Since a young boy, I have watched films with male lead characters that have inspired me to be more like them. From Maximus Aurelius in Gladiator to Batman himself in Christopher Nolan epic trilogy. Both command a strong, fearless warrior with bravery and courage. Characteristics any man would want to uphold. But these stereotypes of what men should be. Is accumulating in the perception of being a man to be like Leonidus of Sparta in a modern world.
As far back as history can go humans and men especially. Have contested in tribal battles and global warfare. This creates a certain type of man. All the films I’ve disclosed above have male lead characters perfectly designed for battle-hardened men.
In the 21st century, we now live in a world of relative peace where our old male stereotype is not needed. We can take the positive characters and use them in business and sports but there is a new layer that needs implementing. A part of us that can express our feelings without being called demeaning words that put men right back in their shells.
The courage you see from these characters in films needs to be used to create a new man. That is strong but vulnerable. A man who leads from the front but is also open to receiving help. A man who sees his fellow women as equal not someone he has to provide for.
A New World
Men are entering a new world and the role they once had is becoming the past. Some will look back to the good old times of male toughness, stoicism and being a non-emotional man. When little do they know the negative side effects that their fellow man has to go through. Has great consequences on their mental health.
So today will discuss what changes men can make to create a healthy mindset. Without losing their identity of being a man.
Creating A Healthy Mindset
Like any major change from the norm. It will face pushback and difficulty. For it to succeed it takes courage, leadership and a mindset to persevere.
If I compared myself from when I was a young boy to now. I’m definitely living with a healthier mindset of what it means to be a man. But there are still times when I think I shouldn’t cry or I shouldn’t let anyone know my problems from the fret that isn’t a very man-like thing to do.
Of course, it’s ridiculous but these are feelings men feel on a daily basis. Habits are definitely passed down from generations but all it takes is one person to break away from the old ways. Thanks to the internet there are amazing people speaking openly about what men go through and how to make a positive change like mantalks and humenorg.
What Change Can We Make Today
Speak Up
I was the first person in my family to ever go to university. Like many these days, young people are changing their family trees into better financial situations. Being the first to take action takes courage but also can create change.
By creating a safe space for men to talk openly without ridicule from other men is the first place to start. You have to understand that when other men say things and you get a male response that’s negative. It Isn’t their words, it’s the words and thoughts they have been taught. This does not mean they believe or want to be macho male type deep down. It is just a reactive habit.
But nothing will change if no one takes action to change. So as painful as it is. Speaking up and allowing no judgement on your behalf when other men want to open up. It will go a long way in creating trust and shaping men in the modern world.
Be The Man You Want To Be
There is no e way to should act. The only focus you should have is being the man you want to be. Listening to your gut and what makes you happier in life he focus. If you want to cry when watching a film do it. You want to express how you feel openly do it. If you want to do ballet or any perceived non-manly sport do it. There is no written formula for how you should live your life. Forget peoples judgement of your external choices that go against the grain. Just focus on your internal mindset by developing your mindset towards positive character traits of love, kindness, gratitude, trustworthy and the list can go on. This is what you can control the rest is up to everyone else.
It’s Normal To Have Feelings
Men expressing their feelings is stereotyped as some sought of weakness in society. Men expressing how they feel openly shows vulnerability and courage.
This is a positive trait and only people who look their nose down upon anyone doing this. Only wish they could be like you. They too have feelings and instead of showing the courage to express them, they would rather move the attention away from you.
It’s a man-made idea that men shouldn’t express their feelings. Now how you express your feelings is unique to every individual.
As a man, I like to express my feeling with writing. I put all my feelings on paper and learn how to deal with problems, forgiveness and sometimes nothing at all. You have to understand feeling is energy that needs to escape. Instead of bottling them up to explode out of control, I transfer them onto paper. I only express the emotions from the paper to the real world of my choosing.
There are many ways like speaking to someone you can trust or seeking professional help.
Whatever your way is, knowing that having emotions and expressing emotions is normal.
To Conclude
I definitely don’t have all the answers and I’m on my own journey into developing a healthy male mindset. I open up the discussion thoughts or practical actions to better equip men. I’m more than open too.
Please don’t forget to like, share and comment It means a lot to know if this has resonated with you.
A Final Word From The Future Mindset
I hope you enjoyed today’s article How The Perception Of Being A Man Is All Wrong. I hope the article has helped in some way.
If you want to take your mindset to the next level how about scheduling a 30-min discovery session to chat about your current status, results you want, and next steps. Don’t hesitate to contact me at adam@thefuturemindset.com
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