Yes, I see you flinch at the word: masculinity. It’s a dirty word nowadays. But why? To be a happy man is to feel at ease in your masculinity. And for society to be worth living, we need happy men.
Here are 10 subtle traits of men who are masculine, but not in a toxic way:
1. They have a purpose
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Most men are lost and directionless. Join the elite few and create a reality fueled by a commitment to the “unreasonable” and the exciting. When you name it, your eyes water.
What is one thing you will accomplish by the end of this year that you would be excited to see become a reality? Some men decide to climb the highest mountain on Earth. What’s yours?
Take action, keep it a secret and take one small step today. It will strengthen you like nothing else. Goals can help men reach their potential. Goals can help men stay motivated and focused. A study from the University of Leicester found that men are more motivated by goals than women.
2. They have come to terms with their past
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To the extent that you identify with your past, you are wronged and emasculated as a man. Every time you allow what happened then to contaminate your current behavior, you go crazy. The past is not real.
Now burn it to the ground and watch it float in a cloud of ash. Stay with us here, buddy. All that matters is a beautiful future and your crackling presence. Letting go of the past is a difficult but necessary process that can improve your mental health.
3. They take calculated risks
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A 2018 study found a direct link between risk-taking and increased testosterone levels. Excessive security and avoidance leaves you weak and sore. Take calculated risks every day.
Let your pulse speed up. Be in danger, but don’t be reckless. Just because we live in “peaceful” times doesn’t mean we can’t live on the edge. A trustworthy and self-confident person is a dangerous person.
4. They know how to lead (and follow)
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Misfortune accompanies those who consider themselves at the mercy of the world around them. They have no sense of control or ownership. The antidote to this is to elect leadership.
Now find another one to pick up. At the same time, you will forget about your misfortunes and gain energy by supporting someone else. Leaders are rewarded with masculine pride that is immediately felt.
Male pride can be a complex concept and men can experience it in many ways. Research from Virginia Commonwealth University explains that it is a concept associated with a strong sense of male pride and may include ideas of masculinity, chivalry, violence and paternalism. Some men may reinterpret what it means to be a man to free themselves from traditional expectations.
5. They pay attention to personal hygiene
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Surface details matter. Little things like cutting your hair, getting a tan, dressing well, cleaning your nails and daily self-care make a huge difference. They strengthen your sense of pride and convey it to the world as well.
I cringe when I see men in stained sweatpants and ill-fitting sweaters. Trust starts on the surface.
Men often care about their appearance due to a combination of evolutionary biology, social pressure, and personal self-esteem, where physical attractiveness can significantly attract potential mates, increase self-confidence, and cope with social situations, just as it does for women. A 2021 article published by Psych Central highlights that it is important to remember that not all men place equal importance on appearance, and individual experiences and cultural contexts have a huge impact on these attitudes.
6. They have friendships with other men
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Most of us live in a modern, anti-male, politically correct environment. When our freedom to communicate freely is stifled and awkward at best – men need men-only spaces more than ever. Men need to bond, joke and connect. Find a men’s group, community, or at least reach out to other men for friendship.
Research published in 2023 found that male friendships can positively impact men’s health and well-being, including reducing stress, improving mental health and increasing satisfaction. Some argue that men can develop close friendships with other men, sometimes called “bromances,” that can be more fulfilling than romantic relationships with women. Men may feel more understood by other men and assume that their friends will be more loyal and willing to help in times of need.
7. They are friends with their “dark” side
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Aware of the “progressive” garbage fed to us throughout our lives, men easily fall into the trap of denying the darker aspects of their nature.
Our need for healthy aggression. Our natural desires and healthy drives have allowed the species to multiply.
We see society mocking and disregarding these aspects of being an integrated human being. Screw “society” and use the anger it has caused in you to build greatness. Open up to these darker parts of yourself, do it gracefully, and feel your masculinity emerge.
Scholarly research on the importance of “honoring masculinity” as a man often focuses on the concept of “male honor ideology,” which examines how men perceive and respond to threats to their masculinity, often leading to behaviors intended to protect their reputation and position. social While research often focuses on the negative consequences of a rigid MHI, it’s important to remember that positive aspects of masculinity, such as responsibility, leadership, and courage, can be valuable when expressed in healthy ways, as a 2019 study by Frontiers in Psychology found .
8. They are proud of themselves
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The little things will take you the furthest. Raise your attitude a little wherever you go. Your physiognomy reflects your view of yourself, but it is also felt as a wave flowing outward. Don’t wait until life is “right” so you can skip a step.
I don’t care how many difficulties you have experienced. Stand straight. Step out with pride and the universe will adjust to your reality.
Research published by Frontiers in Psychology shows that good posture in men is essential both for physical health, including reducing back pain and improving muscle function, and for mental well-being, because an upright posture can be associated with feelings of confidence, power and positive attitude. mood, which may affect how others perceive you. Research has shown that a slouched posture can be associated with negative emotions and lower self-esteem.
9. They are fierce towards what they love
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What have you sailed on that requires more heat? Whether it’s family time, business development, income, or a commitment to building an elite body, what right now requires a level of ferocity that doesn’t currently exist? Name it now. Maybe it’s a few things. Great, get to work. Masculine energy is and always will be a beautifully aggressive force for good.
Be like that. Own it, love your haters, don’t apologize and watch the world get out of your way. Life coach Danielle Bernock explains that being tenacious makes a person unstoppable. The tenacity is relentless. It’s the quality of not giving up and pushing through, especially when everything is telling you to stop.
Being tenacious may be a personality trait, but it can also be discovered and built upon because it can be found in the heart. The key to harnessing the tenacity that makes you unstoppable is to see what is important to your heart and allow yourself to pursue it.
Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a profitable personal brand by leveraging your knowledge and skills while maintaining mental resilience.
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