What makes a man valuable?

7 Vital Characteristics of a Man

What makes a man? The question has been asked many a time through the ages with varied response. “Man is what he reads,” contends poet Joseph Brodsky. “The character of a man is known from his conversations,” argues Menander, the Greek dramatist. While novelist Mark Twain claims, “Clothes make the man,” as “Naked people have little or no influence on society.”

To break it down to the basics, there are a few common traits that essentially make up the masculine gender. Though roles vary slightly in each culture, there are certain vital characteristics that appear in almost every male. Whatever the positive or negative manifestations of these may be, they are truly what make a man what he is.

1. Physical

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even. –Muhammad Ali

Whether competing for food, fighting hand to hand, or challenging each other in the sporting arena, mastery of one’s own physical abilities is an important part of being a man. The most primitive, yet still one of the most prominent traits, a man’s physical capability affects everything from self-preservation to mating preferences. The health and virility of a male make him an appealing candidate for partnership with the opposite sex, while his strength and stature still prove to be influential factors in both the social and business world.

2. Functional

“Happy the man who, like Ulysses, has made a fine voyage, or has won the Golden Fleece, and then returns, experienced and knowledgeable, to spend the rest of his life among his family!” — Joachim du Bellay

Throughout time, a man’s ability and desire to provide for those that depend on him has been central to his masculinity. While utilizing a combination of physical ability, wit, savvy and ambition to succeed, his role as the breadwinner is what drives a man to achieve. No matter the geographic location or social situation, men work primarily to feed and create an environment of comfort for their wife and family. This is the commonly accepted role of the man within the social system and proves a formidable challenge that every man must accept.

3. Sexual

“I have always thought that every woman should marry, and no man.” — Benjamin Disraeli

When it comes to partnership, the man is perceived to be the less affected of the genders. Traditionally, it has been more acceptable for a man to remain a bachelor later in life compared to a woman. The desire for independence and freedom from the command of others is typically a masculine trait.

A man’s role as the aggressor in finding a mate is frequently recognized in most cultures, leaving him to seek out and pursue his interest. Although this sounds like an archaic and primeval practice, it is still a very large part of the courting process in modern society. In fact, this image of man’s independence has become so accepted, and even glorified in mainstream culture, that married men often feel compelled to follow this independence still. So, before marrying, ensure that you recognize the challenges that will come your way no matter what, and that you both have a firm commitment to make it last.

4. Emotional

“Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions.” –David Borenstein

The denial of ones emotions is ingrained in men from a very early age. The phrase “boys don’t cry” about sums it up. Whatever his position, a man must manage without regard to the emotional effect that issues have on him. The ability to suppress personal feelings enables men to maintain an objective view of the circumstance and carry on. A man is then able to make rational decisions whether in a situation as small as an interpersonal debate or as catastrophic as a bloody battlefield. That said, it is necessary and healthy for men to have someone that they can confide in – a mentor, a brother, a friend – and let the old guard down once in awhile so that stress isn’t bottled up to the point of exploding.

5. Intellectual

“To me, being an intellectual doesn’t mean knowing about intellectual issues; it means taking pleasure in them.” –Chinua Achebe

Men are seen to rely on their intellectual capabilities rather than on emotion or intuition. Utilization of reason and logic enable men to view situations objectively and thus respond to them in a rational way. Only factual information is considered, while “feelings” are deemed unsuitable evidence on which to base decisions. Education and the acquisition of knowledge are viewed as important factors in male development.

6. Interpersonal

“A true man hates no one.” –Napoleon Bonaparte

In interpersonal relationships, men are prone to adopt leadership roles and take the initiative to act on the other’s behalf. This can manifest itself negatively in the form of dominant behavior, by suppressing the will of others in the name of self-interest. However, this leadership can also be utilitarian. It is highly effective in the family model, as the father is able to establish order in the household. Giving direction and acting as a disciplinarian are common functions of men as a result.

