Man on the Street – Jaheb Barnett
Age: 31
Occupation: Advertising Mad Man by day and men’s fashion blogger somewhere in-between
What’s your morning routine?
Typically it starts with a shock when the alarm goes off at 6am, then me jumping into my exercise kit and hitting F45 training for a workout. This is followed up with a coffee to kick-start the brain for the day ahead
How do you plan to get the most out of 2018?
I’ve set myself a list of what I call ‘adjustments’ that I wanted to make for the year ahead. Some are larger than others, but by simply taking the time to realise and ink them, it has given me a clear picture of what I want to achieve. One of them is getting back into drumming, something I started at primary school.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
Get my group of friends together and spend a month in Mexico, drinking Coronas and tequila and devouring tacos. Meet and try to hit a ball over the net with Roger Federer. Attend New York Fashion Week.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Buy Easter eggs after Easter, it’s far more cost-effective.
How do you think the World will change over the next 20 years?
I’ve just watched Altered Carbon on Netflix. It explores the theme of immortality and being able to transfer your consciousness into another body or ‘sleeve’, as its referred to. The rich have clones and rule the real and virtual worlds, of course. It seems futuristic yet also very real and possible. Freaky.
How do you stay motivated?
By constantly demanding more of myself and not staying comfortable. By thinking about what I want to achieve and then working out how to get there and constantly pursuing it. Exercise also helps and transfers those positive effects to many different areas of my life.
If you didn’t need money, what would you do?
I have a fascination with movie production and would happily be working on the sets of blockbuster films. I’m pretty decent at making coffee, if that’s where I need to start!
What is your secret to success?
Helping others achieve their successes. The world tends to pay you back for it, I find.
What’s the best bit of advice or quote that resonates with you?
“Don’t live in fear of ‘what if’, live in the fear of ‘what if you didn’t’.” I think it was my old mate Tony Robbins who said that. It resonated with me as we’re too often hamstrung by the thought of failure and disappointment, so we shy away from daring to try. But if we shifted our mindset so we saw the beauty that comes with the chance of success, this can outweigh any fear that’s trying to derail you.
What are your favourite restaurants to frequent?
Dumplings are my life, so I’d say Xuxu in Britomart. I’m also mad on Asian fusion, so Tok Tok in Takapuna is a must, and Moo Chow Chow in Ponsonby is another good option. Azabu for incredible Japanese. And while it’s not a restaurant, the donuts from Little & Friday must be mentioned and devoured.
What is your secret to living a longer, more satisfying, life?
Eating curries and sleeping in on Sundays.
What makes you feel alive?
Cuddles from my girlfriend.
