What Is A Real Man?

Will The Real Men Please Standup

There are many things that come to mind when I think of these two simple words: Real Men. Some are excellent, some are mediocre and some are, well, below par.  What do you think a real man is? I want you to sit down and really think about it. What constitutes a real man in today’s society?

I’ll tell you what quickly comes to mind when I think “real man”:

I think of GQ Magazine

I think of The Dos Equis Man

I think of John H. Miller, or John Creasy

I think of Forbes List of Billionaires

Why do I think of these particular men? The answer is plain to see. Mass media has done a terrific job of influencing what I think a real man is. As I sit here writing this post on my couch with my kids snuggled next to me, I realize that no men in my life are like my above perception. My cousin Jordan comes close but you get my point. Like you, I’m sure you’ve though more than once: “Will The Real Men Please Stand up!”

Why Do You Not Measure Up?

As you think about men around you, or think of what a man is, do you always place yourself last? Have you wondered why that is?

Maybe you didn’t grow up in a good home.

Maybe it is because you were home schooled and people think that’s not a real education.

Maybe it is because you didn’t finish college.

Maybe its because you don’t have a huge house, four cars and ten cool hobbies.

Maybe its because you did not grow your company in be a million dollar company.

Maybe its be cause you’ve had to file for bankruptcy.

Maybe it is because the one you love, no longer loves you.

Maybe its because more than once you’ve wrecked your marriage.

Maybe its because you’ve contemplated suicide.

That Is NOT Who You Are

Each one of those events is a heavy bag to carry. You might have experienced one of those events, or maybe all of them. Maybe these conflicts have burdened you to the point where you think, “Who cares what a real man looks like!”

All you need is one light at the end of the tunnel. I am here to tell you, if you are dealing with any of these bags, any of it, it does not define who you are. Those hard times, although they are as real as anything, will pass my friend.

What you need is to be is a hero! Yes, you heard me correctly. I know you may feel all alone. But you need to be your own hero, and start listening to that tiny voice inside you. Let that genuine voice give you hope, and give you the courage to know everyone makes mistakes.

Today you need to hear the wisdom of my buddy Bob Goff:

“Quit believing the lie that your worst mistake defines who you are!”

If you don’t feel like a hero right now that’s OK too. Try on what Bob says. Let it change who you think you are, starting today.

The Truth About Tomorrow

May you be set free in knowing that all that is dragging you down, does not make you a failure. May you be set free in knowing that you are not defined by the bags you carry. May you be set free in knowing that you are NOT alone in dealing with these things.

Want to know how I know?

Because I’ve carried almost all of these burdens myself. Yes, I know what it feels like to feel defeated  I know what it feels like to feel alone.  I know what it feels like to feel less than every man around me. I also know what it feels like to feel important, to be needed, to feel like you add value to those around you. Today I ask you to live in the freedom of knowing you are a man because you choose to fight for yourself.

Here’s a simple truth. If you do the work today, tomorrow you will be known as a hero to others, and more importantly, yourself. You will be known by how you choose to treat women with respect. You will be known because you choose to speak for others who can’t speak for themselves. You will be known as someone who is kind. You will be known as someone who does right. You will be known for fighting for the underdog, and because you fought for yourself.

Be a hero, fight for you. Fight to learn the truth that what you do, or what you’ve done or not done, does not define who you are.

What is a real man you may ask? A real man is a man who fights for himself.