7. Other

“The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion… It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider – and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation – persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree.” –Alexander Graham Bell

Among some of the other characteristics commonly attributed to men are ambition, pride, honor, competitiveness and a sense of adventure. These are not necessarily the attributes possessed by the perfect man. Rather, they are displayed to varying degrees, in one way or another, in most all men. They may reveal themselves differently from man to man, as one may use his power and influence for selfish interests, while another will strive for the greater good. Each man must assess his own strengths and weaknesses and find the best use for his vital characteristics.

Inspired by Janet Saltzman Chafetz

Written by Ross Crooks and Jason Lankow

30 Character Traits of Mentally Strong People

After a truly terrible day at the office, in a quiet moment of reflection, you might marvel at the fact you had the fortitude to get through the whole experience without screaming (or quitting). You think, “How did I do it?”

A likely factor: You have the character traits of a mentally strong person.

Mental strength can be a road map for personal success in all areas of your life — including your career. But to use your mental strength to its full advantage, you need to focus on developing it just as you would any other high-value skill.

That process includes honing your sense of purpose and cultivating your ability to make good things happen. It also may require refining many of the attributes you already tap into when situations arise that require you to be resilient. Identifying character traits associated with mental strength that you may need to improve or learn is also worthwhile because these qualities can be valuable to you in many ways.

What are examples of strong character traits?

Mentally strong people have many distinguishable character traits. Below are 30 examples collected from or inspired by various articles we found on this topic from sources like Scientific American, Success Magazine and The Huffington Post. With each example, you will find a short explanation of why these traits can be so valuable in your professional life.

1. Tenacious

When faced with a problem, you won’t give up until you find the answer.

2. Confident

Your boss taps you to give the presentation to the firm’s biggest client. Your response: “No sweat!”

3. Optimistic

You’re in line for a promotion but are not the only candidate under consideration. You’re not worried, though — you believe the odds are in your favor.

4. Self-aware

A coworker’s behavior frustrates you. You don’t snap at her. Instead, you think of a measured way to express your annoyance and, hopefully, motivate your colleague not to repeat her actions.

5. Adaptable

You recommend a strategy that is rejected by your project team. You ask your colleagues to help you brainstorm an alternative and ultimately embrace an idea that hadn’t even occurred to you.

6. Flexible

Your firm is implementing a new business system. You commit to learning everything you can, as quickly as you can, about the new technology.

7. Drama-free

You’re known for helping to defuse conflicts at the office, not for creating them.

8. Reliable

Your coworkers know they can count on you. Period.

9. Fair

You always take the time to hear both sides of a story and gather all the facts before making a judgment.

10. Self-sufficient

Teamwork is great, but you have no trouble flying solo when needed.

11. Consistent

To your colleagues, you’re a known quantity, not a question mark.

12. Hard worker

No one would ever associate the term “slacker” with you.

13. Takes responsibility

When you make a misstep, you own it.

14. Understands that life is not always fair

OK, so you didn’t get the promotion you were so optimistic about. C’est la vie – now, onto preparing for the next opportunity!

15. Welcomes a challenge

A new and potentially tricky assignment? Sign you up.

16. In control of their actions and emotions

You never have, and likely never will, embarrass yourself at the holiday office party or any other company event.

17. Embraces change

Your firm is in transition. Instead of fearing what’s ahead, you make a point to find out as much as you can about the change and offer your support to management.

18. Unafraid to speak up

Your boss asks for your opinion about a proposed process change. You don’t hesitate to provide it — and suggest a different approach.

19. Navigates upsets with grace

That promotion you didn’t get? You sincerely congratulated the person who did.

20. Celebrates others’ success

21. Willing to take calculated risks

Now that you’ve been overlooked for a promotion, it seems like a good time to ask for a raise.

22. Learns from mistakes

Oops, you miscalculated on the raise. Turns out your request was a bit over the top. You’ll be sure to do your research next time.

23. Enjoys social interaction

When coworkers want to go out for coffee, play softball after work or celebrate a colleague’s birthday in the breakroom, you’re more than glad to join in the fun.

24. Values solitude

Sometimes, you prefer to eat lunch alone under a tree.

25. Quick to share credit for good work

Sure, you spearheaded that project. But without the support of your team, you never would have made it to the finish line on time.

