Start Ugly, Step Into the Arena, and Take Control of 2025: Your Blueprint for Action

The Illusion of Progress: Planning vs. Execution

Planning feels good. It gives you structure, control, and a sense of forward motion. It’s exhilarating to think about the future—the man you’ll become, the goals you’ll crush, and the life you’ll build. Over the past few weeks, we’ve introduced tools like the Eulogy, Future Self, and 3 Words to help you craft a vision for 2025 worth striving for.

But let’s be real—planning is the easy part.

The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between vision and action. That’s where most men get stuck: inspired but not moving, equipped with tools but still in the same place.

This week, we’re flipping the script. We’re going beyond the abstract and stepping into the real world—where plans get tested and progress is made. To help you do that, we’re giving you access to the 2025 Blueprint—a tool specifically designed to turn vision into action. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand how to make it work for you. That’s what this issue is all about.

Keep reading, and you’ll not only learn how to overcome the obstacles that keep most men stuck but also discover exactly how to implement the Blueprint for maximum impact.

Mike Tyson said it best: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” And while life doesn’t always throw a knockout punch, it doesn’t have to. Often, it’s the small stuff—the old habits, the comfortable routines, or the whispers of doubt—that stop men dead in their tracks. A plan can make you feel like you’re moving forward, but unless you act on it, it’s just paper and ideas.

The truth is simple: the gap between the man you are today and the man you want to be isn’t bridged by thoughts or visions. It’s bridged by action. Action that’s often uncomfortable, imperfect, and inconvenient.

This is where most men falter. They confuse planning with progress. But a well-crafted plan means nothing if it’s not put to the test. That’s the shift we’re making this week: moving from ideas to execution, from potential to progress.

The good news? You don’t need perfection to take that first step—you just need to start.

The Enemy Within: Why the Old You Holds You Back

You’ve mapped out the man you want to become. The vision is clear. The goals are ambitious. The plan is solid. But when it’s time to act, something pulls you back—hesitation, distraction, or the comfort of routine.

This is the pull of the old you, and it’s deceptively strong.

Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, calls this force “Resistance.” Resistance doesn’t shout—it whispers. It tells you, “Take it easy. You’ve earned a break.” It nudges you toward scrolling on your phone instead of stepping into the gym. Resistance thrives on one thing: inaction.

Phil Stutz, co-author of The Tools, calls it “Part X.” It’s not just laziness or fear—it’s the part of you that actively resists growth. It asks, “What if I fail?” or worse, “What’s the point?” Stutz explains that Part X isn’t defeated in one grand gesture. It’s a daily battle. But here’s the good news: every small act of defiance weakens its grip.

The Trap of Comfort

The old you clings to comfort because comfort feels safe. It’s predictable, easy, and doesn’t require risk. But here’s the harsh truth: staying where you are isn’t neutral—it’s decline.

For men over 50, this decline accelerates. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, the longer you stay in your comfort zone, the faster you lose ground. Every skipped workout, unhealthy meal, or delayed decision compounds over time. Drift doesn’t announce itself loudly—it creeps in through small hesitations, quiet delays, and the familiar excuse: “I’ll start tomorrow.”

Drift is never neutral. It always pulls you further from the man you’re meant to be.

The Path Forward

Resistance and Part X aren’t just obstacles; they are the battlefields where transformation happens. Every time you act—no matter how small—you chip away at their power.

• Action Breaks the Cycle: One workout, one healthy meal, one step forward is enough to start disrupting inertia.

• Action Builds Momentum: Small wins stack up, creating the energy to keep going.

• Action Fuels Identity: Every deliberate action reinforces the belief: “I am a man who follows through.”

The man you’re becoming isn’t waiting for you to feel ready. He’s waiting for you to act. Are you ready to take the first step today?

From Plan to Action: Bridging the Gap

You’ve done the planning. The blueprint is clear. You’ve mapped out your goals for 2025. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: a plan, no matter how perfect, is worthless without action.

Planning feels good because it’s safe. It gives you a sense of control and direction. Execution, on the other hand, is messy. It forces you to confront reality, take risks, and embrace imperfection. This is where most men falter—caught between the comfort of planning and the discomfort of doing.

Why Action Feels Harder Than Planning

Planning is all about possibilities. Action is where reality hits.

