15 ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS FOR MODERN MEN

[@jameswise8396]

It seems that the military is a good teacher of almost every one of these tips. Sewing, shining shoes, ties, charity work, exercise, public speaking etc. All are learned in the military. Seems like serving your country has a lot of extra benefits we don't often consider. Another good one Ash.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The service of one's country is a fabulous apprenticeship for life and particularly for the budding gentleman.

[@phmwu7368]

Military formal attire with full medals, Mess jackets and evening gala uniform with medalets... military equivalents of Black Tie and White Tie... know them well after 4 decades!

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Ash. Good advice. I have always tryed to keep shoes shined. Dad told me always shine your shoes always wear a belt and tuck your shirt in. Cheers Ron

[@danielrocek1801]

Happy to be a part of your journey from the beginning. I'm really enjoying your videos. Good morning and have a wonderful weekend Ash!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great to have you aboard sir!

[@stefanoorlandi8423]

Thank you Sir. Great video. I have to learn ironing, it is my foult. Bye from Italy and thank's for yours needfull information.

[@TheChapsGuide]

You can do it!

[@jonathanhardin8075]

Excellent guidance

[@flasherol3764]

Another Great Video, Sir. I always look forward to your videos.

[@byN91]

Good words

[@verykeen2please]

i am never doing ironing again hehe

[@viclucyzia]

In Europe nobody wears a tie anymore whether business men, politicians, office and bank workers not even tv anchors and hosts. So ugly. Who came up with this stupid idea? Confidence in public speaking is where I really need to focus and master. Thank you Ash for your guidance towards becoming a chap.

[@StruanRobertson29]

I believe I know the answer. A wise man once told me, that back in the day, a long long time ago, if men of society were attending a feast, they would wear colourful pieces of cloth around their necks and use these as extravagant napkins. Eventually these napkins morphed into a style item known as the tie...and were worn on special occasions. I still wear a tie to work every day...but I need to say I am in the minority. I would also point out a cultural difference between Scotland and England...ties are much more commonly worn in Scotland than England. In fact, if you were to attend a hospitality event at ibrox..you are not allowed access without a tie. I attended hospitality once at Old Trafford and there wasn't a tie in sight.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great response - I can add nothing further!

[@stevenplayford8223]

You may not wear a tie everyday, but there will be occasions in life that require more formal dress. You should be equipped to deal with those. A wedding or funeral for instance.

[@jamesalbright1193]

At the beginning of this video I thought to myself, "My boys need to hear this." By the end I realized I needed to hear this too. Excellent, practical, and motivating. Thank you.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RoryPattonDreamerOfDunsidhe]

Good advice. I might personally add learning to tie a bow tie. Personally I find ¾ of conversation to be trivial and I abhor conversation at the dinner table except between courses. To learning to write, I would add, "legibly". Illegible hand writing is as ill-mannered as mumbling.

[@robertarevalo5306]

Thank you for the great advice. I’ve met a few young men at work who don’t own a tie nor do they know how to tie one around their necks. I think that for some people dressing up means not wearing tennis shoes. I’ve seen people of all ages wearing T-shirts at the theater. I volunteer to coach volleyball at my kid’s elementary school, even though my kids have been out school for some time. Thank you for this video. Keep them coming.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you for your service to your community sir - to inspire the next generation to achieve greatness is a holy task. Keeping the tie alive is one way we can connect with the past and demonstrate the importance of style to the next generation.

[@Smithy67]

Brilliant Ash, thanks so much. Agree with everything you say 100%, we must have been separated at birth! I'm going to sit my two boys (9 and 11) down in front of your video this evening. All the best.

[@amcluesent]

How to lead a lady in ballroom dancing

[@bigprettyman3795]

Well, I’m 15 for 15.( yes, I’m heavy but I do exercise daily. Swim snd walk.). So I guess I’m essentially good.

[@TheChapsGuide]

BP - you are The Chap in the USA. Undeniably sir!!

[@pasquale78]

Hi Ash, thanks for the advice. I possess most skills you mentioned, or at least to some extend. I can recommend everyone to make them you own. Also, I live according to 5 rules to live by I learned from Tang Soo Do, a martial arts. These help me be a better person.

[@jmagda41]

"Him or her?" I think you should reconsider who your primary audience is on this channel; the percentage you think you're winning over and the percenatge that you are turning away.

