Dudes & Spare Time: How to Use Every Second Like a Total Dude

Guys are notorious for spending countless evening and weekend hours in front of the television watching sports or playing video games. While these are acceptable activities (even in dudedom), the ghastly quantity of time males waste pursuing them is entirely reprehensible. The intent of this post is not to lambaste men who find themselves caught in the magnetizing effect of TV and video games. Hopefully, these ideas will inspire and encourage men to use every precious second of their lives in the most effective and enjoyable manner. On my journey to ultimate dudedom, I have discovered three areas in which dudes can invest their time in order to receive an unbelievably positive return.

1. Build Relationships

First, dedicate their spare time to developing relationships with the important people in their lives. If men spent as much time listening to their wives as they do watching football, marriages and families all over the nation would be happier and healthier. If sons and brothers invested time in the relationships with their mothers and siblings, these relationships would be deep and strong. There are countless ways to build into the lives of others. Hand-written letters, phone calls, emails, and grabbing a cup of coffee are all excellent ways to use spare time. Other options for building relationships include planning a party or event, inviting someone over for dinner, or simply playing a game. In short, dudes see the inherent value in spending time with the people they love and building relationships.

2. Explore New Horizons

Secondly (and yes, this category was intentionally named in a broad and inclusive manner), dudes realize that one lifetime is not enough time to see, do, or learn everything so wasting time is out of the question. Exploring new horizons involves more than visiting new places, it is a mindset of trying new things. Google a local state park and take a day trip, attempt a hike to a friends house, visit local historic landmarks, learn to kayak, ski, or fix a car. If you are already outdoorsy, challenge yourself to read a good book or learn how to make a casserole. The point is that spare time is the perfect time to branch out.

3. Serve

Thirdly, dudes have a servant hearted attitude that drives them to spend their time serving others. Out of all human beings, young men are the best suited for service: physically fit, plenty of time, energetic, and young. Combine these qualities with a dudelike compassion and willing spirit and the results can be astounding. There are plenty of service opportunities if guys would simply look around. Food pantries and homeless shelters always need assistance. Thousands of elderly people in nursing homes long for friendship and attention. Young children can be organized into teams and played with. It is important to note that opportunities for service are often impromptu. Helping an old woman change a flat tire, giving a homeless man a bag of groceries, or even simply holding a door for a disabled man are ways to use time wisely. In conclusion, I am saddened by how young men (potential dudes) fritter away their time. I know that if ignited and harnessed, these dudes have the power to impact communities and cities for good.

Gentlemen, let's get off our butts and get busy.

Dude out,

-C.R.