What does it take to be a Real Man

Paul Miller, Hawkes Bay Personal Trainer explores what it is to be a real man.

What kind of man do you want to be? That was the question asked at my coaching session and it got me thinking…

First off let me start by saying these are just my opinions and I am by no way an authority on what a real man should be.

 There are many ways to define a man and different people have different definitions as to what a man should be.

Over the last week I have thought about this a lot and I guess the first steps we must take in becoming the man that we want to be, is to look at who we are right now, what our strengths are, what our weakness’s are and what our purpose is to this life?

I am not perfect, in fact far from it but just this simple self realisation is what gives me room to grow as a person.

Here are my 7 traits of being a real man

Most men spend their days trying to be cool. They take on the opinions, mannerisms and fashion tastes of others simply to try and fit in and be liked by others. Much of what they say is a lie to others and to themselves in order to protect their self image

Be true to your self and your character.

A real man has integrity in what he says and what he does. When he makes a promise he keeps it. His word is as powerful as his actions and that is what makes him trustworthy, dependable and unwavering.

He does not let fear control his life. Bravery comes in many forms, it may be standing up for something or someone knowing full well it may damage your standing within your community, it may be going against the grain of popular opinion. Ultimately he has the bravery to do what’s right regardless of the circumstance.

A real man is committed to persistence in the course of action. He knows that we all have moments in life which require hard work, patients and endurance but he has the courageous resistance against the difficult circumstances he may be up against.

He accepts accountability for his own actions. If he makes a mistake in life he looks for a solution or a way to amend the situation instead of making excuses or blaming others.

Many people confuse confidence with arrogence. Arrogance is a false front enacted to protect one’s self image, on the other hand confidence is about being self assured in one’s abilities and knowledge. A real man is happy to consider other people’s opinions and beliefs without it damaging his ego.

He has a clear focus of what he wants in life. He doesn’t spend life hoping things will happen,  he goes and makes them happen. He lives for something, a purpose beyond his own personal gains.

The above list is just a few of the traits real men possess, and there are many others. Real men don’t mold their behaviour based on what they read in articles, though. Articles can help guide the way, but change in becoming a real man must come from within.