12.5 Lessons from 2024: Rediscover the Best Version of You After 50

Find Your Full Potential and Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

Men over 50 are redefining what’s possible. While conventional wisdom and society expect a gradual decline, members of our Argent Alpha community are shattering that expectation. They’ve made a conscious decision to invest in themselves and challenge their limits, proving that age is just a number, not a barrier.

Instead of viewing each year as merely getting older, we see it as an opportunity to reach the next level. This begins with choosing your hard. Every path in life comes with its challenges: you can take the easy route now, avoiding discipline and hard work, but face the inevitable pain of decline later. Or you can embrace the "harder" path today—committing to personal growth, physical fitness, and mental resilience—and reap the rewards of strength, vitality, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

What’s interesting is that the men of Argent Alpha who choose to become harder to kill soon realize that the harder path isn’t the harder path. As their identity shifts and they build their future selves, what once felt difficult becomes routine. They reframe their challenges and embrace them as part of their new normal, transforming discipline into freedom and effort into empowerment.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how this mindset transforms lives. Members of Argent Alpha have not only surpassed their physical goals but have also cultivated a deeper sense of purpose, strengthened relationships, and embraced a genuine belief that the best is yet to come.

Below are 12.5 pivotal lessons our Argent Alpha members have learned in 2024 that separate high performers from their peers. Each lesson reflects a choice—a "hard" decision that led to growth and transformation. These lessons include real strategies tested and proven by our community, empowering you to unlock your full potential and make 2025 your best year yet.

1. Keep Your “Why” Front and Center

Core Insight
Your “why” is the lifeblood of your motivation. When it’s fuzzy, you drift; when it’s clear, you stay on track.

Example
In Argent Alpha, men solidify their purpose through tools like the Eulogy, Future Self, and the 3 Words exercise. But these aren’t “set and forget.” If a man’s “why” gets stale, he starts slipping. Updating and sharing that “why” brings him back into focus.

Why It Matters

• Intrinsic Fuel: Research shows you’re more likely to stick with challenging goals if your motivation is personal and deeply meaningful.

• Legacy Mindset: At 50+, you’re thinking about the impact you leave behind. A powerful “why” aligns daily actions with that legacy.

• Better Present: As Dan Sullivan says "The only way to make your present better is to make your future bigger." Having a strong Why makes today better.

How You Can Apply It

1. Revisit and Revise: Keep your Eulogy or Future Self description in plain sight. Update it if your life circumstances change. Read it regularly.

2. Tie Actions to Purpose: Ask, “Does today’s plan support my bigger ‘why’?”

3. Share It: Reinforce your commitment by telling a friend or accountability partner.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “If I’m drifting, has my ‘why’ lost relevance? How can I sharpen it today?”

Potential Pitfall

• Out-of-Date: A “why” from five years ago might no longer resonate. Keep it current. Worse: not having a why. Start there.

Key Quote

2. Be-Do-Have

Core Insight
Most people think, “Once I have X, I’ll do Y, and then I’ll be Z.” In reality, you must be that person first, then do the actions, and then you’ll have the results.

Example
I defined my future self as a strong, lean, innovative leader. Whenever I asked, “What would that man do right now?” I aligned my diet, workouts, and productivity with that identity.

Why It Matters

• Self-Fulfilling Identity: Adopting an identity early makes you act in ways that create the evidence for it.

• Mental Shift > External Conditions: You can decide in an instant to be that future you—even though the physical results take time.

How You Can Apply It

1. Create a Future Self Statement: Describe who you’ll be in a year.

2. Define the Habits & Behaviors: How does that person behave? What are their habits?

3. Act ‘As If’: Make decisions like that future you—today.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “If I were already that ideal version of me, how would I handle the next hour, the next day, the next week?”

Potential Pitfall

• Waiting for Permission: Don’t wait for external validation to start acting like the man you want to be. You are the CEO of your life. Act like it.

Key Quote

3. Knowing and Not Doing Is Not Knowing

Core Insight
You don’t truly “know” something if you never apply it. Insight without execution is wasted potential.

Example
I used to read a stack of books a month and listen to countless podcasts, yet I rarely implemented more than a fraction of the ideas. Once I started applying one principle from each resource immediately, results followed.

Why It Matters

• Implementation Gap: Consuming content doesn’t change your life; action does.

