What are the qualities that make someone a great man? How do you work toward becoming a better version of yourself?
We all have different opinions, but some things come to mind. A great man has integrity, intelligence, empathy, and respect. He knows how to take care of himself- his body and finances. He takes responsibility for his actions and has self-control. He’s confident without being cocky or arrogant. And he’s not afraid to be vulnerable or to admit when he needs help.
In today’s world, it can be challenging for men to live up to these standards because there are bad habits people learn as they grow up, which crush the creative pathways in the brain. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you’re willing to try.
In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a great man in today’s world, as well as offer tips on how you can become one yourself!
KEY POINTS
- There are many qualities that make someone great; these include integrity, intelligence, empathy, and respect.
- You need self-control and confidence without arrogance or cockiness.
- Finally, you need to not forget the fact that vulnerability is healthy too!
- If any of these qualities sound like something you’d like more of in your life take action now by doing something about it; whether that means losing weight or finally telling her how you feel (or both!).
1. Integrity is Key
A great man always upholds his values and does the right thing, even when no one watches. He doesn’t make excuses for his mistakes and takes responsibility for his actions.
It’s not enough to be a great man. A great man also has the potential to make a difference in the world. Even if he doesn’t have unique talents or abilities, he still does his part for society and makes sure that those around him are taken care of. He follows through with commitments, picks up after himself, and is always willing to lend a hand when needed.
2. Intelligence is A Must
A great man understands that intelligence is not just “book smarts.” Being intelligent means being able to think critically and solve problems and know how to find the correct information when you need it.
He also knows how to use his intelligence in ways that make them an asset rather than a liability: for example, he can read people and situations and adjust accordingly.
A great man cultivates his mind by continually learning new things, reading books on many different subjects, and challenging himself intellectually. He never settles for mediocrity- instead, he strives for excellence at everything from work projects to relationships with friends and family members alike. His thirst for knowledge never ends because it helps him become more thoughtful and intelligent over time.
A man who has wisdom knows what’s important in life- the things that matter most- and he lives accordingly. That doesn’t mean he never takes risks or does anything crazy. Still, it does mean that he always tries to live with integrity to look himself in the mirror each night without regretting any of his decisions. It means taking care of himself physically and emotionally and being honest with himself and the people around him.
3. Empathy is the Best Quality You Can Have
A great man is also someone who has empathy. Instead of viewing people as “friends or enemies,” he understands that every situation has gray areas. No one is always black-and-white, but rather many different colors at once. Even though it may be difficult sometimes, he works hard to put himself in other people’s shoes. To see things from their point of view so that he can understand where they’re coming from even if he disagrees with them.
A great man treats others with kindness, respect, and understanding. He’s good at recognizing emotions in others and taking their feelings into account. And when he’s wrong, he says so and works to make amends.
A man who treats others with empathy doesn’t try to use them for personal gain or happiness. Instead, he’s someone who genuinely wants the best for everyone in his life.
And he knows what it means – and what it takes- to be a real man: someone who is strong yet sensitive, confident but not arrogant, caring but not controlling. Someone who can show emotion without sounding weak and stand up for himself without being aggressive. Someone whose masculinity comes from within rather than how big his muscles are or how many women want him. Someone worthy of respect and admiration not just because of the label “man,” but because of who he truly is.
4. Respect is a Two-Way Street
A great man respects everyone around him, but he also expects to be respected in return. He doesn’t tolerate abuse or mistreatment from anyone, whether it’s from a friend, family member, or romantic partner.
You might think that a great man is someone who has all the answers. But he knows better than anyone else that there are always more questions than answers. So he never settles for what’s easy or comfortable. He’s willing to go out on a limb, even if it seems too risky at first glance- because he wants to be part of shaping his own destiny instead of leaving things up to chance.
He doesn’t mind being wrong if he learns something from experience.
5. Take Care of Your Body:
A great man takes care of his physical health. He eats right, exercises regularly, doesn’t smoke or do drugs, gets enough sleep, and looks out for any health problems that may arise.
A great man knows how to take care of himself- his body and finances. He takes responsibility for his actions and has self-control. He’s confident without being cocky or arrogant. And he’s not afraid to be vulnerable or to admit when he needs help.
He’s passionate about something and willing to work hard at it, no matter what others think. Whether that’s a job, an art project, raising kids, running a marathon – whatever it is that drives him forward in life. A great man can sense the opportunities around him and breakthrough barriers with determination and perseverance.
A great man knows how to live well: by appreciating beauty both natural and human-made; by having wonderful experiences; by making sense of his life through art, writing, or conversation; by playing hard and working hard.
6. Save Your Money:
A great man knows how to manage his money to buy the things he wants without going into debt. He also has an emergency fund saved up in case of tough times.
