develop a car maintenance regimen. This can include daily, weekly, and monthly check-ins on your tires, oil, engine, and battery. Learning how to do routine maintenance on these elements alone can prevent issues like sluggish engines, brake failure, and balding tires. Even with just basic maintenance, you can increase your car’s lifespan and mileage.
5. How to make investments
Worldwide, only 35% of men are financially literate and very few know how to grow their finances. While most men focus on saving, the better choice is to invest their money. This way, your money earns better interest while also diversifying your assets. There are loads of ways to invest, but some of the most beginner-friendly include property investment, forex trading, and affiliate marketing. These are more passive-income investments, so you don’t need past experience or extra work hours. Before you dive into any investment, though, make sure to review your personal finances to see what you can afford.
It’s normal not to have everything figured out – especially when you’re still young. But it does pay to be prepared and armed with as many practical life skills as possible. Though you may not ace it the first few times you apply these skills, with some effort and determination you’ll soon be feeling more confident and accomplished.