Gents Weekly: The Creativity Cure

Issue #3: The manliest newsletter on the internet • January 26, 2026

Gents Journey

Jan 26, 2026

Welcome to the issue #3 of The Gents Weekly, a newsletter for the modern man.

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — Dean Bokhari, Stephen Seidel, and Matt McManus.

Let’s dig in…

📝 THE MESSAGE

A timely piece from the gents.
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In his book, Steal Like an Artist, author Austin Kleon writes,

”Work that only comes from the head isn’t any good … You need to find a way to bring your body into your work. Our nerves aren’t a one-way street–our bodies can tell our brains as much as our brains tell our bodies. You know that phrase, “going through the motions?” That’s what’s so great about creative work: if we start going through the motions (if we strum a guitar, or shuffle sticky notes around the conference table), the motion kickstarts our brain into thinking.”

I couldn’t agree more.

In my experience, I’m most creative when I’m physically using my hands.

For example:

– When I’m sketching out an idea inside of a physical notebook, the act of doing it leads to even more ideas.

– Or, when I’m journaling about a challenge I need to find a solution for, the physical act of engaging with the paper seems to help me find a creative way around my problem.

That’s what creativity looks like.

It’s not reserved for artists and painters.

Creativity is something every man needs in his life.

And it doesn’t matter whether you’re doing it for work or doing it for fun (major props if you’ve figured out how to combine the two, though!)

So, within the context of your own work or life – how can you put your hands to use?

– Could you sketch out your plans instead of creating a digital diagram?

– Could you use the dry erase board to present an idea instead of PowerPoint?

– Could you journal on paper rather than the digital journaling app?

Using your hands to interact with something you’re making can spark a special connection that computers can’t produce.

— Dean Bokhari
Co-founder, Gents Journey

📰 THE MOMENT

Sh*t that’s happening now, ICYMI
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Whether you’re a total novice or you use AI every day, you should know what a “prompt” is. A prompt is simply a question or instruction you give to AI (like ChatGPT or Claude) to get useful answers back.

Think of it like having a conversation with the smartest, most honest friend you know—except this friend has infinite patience and won’t judge you.

This week, we’re giving you a prompt that uses AI to help you think creatively about your life. Not to automate tasks. Not to write emails. To actually help you design the life you want instead of accepting the one that happened to you.

Here’s how it works.

The Creativity Prompt

Most men think creativity is for artists, writers, or musicians. But creativity is actually about designing the life you want instead of accepting the one that happened to you.

This week, we’re giving you an AI prompt that forces you to think creatively about your life. Not what you should do. Not what’s practical. But what you’d actually pursue if survival wasn’t the main plot.

Because creativity isn’t just making things. It’s imagining a different way to live—and then finding a path to get there.

STEP 1: Copy This Entire Prompt

(Everything in the box below)

Imagine money becomes obsolete tomorrow. Everyone's basic needs are covered. You don't have to work for survival anymore.

What would you do with your time?

Help me:
1. Identify what I'd ACTUALLY pursue if money wasn't a factor
2. Figure out if I'm currently doing ANY of that in my real life
3. Find ways to integrate 10% of that "dream life" into my current reality
4. Build a 5-year plan to move closer to that life (even with money still existing)
5. Identify what I need to LET GO OF to make room for what matters

Be visionary but practical. Show me the bridge between fantasy and reality.

STEP 2: Go to ChatGPT or Claude

ChatGPT: chat.openai.com (free version works fine)
Claude: claude.ai (also free)

If you don’t have an account, create one. Takes 30 seconds.

STEP 3: Paste the Prompt and Hit Enter

Just paste the entire thing into the chat box and press enter. The AI will start asking you questions and walking you through the exercise.

Answer honestly. This only works if you’re real with it.

STEP 4: Follow the Conversation

The AI will guide you through identifying what you’d actually do if money wasn’t a factor, then help you build a realistic plan to move toward that life.

It might ask follow-up questions. Answer them. Let it push you. This is where the magic happens.

Why This Works

Most guys spend their whole lives doing what they have to do. Bills. Responsibilities. Survival.

This exercise helps you figure out what you want to do—and how to actually make it happen.

Creativity isn’t just about making art. It’s about reimagining what’s possible and finding a path to get there.

Your Move

Run this prompt this week. See what comes up. Then share one thing you discovered in the comments below.

Let’s normalize designing our lives creatively instead of just accepting what we’re given.

— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey

👊 THE MOVES

Media for men.
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Watch | Best Artist of Your Lifetime

Watch the video on the new Gents Journey YouTube channel (and remember to subscribe!) And while you’re at it, comment with your favorite artist.

Artists Shape Our World

Everything in our world was once an idea. Through the passion and perseverance of artists and builders, those ideas became reality.

Through music, film, and storytelling, these creators give form to the formless. They remind us that our feelings — such as pain, beauty, and hope — deserve to be expressed. Artists don’t just entertain, they decipher the human experience and deliver it in a way we can truly understand.

And that journey begins with something simple: a thought, a feeling, an emotion.

Creativity is never-ending.

I remember going as a kid to a drive-in movie (they were the best!) to watch The NeverEnding Story and Atreyu’s journey. That has stayed with me all these years — a story of compassion and courage that weaves together the imaginary and the real, the very place where our deepest creativity comes alive.

Love and creativity are not finite; they are abundant, always available if we allow ourselves to tap in. In a world that pushes fear and scarcity, ideas and their expression remind us there is always more within us — accessible during downtime, in nature, or when stepping away from automatic thoughts.

Flow state is that moment when time fades, and ideas and inspiration flood in effortlessly — whether in the shower, walking, or even while you sleep.

Give Yourself Permission

Too often we think, “I’m not creative,” or “I can’t do that.”

Yet every one of us has felt that flow — losing track of time while doing something so absorbing and meaningful that we unknowingly connect more deeply with ourselves and our emotions.

Think about writing a poem, or watching your daughter with her Barbies, or your son with his GI Joes, as they escape into a world unknown and overflowing with imagination. In those moments, thoughts aren’t deliberate or habitual — they flow freely, and you are connected to something greater than yourself.

What will you create?

Find a favorite hobby, a book, or a favorite hiking spot, and let it move you. Then express how it made you feel — even if only for yourself.

There’s a reason so many songs and art forms come from heartache or emotional turmoil: feelings want to be felt, and creativity gives them a voice.

Here’s a simple question to ask yourself from our Journey Deck:

Ask yourself: Where am I at now in my journey, and how can I express it?

You don’t need to paint like Michelangelo or write a movie like Tarantino. Simply sit with your feelings and let go. Let go of stress, expectations, and “shoulds,” and let your imagination run wild.

When we create, we build a bridge between where we were and where we are now.

Take a breath and do your best to be nowhere, at the intersection of now and here — exactly where you belong.

“Creativity takes courage.” — Henri Matisse

— Stephen Seidel
Co-founder, Gents Journey

🔗 MEANINGFUL MENTIONS + MAGIC LINKS

Fun stuff you’ll dig.
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💻 REAL MEN HAVE A COACH IN THEIR CORNER

Stop playing small, step into the man you know you are. Create the world you’ve always wanted with the book, job, or relationships you’ve been waiting to create. The time is now.
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We’re looking for ten men who want coaching and guidance to level up in life + work. If that’s you, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

Until next week,
—The Gents

Inspired? Share this newsletter with another Gent you think it could help.

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