Have you struggled to define an idea?

Had something in your head for months but can’t put it into words?

There’s this concept I’m working on. Or maybe it’s a philosophy? 

I don’t know, the details are still messy. Putting them together is like doing a puzzle without all the pieces.

Still, writing is thinking. And you may have input to help shape this idea. 

Here’s where I’m at so far.

What is the Blue-Collar Method™?

The Blue-Collar Method™ is a practical view of life. A no bullshit approach to living and working. 

A less-than-technical take on Stoicism, really.  

• It’s about accepting the nature of things and understanding you are responsible for your inner peace
  
  
• About discipline and strong ethics and not being attached to the outcome—owning it, earning it, being thankful for it
  
  
• And about having a job to do and doing it the best you can, no excuses

The Blue-Collar Method™ reminds you that life won’t always be easy. Because it’s not meant to be. That shortcuts or hacks won’t get you there faster and sometimes you don’t get there at all. 

Take it straight, no chaser. 

That doesn’t mean living hard. It means stepping up, taking care of responsibilities, and enjoying life at the same time. 

It means getting your hands dirty to truly appreciate the world’s beauty.

Finally, the Blue-Collar Method™ is about finding purpose in the process. It’s about setting priorities and doing what matters most with the people who matter most.

And not complicating all of the above.

Why the blue-collar mindset?

It’s easy to become detached living in the Digital Age. Easy to lose sight of the big picture and let life overwhelm you. 

The blue-collar mindset shows you how little it takes to feel fulfilled. To be happy and healthy. To be a good person and do the right thing. To let go.

Because we don’t need more. More technology, more of the latest and greatest—more stuff. 

The blue-collar mindset lets you appreciate life in analogue. To see the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

Plus, living large is a lie. Little life moments are what matter. 

Like when your mom made you grilled cheese as a kid. Or spending a weekend fishing with the boys. And lazy days on the couch with the one you love.

You know, when the pressure isn’t so heavy. 

The blue-collar mindset reminds you not to take it so seriously, not to make it harder than it needs to be, and not to talk yourself out of it.

• When in doubt, get back to the basics
• Dive into the toughest thing first
• Take it one thing at a time

At the core of it is this: Just. Fucking. Do it.

Where did the idea come from?

The Blue-Collar Method™ is a testament to your everyday heroes.

I grew up middle class, you see. A product of blue-collar parents in a blue-collar city. I was taught to enjoy what you have and take nothing for granted. To be humble, honest, and proud. 

And a lot of my friends work in trades. They’re the salt-of-the-earth type, the hardworking and dependable type. They never ask for a leg up but they’re always willing to lend a hand.

Because blue-collar workers aren’t nepo babies.

Lastly, the term ‘blue-collar’ is often associated with physically demanding work, like farming and construction. But life is physically demanding, no?

• Learning to work with difficult people
• Trying to secure your future
• Nurturing your well-being
• Enduring tragedy
• Surviving

Talk about exhausting… 

But if you gotta live it, live it well. 

Bringing us full circle to the Blue-Collar Method™. It’s a philosophy, a mindset, and a lifestyle. A way to cut through the noise in a world of distraction. 

It’s doing the work and facing hardship head-on, with grit and gratitude. 

It’s not fancy, but it is honest.

And that’s all I got. 

For now.