• Confidence via Experience: True confidence is built by testing and refining ideas in real life.

How You Can Apply It

1. One Takeaway Rule: Implement at least one principle within 24 hours of consuming new information.

2. Weekly Check-In: Confirm on Sundays (typically the best day to reflect) that you’ve taken tangible action on recent insights.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “What’s the best insight I’ve learned lately, and have I used it yet?”

Potential Pitfall

• Analysis Paralysis: Overthinking leads to zero execution.

• Quantity Trap: Reading a book a month sounds cool but who cares if you don’t apply it? Go deep on one book, apply the concepts and then start the second book. You might spend all year applying the concepts from one book and change your life.

Key Quote

4. Planning Works

Core Insight
Proactive planning shifts a goal from “maybe” to “definitely.” When you schedule and commit, you transform intentions into tangible outcomes.

Example
Jesse Itzler’s “Kevin’s Rule” inspired me and not only did I enjoy 6 mini-adventures in 2024, I went deep on one and spent a month in San Diego with family. Because it was planned early, everyone coordinated their schedules, and we made unforgettable memories. The same family event is scheduled for 2025. Planning and execution made it all happen.

Why It Matters

• Implementation Intentions: Research shows that detailing when, where, and how you’ll act boosts follow-through dramatically.

• Confidence Builder: A plan reduces decision fatigue; you simply execute.

How You Can Apply It

1. Map 2025 Now: Block out major events—family trips, personal challenges, and downtime.

2. Keep It Simple: Focus on priorities. Don’t over-plan and paralyze yourself.

3. Follow Our Process: Read issue #109 and each subsequent issue for how we do planning.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “What major life event in 2025 do I need to lock in now?”

Potential Pitfall

• Analysis Paralysis: Don’t get lost in spreadsheets and forget to execute.

Key Quote

5. The 95% Success Formula

Core Insight
Write down your goals, share them, and report progress regularly. This triple-threat approach can raise success rates up to 95%.

Example
I formed a “10x Triad” inside Argent Alpha (3 of us all applying 10x principles) where we documented our goals, shared them, and hold weekly Zoom and Slack check-ins to report progress with an emphasis on “Power Moves”. Each of us made big, measurable strides in Q4 and we are continuing with this approach in 2025.

Why It Matters

• Accountability Multiplier: Having others know your goals and expect updates keeps you honest.

• Shared Momentum: On the days/weeks you feel weak or start to drift, your group pushes you forward.

• Motivation: I want to show up to the weekly meetings with a list of power moves I’m proud of. Reporting progress is not a drag, it’s an accelerant.

How You Can Apply It

1. Write It Down: Keep goals specific and time-bound.

2. Share Them: Partner, friend, or small group—just make sure they care about your success.

3. Report Weekly: Even simple “done/not done” updates drive consistency.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Who can I enlist to hold me accountable, and how often should we check in?”

Potential Pitfall

• Vague Goals: “Get fit” isn’t measurable. “Lose 10 lbs of fat by March 1, 2025” is.

Key Quote

6. “Who Not How”

Core Insight
Stop asking, “How do I do this alone?” and start asking, “Who can help me get it done?”

Example
Hiring a health coach freed up my mental energy for strategic tasks in Argent Alpha. Meanwhile, my nutrition and fitness improved because I delegated planning to an expert. Now, it’s on me to execute and I’m ready to go.

Why It Matters

• Leverage Expertise: Skilled professionals accelerate your growth.

• Focus on Your Zone of Genius: Your time is best spent doing what you excel at and enjoy most.

How You Can Apply It

1. Task Audit: Determine what to Eliminate, Automate, or Delegate. - in that order.

2. Delegate or Hire: Invest in people who bring specialized skills.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “What’s one bottleneck I face that a specialist could fix faster and more effectively than I can?”

Potential Pitfall

• Penny Pinching: DIY may seem cheaper, but it often costs growth in the long run.

Key Quote

7. If You’re Not Chasing Taillights, You’re in the Wrong Group

Core Insight
True growth happens when you’re surrounded by people who are ahead of you—people whose “taillights” you’re trying to catch. It’s not about competition; it’s about being inspired.

Example
In Argent Alpha, men share their results—improved body fat %, PR (personal record) lifts, mental breakthroughs—which inspires everyone to up their game. We’re not comparing to feel inferior; we’re learning what’s possible.