26. Committed to long-term goals

When you make a plan, you stick to it.

27. Able to see the “big picture”

You can visualize how your job contributions help the business achieve its broader objectives.

28. Ready for the unexpected

Surprise! The firm just landed three new accounts, and your boss wants you to manage them all. You ask, “When can I get started?”

29. Manages stress effectively

Sometimes, work is pretty intense — but you always do what it takes to maintain work-life balance, so you don’t burn out.

30. Prioritizes health and well-being

You understand there is a connection between your mental strength and your overall wellness. That’s why you never let your health and well-being take a backseat to your job.

How many of these character traits do you have? Many are the types of attributes that are the mark of a good leader and examples of the nontechnical skills that many employers look for in today’s professionals. So, they’re worth developing not only as part of your quest to build your mental strength but also to help advance your career.

8 Valuable Life Lessons for Young Men

The 20s is all bout finding yourself, this is an eventful stage of your life full of ups and downs. You have to face the pressure of making decisions that can lay the foundation for the rest of your life. So you need to make sure you are mentally strong enough to accept new challenges and navigate through tough times.

Here are some quick tips as you embark on your journey from a boy to a man and make the transition into adulthood

These general men’s lifestyle tips/hacks will enable you to be the best man you can be and to make the most out of your life. They will be your self-development guide to living a more purposeful life.

1) YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION COUNTS

First impressions are lasting impressions. And if you want to make a good first impression, you’ll need to look fresh, sharp, and suave. You need to dress how you want to be addressed.

2) SELF-CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY

The way we dress has a significant impact on how we feel about ourselves, greatly influencing our self-esteem and, as a result, our posture and confidence when we speak, which feeds back into the impression we give off to others.

If you dress smartly, you’ll be surprised at how many people will compliment you on how well you look, how much they like your outfit, or just a small comment on your tie or shoes. You’ll be surprised at how much confidence these small comments give.

3) SELF-DISCIPLINE IS THE BEST DISCIPLINE

Self-discipline teaches you how to live your life in a more efficient and effective manner. When you have discipline in your life, you can make small sacrifices now for a better life later.

Self-discipline develops habits, habits develop routines, and routines become who you are on a daily basis.

4) DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY

It is good to have ambitions and goals, but it can be detrimental if we allow them to consume us. Where we take everything so seriously that we become caught up in negative thought cycles fueled by fear from our past or projection into the future.

Life has a weird way of working out, and usually, when we surrender to the process, it takes us further than any amount of worrying ever could.

So, don’t take life too seriously; no one comes out alive. Make an effort to laugh and joke around more; it’s good for your mental health and makes people want to be around you. Women also love men who can make them laugh.

5) LIVE JUST BEYOND YOUR EDGE

Growth is outside of your comfort zone; it’s not in the center. You should always allow yourself to be curious, and be ready to try new things without having the fear of failure — because fear of failure can destroy your creativity. When you fail, you still learn a lot of lessons and obtain valuable experiences.

Take calculated risks, try new things, and learn new skills — this is the best way to grow.

6) ALWAYS STAY ORGANIZED

Being organised allows you to get your priorities in check, set and achieve goals and reduce stress. Streamline your wardrobe and get rid of old clothes you don’t need. Most importantly, have all your essential accessories in check.

7) FORGO FASHION FOR TIMELESS STYLE

The first thing young men should understand about style is that it is not the same as fashion.

Fashion comes and goes, but style lasts forever.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what makes something timeless, look up styles that have remained relatively unchanged over the last century – you’ll find images of smart casual wear that closely resemble today’s looks.

8) STAND OUT AND BE YOURSELF

To get a strong and magnetic personality, you need to change your mindset. You need to channel your individuality and uniqueness and embrace it.

It is important to pay attention to details when putting together an outfit as this enables you to stand out from the crowd and be yourself. Our customized cufflinks can help you do just that! They will add luxurious detail to your outfits and help tell everyone that you are proud of your unique style sense.

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Did we miss anything? Please share your feedback and suggestions in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!