[@lynn5447]

I have three suggestions: Have a spiritual practice. Learn to know yourself and connect in whatever way you choose. Add some self-knowledge and depth. Read. Expand your universe. In the US 67% of all high school graduates never read another book. Get some knowledge and ideas in your head. Travel. Go the furthest you can afford. See some new people and expand your concept of the world.

[@Stevenmulraney]

1:20 4 in hand and half windsor are the only canonical tie knots. Everything else is heretical.

[@johnnicholson956]

How can the half windsor be canonical when the full windsor isn't?

[@mungulor]

I used to have to tie a full windsor in the military. Personally though, I agree with you - there isn't much place for a full windsor in the real world

[@BangNguyen-ux4ie]

@@johnnicholson956 The full windsor is not practical unless you have a spread collar shirt.

[@stephendownes6331]

If you only buy your dress shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt you will never need to re sew a button on a shirt.

[@JonathanHaughton]

Another great video Ash. Tomorrow planning to go for Sunday lunch with Mum and my family. I’ll be wearing a tie - full windsor. The tie isn’t so common these days, but that helps make it special.

[@TheChapsGuide]

A tie is the last vestige of the chap - its sets us apart from the masses. Have a great lunch and please give my sincere regards to your mother. Ash

[@SimonChambers]

Another great video, Ash! Glad to hear you mention wife or husband in the piece on ironing. And dealing with alcohol I do differently as I don't drink ;). Thanks for your channel, as always!

[@Andrew-nn4ml]

Learning to shave with a straight razor, a new skill - you missed that one! lol Nothing, and I mean nothing compares to a shave with a English razor made in 1840-60, during the time Dickens was writing. Find yourself a Wade & Butcher straight razor that is "shave ready", and teach yourself this skill. It helps transform your day from a "task list" to an "experience", teaches you to slow down. A fine Badger shaving Brush, a traditional English shave soap such as Mitchell's Wool Fat rather than "canned chemical goo" and one's day is set. You've got the watches part(my 3 are a 5 digit Daytona, 5 Digit Submariner and a 5 digit Day-Date), the boots/shoes, a nice suit, now you just need to learn how to shave properly! lol

[@theopoliusivory9463]

That is cool I smoke a pipe also, we need to make it popular again!

[@phmwu7368]

Stephen Fry wrote a book and did a series on ties: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-ohqGweZmYia8

[@gary6514]

Thank you Ash. These tips are of course excellent advice. As more and more men adopt a couldn't care less attitude regarding dress and manners the more gentlemen such as yourself and those who watch your channel will become more noticeable. I had a meal today in a nice country pub and observed a young man eating a meal who couldn't be bothered to take his woolly hat off! We really do live in an age where standards are at times none existent.

[@TheChapsGuide]

It is tragic that most men dress for the building site when they are embarking for a social event - but it does make us smart fellow look so much better in contrast.

[@themoderndandy713]

I know the basics of how to shine my shoes, but I prefer to go to Nordstrom and get them polished for me. The talent of a professional shoe shiner will easily outshine (no pun intended) my skill, I enjoy the old-school style experience, and as an extrovert in a world where extroversion is seemingly rather uncommon, I take what social time I can get. That's easily worth $5 (plus tip) to me.

[@the_9ent]

Hi MD. What’s Nordstrom? I’m guessing you are based in the U.S?

[@themoderndandy713]

@@the_9ent Indeed I am. Nordstrom is a high-end fashion store that sells products like Ugg and Creed and other trendy and expensive brands. Everything in that store is out of my price range, but at least for my location, the shoe shining is a good option.

[@stevenplayford8223]

There is also something rewarding in ironing a shirt or shining shoes. Ready for the day. You should be able to get shoes to an good functional level in minutes.

[@marc4199]

Ash, I have just discovered your channel and have been binge watching your videos. Subscribed.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Welcome aboard!

[@StruanRobertson29]

Good advice. Especially small talk. I am a person who, professionally didnt used to like small talk, I just wanted to get the job done well and as directly as possible. I just saw small talk as wasting time and productivity. But, as someone once told me, "people like people"...I see those who make small talk, who perhaps aren't as good at the job, getting to higher levels professionally, pretty much because these people are liked by those in higher positions...just because of the personality issue. You need the small talk.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Never underestimate the power of the human connection in the success of many of life's obstacles.