Why It Matters

• Elevated Standards: You rise to the level of your peers. If you’re the top dog, you risk stagnation.

• Choice: Intimidation or Inspiration: When someone’s ahead of you, you can resent them or learn from them. Choose the latter.

How You Can Apply It

1. Find a Stronger Pack: Seek out groups where others are pushing boundaries further than you are.

2. Ask for Mentorship: High-performers often love sharing their mindset and strategies.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Who’s outrunning me in a key area, and how can I glean insights from their approach?”

Potential Pitfall

• Comfort Zone Bias: Staying in circles where you’re the strongest yields no growth.

Key Quote

8. Transformation Is in the Transaction

Core Insight
Committing financially to a coach, course, or program often sparks the biggest breakthroughs. When you pay, you pay attention.

Example
In 2024, I’ve invested over $10,000 in proactive health investments—not reactive sickcare—because I believe in prioritizing my well-being. Likewise, men who invest in Argent Alpha engage at a deeper level—they’ve got skin in the game. This isn’t an expense; it’s an investment, and every investment comes with the expectation of a return. When you invest in yourself, you’re putting resources into the only asset class where you have full control over the outcome

Why It Matters

• Behavioral Economics: We take commitments more seriously when there’s a cost involved.

• Abundance vs. Scarcity: Shifting from “It’s too expensive” to “How do I maximize my ROI?” changes your entire approach.

How You Can Apply It

1. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s a personal trainer, mastermind group, a training course or specialized equipment, go beyond freebies.

2. Track Your ROI: Monitor gains in health, clarity, or productivity so you see tangible returns.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Where have I hesitated to invest in myself—and what might I gain by finally taking the plunge?”

Potential Pitfall

• Safe But Stuck: Free resources are easily abandoned when life gets busy.

Key Quote

9. Resilience Is Like a Muscle

Core Insight
You can train resilience in the same way you train your biceps or heart. Challenge it regularly, and it grows stronger.

Example
Last summer, a group of us in Argent Alpha spent months training for a Crucible event with Robert Hamilton Owens (author of Beyond Average). The intense prep—and the actual event—pushed our mental and physical limits, ultimately expanding what we believed we could do.

Why It Matters

• Progressive Overload Everywhere: Incrementally adding stress builds capacity—physically and mentally.

• Longevity + Performance: Men over 50 especially need resilience to handle life’s curveballs.

How You Can Apply It

1. Structured Challenges: Sign up for events or tasks just outside your comfort zone. Then train like a pro to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Doing it with a friend or group will have a multiplier effect.

2. Prioritize Recovery: Rest, nutrition, and mental decompression are key so you can keep pushing forward.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Which area of my life (physical, mental, or emotional) needs a bit more of a resilience challenge?”

Potential Pitfall

• Burnout from Overreach: Make sure you balance challenge with appropriate rest. I personally learned this the hard way earlier this year (more below).

Key Quote

10. Setbacks Are Part of the Journey

Core Insight
You will face dips, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. The risk of doing nothing is often greater than the risk of failing forward.

Example
I peaked for our September 14 event—my Oura Ring showed “Exceptional” resilience—only to hit adrenal fatigue soon after. Though I never felt “stressed,” my body took a hit. It was a reminder that setbacks come even when you plan well.

Why It Matters

• Allostatic Load: Cumulative stress sneaks up, especially when you push hard.

• Approach vs. Avoid Goals: Men over 50 can default to “avoid pain” instead of “pursue growth.” But avoiding everything guarantees decline.

How You Can Apply It

1. Adopt an Approach Mindset: Aim to gain muscle, not just avoid losing it.

2. Strategic Recovery: Schedule deload weeks, vacation, or mental breaks after major pushes.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Am I focusing on what I want to achieve, or just what I want to avoid?”

Potential Pitfall

• Denial of Stress: Ignoring signs leads to bigger setbacks later.

Key Quote

11. Fall in Love with the Problem (Not Just the Solution)

Core Insight
Understand the real issue you’re solving before you latch onto the latest fad. If you focus on the right problem, any proven method becomes a viable tool.

Example
Men try every diet, workout, or biohack without addressing the core issue: body composition. Most men carry too much fat and lose strength with each passing year. At Argent Alpha, we focus on a clear target—staying at or below 15% body fat for optimal health and performance.

