My Story
Growing up, I was pretty shy. I had a couldn’t look people in the eye’s and had a soft handshake. My parents would even order for me when we would go out to eat because I couldn’t speak up and I had low self-confidence in my teenage years.
The hardest part was actually expressing my own opinion because I was afraid that people wouldn’t like me because of it.
Style Changed Me
I decided to start watching videos on building confidence and came across a few videos on style. These videos inspired me to care about my appearance and that how I look actually matters. I started to dress better and simultaneously noticed myself begin to stand taller.
Over time, I became more confident because I felt happy with how I looked. This is a prime example of acting into feeling – meaning, we must act regardless of us “feeling like it”. People began to notice that I no longer was dependent on the opinion of others for my own happiness.
This led to me being comfortable with who I am and brought a feeling of empowerment.
Continual Growth
Style was just the beginning. It was what got me headed in the right direction.
However, having confidence that comes from physical appearance can only last so long. My confidence began to fade and I felt like I was slipping back to my old thoughts and habits of people-pleasing.
That’s when I had a conversation with a very successful businessman in Seattle. He asked me “David, if you work out your body to stay in shape. Why don’t you read to work out your mind?”
That question has stuck with me since then. I began to read and took personal development seriously.
To grow and excel in life, I knew that I had to grow and increase my capacity.
Paying It Forward
I created Next Level Gents to help anyone who has ever felt the way I did – insecure, weak and timid.
I want to help you overcome these feelings and be confident in who you are. I want to help you elevate and expand your capacity.
My hope with this website is to give my perspective on men’s fashion, grooming, help you become the best version of yourself and take life to the next level.
