🧑‍🦱 The “Dadbod” Trend: A False Comfort?

You’ve seen the ads—they claim it’s “okay” to have a dadbod, and that you just need to buy a specific shirt to hide it. But really, is that the solution? Instead of relying on gimmicky clothing, why not just put down the cheeseburger, pick up some protein, and hit the gym? Let’s be real: feeling confident isn’t about covering up your body with a shirt, it’s about taking action and investing in yourself.

In today’s world, we’ve become a little too comfortable with comfort. 🛋️ But there’s a fine line between embracing who you are and letting yourself go. It’s time to stop hiding behind excuses and start making positive changes in your life.

🏫 Speaking at a Local High School: What I Noticed

I recently had the chance to speak at a local high school, and the experience really opened my eyes to what’s happening with young men today. Good kids, really—they’ve got potential. But one thing stood out to me: the way they carry themselves. My business partner, John, and I talk about this all the time. Your posture, your appearance—it speaks volumes.

👖 Why are young men walking around in pajama bottoms and flannel pants? At first, I thought it was just a high school thing, but no—it’s happening everywhere. Even in the workplace! One young man who works for us came to work in flannel pajamas. I had to ask: Are we really doing this? At 20-something years old, is this how we present ourselves?

😅 Decline in Self-Care and Confidence

Let’s be honest: the way you dress and present yourself affects how you feel. Wearing pajama bottoms and tank tops on a plane, sweating profusely, and giving off the scent of “I don’t care” is not the look. What happened to self-care? Confidence? 🤷‍♂️ It’s like we’ve lost the desire to present ourselves well.

I grew up poor, wearing whatever I could find. So, when I finally got the chance, I always made sure to dress well. I realized that when you look good, you feel good. Wearing clothes that fit you, carrying yourself with pride, and taking care of your hygiene can elevate your self-esteem in ways you didn’t even imagine.

👔 Back in the Day: A Different Era of Style and Confidence

Look back at the men from the ’60s—like my grandfather. He was a carpenter from Greece, barely spoke English, and had very little to his name when he came to America. Yet every day, he dressed in a suit. Even bedridden for years, he’d still put on a button-up shirt. Men back then had posture, carried themselves with confidence, and earned the respect of their peers through action and presence.

So what happened? How did we go from that generation of men to today’s pajama-wearing, slouching, insecure generation? It’s not just the clothes. It’s a deeper reflection of how we see ourselves.

🤔 The Vicious Cycle of Low Self-Esteem

Let’s get real. If you’re wearing oversized clothes because you’re hiding your love handles or extra weight, you’re reinforcing low confidence. I’ve been there. At 240 lbs, I hated how my clothes fit. But instead of hiding in baggy t-shirts, I took action. I hit the gym, changed my diet, and started dressing in clothes that fit. And guess what? I felt better. It’s a cycle: the better you take care of yourself, the better you feel.

If you want to break that cycle, start with the basics: dress well, eat right, and exercise. 💪