The specific diet or training style you choose doesn’t matter as much as whether it solves that problem. We don’t lift weights because we love lifting weights, and we don’t eat protein-centric meals because we’re obsessed with meat. We do these things because they are proven tools to burn fat, build muscle, and achieve ideal body composition.

(That said, most of us do enjoy lifting weights and eating protein—because it works, and we feel great doing it.)

Why It Matters

• Root Cause Analysis: Asking “Why?” repeatedly gets you to the heart of what you need to fix.

• Flexibility: When the problem changes, you can adapt methods rather than clinging to one rigid solution.

How You Can Apply It

1. Ask Five Whys: Peel back the layers until you’re sure you’ve found the core problem.

2. Measure the Problem: Track body fat, strength, or other key metrics.

3. Stay Agnostic: Judge solutions by results, not brand loyalty.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Am I addressing the real issue, or just following the latest trend?”

Potential Pitfall

• Shiny Object Syndrome: Jumping to new solutions without confirming they solve the right problem.

Key Quote

12. You Haven’t Scratched the Surface of Your Potential

Core Insight
Most men cruise at 40% capacity or less. David Goggins calls it the “40% rule,” and Mark Divine’s SEALFIT calls it “20x.” You’re capable of far more than you think.

Example
Within Argent Alpha, men have dropped 30+ pounds of fat, ditched statins and CPAP machines, and even gone from nearly 30% body fat to single digits—all by smashing limiting beliefs and raising their standards.

Why It Matters

• Self-Imposed Ceilings: The mind quits first, not the body.

• Raising Your Floor, Raising Your Ceiling: Consistent non-negotiables (workouts, diet, hydration) make your baseline higher so you can push further.

How You Can Apply It

1. Push Your Ceiling: Pick a goal that scares you a bit.

2. Set a Solid Floor: Maintain a base routine so your “bad days” are still better than your old “best days.” A powerful way to do this: move from default to designed standards in key areas. For example, create a standard of having 40 grams of protein at the center of every meal.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “Where am I still playing small, and how can I challenge myself to operate at 2x, 3x, or even 10x?”

Potential Pitfall

• Solo Mindset: Community support reveals just how much further you can go.

Key Quote

12.5. Reinvention Beats Retirement

(One more lesson, because real growth rarely stops at 12.)

Core Insight
Life after 50 can be a launchpad, not a slowdown. Reinvention—physically, mentally, spiritually and even professionally—beats the outdated notion of “retirement.”

Example
In Argent Alpha, men pivot into new ventures, tackle fresh certifications or courses, redesign their lifestyles and pursue bigger fitness goals than ever before. They embrace:

• Abundance > Scarcity

• Growth > Decline

• Learning > Echo Chamber

• “Why Not?” > “Why?”

• Approach > Avoid

Why It Matters

• Neuroplasticity Continues: Your brain adapts as long as you challenge it.

• Identity Reboot: Replace “I’m retired” with “I’m exploring my next chapter.”

• Fulfillment Factor: Reinvention brings excitement, purpose, and deeper engagement in life.

How You Can Apply It

1. Adopt ‘Why Not?’ Thinking: See each new opportunity as a possible next step.

2. Seek Fresh Training, Challenges, Relationships and Skills: Use your lifetime of experience as a springboard, not a finish line.

3. Start Now: There’s no rule that says you have to slow down at 50, 60, or beyond. Our most senior member is 76 and he is leading from the front.

Reflection/Journal Prompt

• “What area of my life have I let stall under the assumption I’m ‘too old’ to reinvent?”

Potential Pitfall

• Fear of the Unknown: Stepping into something entirely new can feel risky, but stagnation is a guaranteed dead end.

Key Quote

Closing & Call to Action

12.5 Lesson from 2024:

Each of these 12.5 lessons reinforces one overarching message: Men over 50 can still break boundaries and create their best years yet.

• Pick one lesson that resonates most right now.

• Identify one clear action step you can take this week.

• If you want real accountability—and a community of men who hold you to your word—consider joining Argent Alpha. As Lesson #8 reminds us, transformation often begins with a tangible commitment.

You’re not done yet. The best is just beginning. Let’s make 2025 the year you prove that being “harder to kill” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lifestyle.