• Resistance Amplifies: Steven Pressfield’s “Resistance” lies dormant during planning—it’s content to let you dream. But the moment you commit to action, it awakens. Excuses, doubts, and distractions flood in.

• Perfectionism Creeps In: You’ve envisioned your ideal outcome. But when your first steps fall short of that vision, it’s tempting to stop. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

• Comfort of Delay: Action disrupts your routine. It requires effort, and effort feels hard. Delaying feels easier, but it’s a trap. Every delay strengthens Resistance.

The result? Drift. It’s not that you lack the ability—it’s that you’ve stalled between planning and execution.

How to Close the Gap

The gap between planning and action isn’t a chasm—it’s a choice. And that choice starts with movement.

1. Start Ugly: Forget about perfection. The first workout might be sloppy. The first draft might be rough. What matters is starting. Progress beats hesitation every time.

2. Break It Down: Big goals can feel overwhelming. Chunk them into manageable steps. Focus on one action at a time, not the entire journey.

3. Build Non-Negotiables: Commit to small, daily actions tied to your plan. Whether it’s 10 minutes of journaling or preparing tomorrow’s meals, make these habits sacred.

4. Leverage Accountability: Share your goals with someone who will hold you to them. A trusted friend, partner, or a group like Argent Alpha can provide the push you need to stay on track.

The Battlefield of Life

Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Life will punch hard: unexpected setbacks, missed opportunities, and the grind of daily responsibilities. But the plan itself isn’t the goal—it’s a guide. The goal is execution.

When life hits, your plan gives you direction. But it’s your actions that build the resilience to adapt, recover, and keep going. This is the battlefield of life: where your plans are tested, your discipline is forged, and your transformation begins.

Your Next Move

Today is an opportunity to bridge the gap. Reflect on this:

• What’s one small, actionable step you can take right now?

• What’s stopping you from doing it?

Write it down. Commit to it. Then act. The man you want to be in 2025 isn’t waiting for perfection. He’s waiting for you to step onto the battlefield and start fighting for him.

Momentum Through Small Wins: The Key to Sustainable Progress

Big goals are inspiring, but they can also feel overwhelming. The vision of a transformed 2025 might seem daunting when you’re staring at it from here. That’s why momentum—built on small, consistent wins—is essential.

Why Small Wins Matter

Small wins do more than check boxes; they build momentum, confidence, and clarity. Here’s how:

• Dopamine Loops: Each completed task, no matter how small, releases dopamine—your brain’s reward signal. This reinforcement makes the next step easier and more motivating.

• Confidence Compounding: Every win, even tiny ones, builds trust in yourself. You prove that you’re a man of action, one step at a time.

• Clarity in Motion: Small wins help you see the path ahead. They allow you to refine your goals and adapt your approach as you move forward.

Tools for Momentum: The 1% Rule and 3-Day Rule

Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up. These tools help you turn small wins into consistent progress:

• The 1% Rule: This mindset reminds us that even a tiny improvement compounds into significant change over time. For example:

  • In fitness: Add an extra 5 minutes to your workout or prioritize one healthy meal today.

  • In mindset: Spend 5 minutes journaling or reflecting on what went well.

  • In growth: Read one page of a book or watch a 10-minute video on a skill you want to master.

• The 3-Day Rule: Delayed action strengthens Resistance. This rule emphasizes acting within 72 hours of setting a goal or being inspired. Why three days?

  • 1 Day: Strike while the iron is hot. Immediate action builds the strongest momentum.

  • 2 Days: Life happens—day two allows for some flexibility while keeping you moving forward.

  • 3 Days: After this point, Resistance strengthens. Excuses creep in, and momentum is lost.

Your Momentum Starts Now

Take a moment to reflect:

• What’s one small win you can achieve today?

• How can you make it so simple that Resistance can’t stop you?

• What action can you take in the next 3 days to maintain momentum?

Write it down. Act on it. Celebrate the progress. Momentum doesn’t require perfection; it requires motion.

Bringing It All Together: Your Blueprint for Action

The tools and insights we’ve explored—momentum through small wins, battling Resistance, and taking immediate action—are all critical to bridging the gap between planning and execution. But there’s one more key to making it all work: creating a clear, actionable blueprint for your journey. That’s where the Argent Alpha 2025 Blueprint comes in.

The Power of Writing It Down

A plan in your head is a dream. A plan on paper is a commitment. Writing things down brings clarity, accountability, and focus. When you commit your goals, vision, and next steps to the record, you activate the power of intention.

