Man 2.0 Engineering the Alpha

you want to live, then you must actually follow through. Doing so will help ensure that your life doesn’t lead down a path to the ordinary.
    Rule #1. Make time for what’s important. Everyone is busy, but there’s a huge difference between being busy and being productive. Alphas are willing to sacrifice small things for important ones, even if it means giving up a little fun.
    Rule #2. Consider the problem from all angles to find a solution. Alphas know that sometimes you need a hammer, other times a key. Developing an understanding of how to address problems is an infinitely valuable life skill.
    Rule #3. Embrace ego as a mechanism to become more confident. But ego should never prevent you from listening to others or being willing to learn. Alphas are always open to the idea that they can learn more.
    Rule #4. Understand the importance of sex. Alphas want sex to be meaningful to them in a number of ways. Whether you quantify that by performance or connecting with your partner, great sex is something that Alphas are great at. Put somewhat less delicately, Alphas are fucking great at fucking.
    Rule #5. Say no to things you don’t like.
    Rule #6. Don’t ask permission—beg for forgiveness (it’s easier).
    Rule #7. Don’t criticize an idea unless you’re willing to provide an alternative.
    Rule #8. Get your clothes tailored. A $200 suit that fits well looks better than a $500 suit that doesn’t.
    Rule #9. Show love. Never, ever, ever hold back from giving a compliment, as long as it’s sincere. There’s never a bad time to say something nice; get in the habit of doing this. People will love you for it.
    Rule #10. Always be the first to reach for the check. Do this even if the other person invited you out. If he or she puts up a strong fight, let ’em have it. Alphas try to take care of others and never want to be beholden to anyone, but they don’t force dominance on other people, especially financially.
    Rule #11. Answer all insults with a smile. Alphas understand that not everyone is going to like them, and some people will be vocal about it. There’s no point giving them the satisfaction of giving a shit.
    Rule #12. Admit your mistakes with honesty and humor. Accepting responsibility for your actions, especially when they’re mistakes, is vitally important. Alphas do this, and they always go the extra step to make things right.
    Rule #13. Take the lead. Always suggest a day and time to meet instead of leaving it in the air. Alphas don’t wait for others to suggest things—they make things happen.
    Rule #14. Understand that scared money don’t make money. This is an old saying that is common in the poker world, and it’s another way of saying “fortune favors the bold.” Alphas take risks and savor both the sweetness of victories and the lessons learned in defeat.
    Rule #15. Learn how to cook. If you’re approaching thirty and you can’t make a few meals, take the next month and learn. Seriously, time to grow the fuck up. Alphas know how to feed themselves. It’s a basic human function.

CHAPTER 1
    The Fitness Industry Is Completely Fucked Up
    ENTER ADAM: UNMASKING THE FAÇADE OF EVERYTHING PUBLISHED IN THE MAINSTREAM
    “You want answers? You can’t handle the truth!”
    — A FEW GOOD MEN
    Y ou want to know what the problem is with being an editor for the most-read fitness publications in the world, as I am?
    You might think it’s the low pay, the ninety-hour workweeks, and the complete anonymity that comes with not having your name on 95 percent of the stuff you write. All reasonable guesses, but that stuff isn’t so bad when you get to work with some of the smartest people in the world, learn the best ways to improve your life, and train with athletes who are even cooler and more badass than they appear on TV.
    The real problem: it’s really hard to do my job the way it should be done. It’s bullshit, and I’m tired of it. And I’ve finally reached a point where I’m ready to call out the industry because it’s time for a fucking change.
    Is this a rant? No. It’s a much-needed stand that will explain why most guys never see the type of results promised and why you are actually capable of achieving much more than you probably think.
    The fitness industry is just like the food industry—or any industry, for that matter. The truth is always hiding somewhere between what you see and what you believe.
    How do I know? I’ve been part of the process that created the problem, and I