[@harrisburghawk315]

Self defense urban survival

[@paulemmett3731]

I think another skill that should be cultivated is to read books, and read a wide variety of books. Short newspaper or magazine articles or social media posts are alright, but I think that to really grasp something in-depth takes the discipline of reading a full-length book. It goes along with the idea of being a good conversationalist.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Reading is perhaps the best and most accessible tool for self improvement that is available to most chaps at no cost (if you use the public library).

[@georgejames4206]

Great video, sir! What is the quest? Refined. Polished. Built for the extreme. That special breed of men or women that inspired my own quest. Rest assured, it is a path I intend to keep on exploring. Best wishes!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Good luck on the journey sir - may our paths meet on the quest at some point in the future.

[@admiralcraddock464]

"None of us know when that time will come to an end." How true that is. Last week my brother in law collapsed and died three days after his sixtieth birthday, up until then he had been in decent health. My wife had been on the phone telling him about the birthday party we were organising for him; twenty minute later he was dead. He was about to retire and go travelling with his wife, and one of his daughter is getting married next year. It certainly puts thing in perspective.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Many condolences sir. I hope your family weather the storm of your recent loss. Time is the most precious of all commodities.

[@NaNByZero]

Dear Mr. Johnson? Whatever your name is… I have to tell you, that, although your style of clothing etc is not mine and I am often of a different opinion, I really enjoy your style, your videos and your different opinion. You are a great and very likable guy. Or so to speak CHAP.

[@philparkinson462]

I'm 50 and couldn't agree more with every point raised Ash. It's such a shame that every generation needs to learn these lessons themselves!

[@timhardman9386]

Fantastic advice. Except that I should treat other people like I would want my mother to be treated. Because I am concerned that following this advice might have undesirable consequences for both my private life and degree of freedom to move. I do not hold solitary confinement in high regard when it comes to my personal future outlook.

[@mungulor]

Brilliant video as usual! Good to see the pipe make an appearance too. What's your favourite pipe tobacco blend out of interest?

[@TheChapsGuide]

SAdly it is merely a prop for the photography - I am a non smoker.

[@ritchieclarke6488]

This cheered up a dark wet Tuesday morning. As I listened I did a mental audit of my life and skills. And happily I passed every one. But that doesn’t mean I can rest on my laurels, it spurs me on to continue getting better. I have also just purchased one of your book recommendations ‘Dressing the man’ so I look forward to that.

[@adamlittlewood1453]

Thank you Ash some of the skills are very stoic. I follow stoicism and several mens style pages of which you are one. Being 50 I have those skills but being reminded is a good thing.

[@Charlie_Duz]

Number 16: subscribe to this channel. 👏👏

[@TheMKEWERBY]

I think those are all great skills, Ash!

[@crusader5989]

I discovered this channel just yesterday and it’s great, old school in the best of ways. The 16th skill that i would add, if i may, would be to learn how to sharpen a knife properly, freehand. I know it might not be “essential” in today’s world, but i am astonished that among my circle of, family, friends, acquaintances etc, i am the only one who knows this skill.

[@TheChapsGuide]

A skill well worth mastering indeed. Thank you sir

[@leonardgoffe7159]

I think you should add planning your time and writing down goals

[@victorhobson373]

excellent advice to all the chaps out there and also are future chaps .

[@kdmarksuk]

Ash I wear a tie regularly important and shine on shoes

[@robdavies8254]

Hello Ash, loving where your head's at on this one. Can only assume you still had a drop left in your Monkeys Shoulder bottle 🤣. No nonsense, pull yourselves together and listen up chaps. This was Mr. Ash at his finest. On a less flippant level, bang on. Public speaking and confidence, polish and presentation are an underrated if not denied beneficial skill. Ash, i have admired your videos since the very first one. But this confirmed you as my brother in arms. Excellent.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks very much, great to have you along

[@RemyNiemand]

Splendid video... once again. Thanks Ash

[@derekstalker1567]

Just to be the best dressed man in any room like you and Me

[@_-MiamiVice-_]

