What is a REAL Man?
Since February 2004, my production team and I have traveled throughout the United States interviewing hundreds of men on the topic of “What is a REAL Man?” We’ve interviewed business CEOs, professional athletes, rappers, educators, politicians, best-selling authors, community leaders, and even some men in jail.
Although these men come from different backgrounds, live in different cities, and have different experiences, there are 7 common responses that contribute to being a “Real” man.
Insight #1 – Accountability
A “Real” man takes full responsibility for his actions. He honors his word when he makes a commitment. When he makes a mistake, he is first to apologize and ask for forgiveness.
Insight #2 – Sacrifice
A “Real” man is willing to put the needs of others first in front of his desires. He lives his life with an attitude of contribution and service because he understands the power of helping others manifest their true potential.
Insight #3 – Spiritual
A “Real” man honors God by living according to God’s word. He reads the Bible for guidance, prays for discernment, and strives to live by the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Insight #4 – Delayed Gratification
A “Real” man focuses on long-term success rather than short-term pleasure. He takes time to reflect instead of making a quick decision that later may be regretted. (i.e. Rather than purchasing a flashy car or expensive clothes that will put him in debt, he makes financial investments for long-term security.)
Insight #5 – Legacy-driven
A “Real” man understands that life is short. He is focused on making a difference with his life so his family and community are positively impacted. His intention is to leave a legacy that inspires others.
Insight #6 – Values Education
A “Real” man understands the importance of an education and does whatever he can to encourage others (especially today’s young people) to be committed to their continuous development and growth. He is a positive role model mentor who values reading because “readers are leaders and leaders are readers.”
Insight #7 – Wisdom
A “Real” man learns life-lessons from his daily experiences and shares insights with others for their benefit. He takes time from the “busy-ness” of life to reflect on his life journey, decisions made, and consequences of his choices. He appreciates and values his experiences because they contribute to his growth.
Your Opportunity Assignment:
- Review the 7 insights and rank yourself on a scale of “1” (need much improvement) to “10” (doing great) in each particular area.
- Thank you for being honest. This is just a snap shot of where you feel you are currently. You being honest with yourself is more important than your scores because you are now more conscious of specific improvement areas.
- Share your 7 scores with someone whom you trust and ask that person to be your accountability partner so s/he may follow-up with you to celebrate your growth.
Three simple steps!
If you are a father, uncle, husband, brother, grandfather, boyfriend, cousin, or son, then this assignment is for you. You definitely have the potential to be a “Real” man because it only requires you to be conscious of your choices in how you are living your life.
If you are a mother, aunt, wife, sister, grandmother, girlfriend, cousin, or daughter, then encourage the men and boys in your life to complete this assignment because it makes a difference. We need your support!
Visit www.purposeandfun.com and www.realmentalking.com for empowering more families and communities.
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