A great man knows how to manage his money to buy the things he wants without going into debt. He also has an emergency fund saved up in case of tough times.
He doesn’t spend much time or energy worrying about what other people think, and neither should you. This is because a successful life takes more than just thinking about yourself- it requires empathy for others and selfless action on behalf of them from time to time. A great man understands this truth better than most people do. This is why he spends less time on social media and more time giving back to society through volunteer work. Leading mentoring programs or working with disadvantaged children at school or church. His sense of responsibility will be on full display when he’s on his deathbed, reflecting on all the people whose lives he has touched.
7. Stay in Control:
A great man is in control of his emotions. He doesn’t let anger or frustration get the best of him, and he’s not afraid to face his fears. He knows how to maintain his calm when the stakes are high, which is why he’s often seen as a natural leader.
That might seem impossible for most people, but it’s not. It simply requires self-control and discipline- two traits that successful men have in spades. When you lack one of these qualities (self–discipline), it can be helpful to find someone who has the opposite quality (self-control) and form a partnership with them.
For example, suppose you’re lacking discipline. In that case, your business partner could provide the structure and sense of order that you need to stay on track towards reaching your goals. Suppose he struggles with staying focused on details (like paying bills). In that case, you could take over this responsibility so he can focus more time on making sales.
You can use this same approach with the people closest to you in your personal life. Suppose you lack self-discipline but have an extremely high tolerance for pain or discomfort. In that case, you might look for a partner willing to make sacrifices on your behalf.
This person could be your spouse, which means saying no to impulsive spending and not skipping leg day at the gym. A great man doesn’t allow himself to become complacent or comfortable with his routine because he’s always looking for ways to get better at what he does. When you’re able to think long-term while simultaneously operating in the present, it will help open up new doors of opportunity. These are previously inaccessible doors due to shortsightedness or laziness on your part.
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8. Confidence Without Arrogance:
A great man is confident but not cocky. He’s comfortable in his own skin and knows that he has plenty to offer the world, but he doesn’t need to constantly brag about it. He’s secure enough to let other people shine and confident enough to be humble.
He isn’t afraid of being vulnerable or admitting when he needs help. He recognizes that he can learn things from other people, even if they’re younger than him or have less experience than him. He has self-control–he doesn’t let himself be dragged down by jealousy, anger, or resentment. And finally, a great man always treats others with respect regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, race/ethnicity/culture/religion… They deserve the same dignity as anyone else does!
9. Vulnerability is Beautiful:
A great man isn’t afraid to be vulnerable because he knows that means sharing a part of yourself with others instead of always hiding your feelings. He’s also not afraid to admit when he needs help from others.
Being vulnerable is one of the most beautiful things a man can do. It shows that you’re not afraid to open up and share your feelings with others. It also means that you’re not scared to ask for help when you need it. Admitting that you need help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
10. Be a Good Role Model:
A great man is a role model for those around him. He sets a good example by treating others with respect, being honest and reliable, and living his life with integrity. He shows that he has good qualities by being a good example. You can’t expect anyone to respect you if you don’t have it yourself.
You are the role model for those around you. If you want people to treat others with respect, be honest and reliable, live with integrity, etc., then show them how it’s done! People will only have the same qualities as you if they see your values- not if they hear you say it but never see proof of it in your actions.
Putting Intention Into Action – Becoming a Better Version of Yourself
The reason you’re not a great man is simple: You haven’t done the work. Just like any other skill, greatness comes from practice and repetition. And it’s hard. But it can be done – I know because I’m working at it every day myself.
It’s one thing to know what qualities make a great man, but it’s another thing entirely to put those qualities into practice. A great man takes the time to learn and grow, and he works on himself every day. He knows that becoming a great man is not a quick or easy process, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re ready to become the best version of yourself, then follow these tips and start working toward greatness.
So, now that you know what it takes to be a great man, it’s time to put that knowledge into action! Start by working on yourself and making the necessary changes in your life. Then, start by being a good role model for the people closest to you. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, so don’t be ashamed to ask for advice from those who have qualities that you admire. With time and effort, you can become the great man you’ve always wanted to be!
“Good questions outrank easy answers.” – Paul A. Samuelson (American economist)
- What is your definition of greatness?
- What do you think would happen if we all became better versions of ourselves?
- How much self-awareness does it take for a man to become great?
Want more? Get the free guide “Quiet Confidence: A Men’s Guide to Living a Free, Authentic, Joyful, Centered, & Purposeful Life“
This workbook will introduce mindfulness as a foundation for living a more deliberate, authentic, purposeful life of peace, freedom, health, and fulfillment.
