The Bond Lifestyle: Adding a Touch of 007 To Your Life

Ah, James Bond. There's a reason why he remains as captivating as ever more than sixty years after he first hit the screen in 1962's Dr No; there is simply no one like him. From adventures to killer quips and beyond, he's the personification of cool and charm.

While it's unlikely you'll ever truly reach Bond's level (though feel free to apply to MI6!), there are ways to incorporate elements of Ian Fleming's world-famous character into your own life. Take our tips below, and you'll be well on your way to living a life that's edging towards that of Britain's most famous secret agent.

Upgrade Your Wardrobe

James Bond doesn't just act cool; he also looks cool. His unmatched sense of style ensures he looks fantastic regardless of what he's doing. It doesn't matter whether he's playing high-stakes blackjack in a flawless tuxedo, as in 1989's Licence to Kill, or running through the jungle in a safari-inspired fit, as in 1983's Octopussy; this man always looks the part.

Give yourself a dose of Bond-style by donating those old worn-out threads and investing in quality pieces. James Bond doesn't wear clothes that are past their best, and neither should you.

Get Comfortable at a Casino

James Bond isn't just handy in combat; he can also do some serious damage at the casino, too. His favourite game may be baccarat, but 007 is wise enough to educate himself on all those other common casino games. He plays a high-stakes game of poker in Casino Royale and, as mentioned above, wins a cool $250,000 in a game of blackjack in Licence to Kill.

This enviable trait is one that anyone can acquire for themselves. How? Do as Bond probably did, and read up on how to properly play a range of casino games. Bond will know the smart moves to make when playing blackjack or how to read your opponent in a game of poker, both of which you can learn yourself with a bit of time and effort. It's unlikely you'll ever need to draw upon these skills in the same way that Bond does (and that's a good thing!), but you'll certainly have a touch of Bond-esque confidence when you sit down to play a card game.

Unflappable Confidence

You have to imagine James Bond was born with unflappable confidence. There's a reason he rose to become Britain's best-ever secret agent, after all. Most other people? They don't have unflappable confidence. In fact, they're very much flappable. While you're unlikely to become a suave king or queen of cool just like Bond, you can edge yourself towards having that zen, confident aura. Working on your confidence, be it by learning new skills, exercising, or engaging in meditation, will make you believe that you can face anything that comes your way.

Become a Handyperson

James Bond is the opposite of helpless. He's more than capable of doing any task that's put before him, provided he has the right tools and hasn't been tied to a chair by a supervillain (and even then, he sometimes gets the job done). He's got an endless array of useful skills to draw upon, and you can take a leaf out of his book by upgrading your own skill set. There are plenty of valuable skills to learn; what about learning how to build a campfire, learning to ride a motorbike, or learning how to sail? It's a surefire way to impress others.

Explore the World

Has anyone explored the world as much as James Bond? Villains exist in all corners of the globe, and if there's one thing Bond hates, it's villains. Live the 007 lifestyle by making travelling a bigger part of your life and explore those off-the-beaten-path destinations. You'll get bonus points if you visit those destinations that have appeared in Bond movies, such as Jamaica, Istanbul, Thailand, and Switzerland. Just try to make your trip a little more relaxing than Bond's adventures.