Without watching the video my recommended skills for everyone. Make your bed first thing in the morning. Maintain a constant routine through the week that involves healthy eating, food prep, every day cold shower and exercise. Accept that mental health doesn't come by itself, you have to work for it constantly. Alcohol, cigarettes are nothing but a waste of money, you are higher class if you live without them. Drugs are for losers. Have a hobby you can enjoy and constantly develop. The money you save by not smoking or drinking, spend part of it on fragrances and always smell good in public. Learn at least 1 foreign language. And now i'll watch the video, it's a great channel, a lot of self entitled young brits could learn a lot from it.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Solid advice indeed sir. I may try and squeeze some on those tips into a future video. It’s is advice worthy of sharing

[@_-MiamiVice-_]

​@@TheChapsGuide Thank you Sir that's very kind of you. While myself i have never been in the military, i ended up developing this lifestyle of routine and discipline through the years. It doesn't take much effort and really keeps one on the track, makes life feel fun. I saw a video not long ago, an ex navy seal talking about how he kept the routine lifestyle after leaving the army, and also the cold showers as an example. Maybe yourself did the same? Personally i think every parrent should teach their kids for this from a young age, and schools-nurseries should follow. Then we wouldn't have the mentality the young generation has these days. There would also be less obesity, alcohol, and drug problems. It is estimated that sadly the current total social costs of just alcohol and obesity reach almost a 100 billion pounds per year.

[@davidbreckler5327]

Well done! And Thank you!

[@Tommy-Atkins]

Interesting vid Mr Jones....commenting on the salute , as you ex RAF that wouldn’t fit the salute style so the only salute of that ilk outside of the Navy and the Yanks that I am aware of is the Metropolitan Police....am I warm ?! 😉👍

[@Tommy-Atkins]

**as you are ex RAF**

[@TheChapsGuide]

No sir - As you will be aware, the RAF and British Army salute with the open palm towards the recipient of the salute. I deliberately choose the RN-style salute to differentiate from my own military heritage. I added the salute at the end of every video as a simple acknowledgement of respect to my viewers.

[@Tommy-Atkins]

@@TheChapsGuide ah ok...at the time of my initial reply I had been given the merest clue as to the “day job” in your EDC video!(wallet).....on further research perhaps a force nearer to the Bristol Channel would have been warmer still but still incorrect re the salute following your explanation! 😉👍......

[@stevenplayford8223]

A lot of these I think of as very basic life skills but I feel lucky that I had parents and grand parents to teach me many of these things. I had a conversation in a team meeting recently and one professional person told the group they didn't own an iron! I have also been lucky to work in environments that had great male role models. I feel a bit old fashioned at times, even for a man in my 40s today. None of us are however perfect and I really struggle with small talk with strangers. Id like to be better at public speaking too, but working on that. I think we are all works in progress.

[@TheChapsGuide]

No iron - how on earth can a man get through life without the services of an iron? Well, he must be hemorrhaging money on laundry services, or he looks like an itinerant every day!

[@stevenplayford8223]

@@TheChapsGuideIt was a woman. I explained that in a previous job if I had turned up without my shirt ironed and shoes polished that I would have been pulled and words had. They were horrified.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

Basic table manners certainly set one apart in 2021. Napkins in laps, chewing with the mouth closed, not talking with the mouth full, not slurping or chugging beverages, not reaching across the table, elbows off the table during the meal, sitting up rather than hunched over with face almost in the bowl or plate, etc. The basics. Sadly, it now seems very rare to sit across from someone who exhibits even the most rudimentary table manners.

[@TheChapsGuide]

You are so very correct sir - I address these issues with my son on a daily basis. Its all in the training!

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

You and me both!

[@stevenplayford8223]

Hugely agree. Good parenting. But many children eat few meals at a table now. Something people judge you on, both on a date and in business.

[@e-remes7029]

My Saturday morning, post run viewing. Thanks again Ash. Also as a military man, I know many are required skills (maybe falling down on the booze point at times 🍻😉). As for volunteering, I have a role (also my passion), maybe when I get to old for that I will find something else.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you for your service sir - salute.

[@e-remes7029]

@@TheChapsGuide You too did your duty. Salutes back

[@e-remes7029]

As we head to the weekend, I am preparing for "formal" drinks on Saturday evening. To that end, suit checked, shirt ironed, shoes shined (not quite parade bulled). Hmm🤔 note to self: don't get all "chest pokey" with a General, this time 😉😁

[@guitarplayer5611]

Excellent list!

[@jabbasan12]

Great advice Ash!

[@richardm2661]

All great advice, thank you.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!