Men need to be strong

What does it mean to be a man? Depending on who you talk to, it can mean a lot of different things. However, for the purposes of this article, masculine energy, and being a man, is synonymous with pushing and conquering, equal to a woman’s pulling and nurturing energy. Keep in mind that there are men (by gender) that have more feminine energy, and women that have more masculine energy. Sexual orientation aside, a man’s role in this world has been so watered down, it is a wonder there is a difference between the genders at all.

So if you define yourself as a man, it is time to step up and become the best version of yourself you can be, regardless of the mixed messages you might encounter. What does that mean? To truly be a man, we have to look at the whole entity. Borrowing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, here are some recommendations on how to be the best man you can be:

• Physiological needs: Before anything else, you need to eat well, sleep well, and keep your basic physiological needs satisfied, including sexual needs. Without this physiological foundation, it is impossible to achieve greatness as a man.
• Safety needs: This is where physical strength fits in. Hone your body to prepare it for physical stress. Furthermore, ensure you and your family are secure and protected physically, emotionally, and psychologically, allowing you to all prosper.
• Love and belonging needs: Once the first two levels have been satisfied, a man must have the courage to share his emotions with an intimate partner to share his life with. A man must also have friends and acquaintances with whom he can experience life physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.
• Esteem needs: A man with poor self-esteem is more akin to a ghost, floating through life, a pale ethereal version of his true potential. To achieve your highest esteem, set tough goals and achieve them in all areas of your life: Family, friendships, work, community, and personal.
• Self-actualization needs: To truly be your best as a man, build on all of the previous elements and see things as they are; no worse and no better. Accept the world as it is now, but see its potential and the powerful role you can play to make this world a better place.

Your strength as a man is not defined by how many pounds you can bench press, or your ability to knock someone out. It is defined by having the courage to be challenged, to make tough choices, and stand your ground against those challenges that would push you back.

Embrace who you are right now, and every day take a step towards who you want to become. Your goals are not just sitting there waiting for you; they are constantly moving away from you. You have to work harder and smarter to reach your goals. Step up to your best self. Step up to your truest self and see yourself as a force for positive change. Repel the people who would sabotage your efforts, and in the words of author Napoleon Hill, live in constant and never-ending improvement.