Here’s why this matters:

• Clarity: Writing down your goals turns vague aspirations into precise objectives. “Get fit” becomes “Complete three strength workouts weekly and maintain 15% body fat.”

• Accountability: A written plan is a mirror. You can’t ignore what’s right in front of you, demanding action.

• Tracking Progress: With your blueprint, you can see the steps you’ve taken, the milestones you’ve hit, and what’s next. Momentum thrives on visible progress.

Your 2025 Blueprint

The Argent Alpha 2025 Blueprint is more than just a tool—it’s the bridge between ideas and execution. It helps you take the concepts we’ve discussed—your Future Self, Eulogy, and actionable goals—and put them into a tangible, structured plan.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Start with Vision: Use the blueprint to revisit your Future Self and clarify your “why.” The more vivid and compelling your vision, the stronger your pull toward it.

2. Break It Down: Translate your big goals into manageable, actionable steps. Focus on what you can do today, this week, and this month.

3. Track and Adjust: Review your blueprint regularly. Celebrate wins, adapt to setbacks, and refine your approach as you go.

Your Momentum Starts Here

Click here to get your Argent Alpha 2025 Blueprint. It’s your tool for turning everything you’ve envisioned into reality. The Blueprint helps you answer one crucial question:

As a man over 50, your 2025 will only improve with intention. The default is decline. Without action, every year risks becoming a Groundhog Day—repeating the same frustrations, the same setbacks, and the same drift.

How will 2025 be different from 2024?

Don’t just think about it—write it down. Make your vision sharp. Break it into actionable steps. Then take the first move, no matter how small. Because momentum doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when you choose to act.

Your Next Move

Commit to action:

• Step 1: Click the link to get your Argent Alpha 2025 Blueprint here.

• Step 2: Spend 15 minutes today filling out one section—whether it’s your Future Self, a key goal, or your first steps for January.

• Step 3: Take one small action within the next 24 hours. Don’t let Resistance win.

Your Blueprint is more than a tool—it’s the start of a transformative year. The man you’re becoming in 2025 starts with what you write down today.

The Man in the Arena: Your Moment to Act

Planning fires up the imagination, but action transforms your life. You’ve envisioned your Future Self, crafted goals, and explored the tools to get there. Now it’s time to step out of the comfort of planning and into the real work of execution.

The truth is stark: one year from today, you’ll either be more or less than you are now. There is no neutral. Your biological age will either lag behind or leap ahead of your chronological age. You’ll either be living stronger, sharper, and leaner—or caught in the same loop of frustration and drift.

This is where the rubber meets the road.

Action Over Perfection

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. Waiting for perfect conditions is just another form of Resistance. Start messy. Start small. Just start.

As Teddy Roosevelt said:

You’re not the man sitting on the sidelines. You’re the man in the arena—the one leading his family, setting the example, and embracing challenges head-on. The tools are in your hands. Now, the work begins.

Your First Step

Click here to get your Argent Alpha 2025 Blueprint. Fill it out. Commit to one action you can take within the next 24 hours. Then do it.

Review the previous issues of Harder To Kill if any of the terms are unfamiliar. Issues #109 to #115 cover our planning series.

Want to jumpstart your journey? Join dozens of men over 50 who are living their best lives through Argent Alpha. Apply here to become part of a community that holds you accountable, helps you break through barriers, and supports your transformation into the man you’re meant to be.

Be the Leader Your Family Looks To

Every action you take isn’t just about you. It’s about the people who look up to you: your spouse, your kids, your grandkids. They’re watching, learning, and taking cues from your example. When you show up—stronger, leaner, sharper—you become the patriarch they admire.

Imagine standing at the end of 2025, proud of the man you’ve become. Your family sees it. Your colleagues respect it. Most importantly, you feel it. That’s the life waiting for you—if you choose it.

Your Future Self Is Counting on You

One year from now, you’ll look back on this moment. Will you be grateful you acted, or will you wish you had?

The man you want to be isn’t waiting for excuses, hesitation, or drift. He’s waiting for you to step into the arena and fight for him.

Start today. Get your Blueprint. Write it down. Take the first step.
And if you’re ready to surround yourself with like-minded men who are as committed to their journey as you are, apply to Argent Alpha today.

The credit belongs to the man in the arena. Be that man.