There are individuals who stand out from the rest—remarkable men whose lives inspire us and guide us.

What sets them apart are time-tested characteristics.

In this post, we explore five such traits that define remarkable men.

I’ve learned these through extensive reading and from the mentors I am lucky to have. I read and write for a living; I am sure many of you don’t have that luxury.

My hope today is to distill these traits in an easily digestible five minutes of reading.

The best thing is that these aren’t secrets or unattainable qualities; they’re practical and within reach for all of us with some effort and dedication.

How many do you have already?

Let’s find out.

01 Perseverance

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

This is a quote by Steve Jobs, whom we will discuss later in this post, but almost all remarkable men share this mindset.

Legendary investor and billionaire Ray Dalio includes perseverance in his five-step success plan. As quoted in a CNBC post, he said, “You have to push through to results”.

Having read his book Principles, it’s clear that he lived by this advice, too. In the 1980s, when Dalio was in his early thirties, he went broke by making a bet against the US economy. Consequently, he was forced to let the people who worked for him go and borrow money from his parents.

But he kept going; he is now one of the wealthiest men in the world, with a net worth of almost $20 billion, according to Forbes.

We will not all become billionaires or change the world of technology, but all of us will have ups and downs. The difference is how we handle it.

Remarkable men understand that adversity is an inevitable part of the ride. They don’t crumble in the face of setbacks; instead, they use adversity as a stepping stone to growth.

Whether it’s a career setback, a personal crisis, or a moment of self-doubt, they harness their inner strength to push through. Perseverance isn’t about avoiding adversity; it’s about facing it head-on and emerging with newfound wisdom and determination.

So, how can you cultivate this trait?

Start by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Embrace challenges as chances to test your limits and build resilience.

The next time life throws a curveball, remember that remarkable men don’t back down; they rise above, stronger and more determined than ever.

02 Unwavering self-confidence

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” ― Henry Ford

Henry Ford was confident that he could change the automotive industry. Steve Jobs had an unwavering belief that he could change the phone industry, and with the help of his team, he did.

Remarkable men possess a distinct, unwavering self-confidence that radiates from within.

It’s not arrogance but a deep belief in their abilities and self-worth. This confidence empowers them to pursue their goals, take calculated risks, and stand tall in the face of uncertainty.

We have already written a post detailing 10 ways to build confidence, but in short building self-confidence is a journey that begins with self-awareness. Then, make sure to take care of yourself, set achievable goals, and hang around with people who positively influence you.

Remember that self-confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about embracing your imperfections and still believing in yourself.

Remarkable men don’t let self-doubt hold them back. They trust themselves and their abilities, and this belief is a powerful force that propels them forward on their remarkable journey.

It can do the same for you.

03 The strength to embrace failure

“I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

As many of you might know, this is a quote by Thomas Edison, who is said to have failed thousands of times before eventually giving the world a working lightbulb.

Not only did he persevere like all remarkable men, but this quote tells us that he embraced failing as a stepping stone to success.

Most people fear failure, avoiding it at all costs. However, remarkable men understand that failure is an integral part of growth and achievement.

It’s through failure that we learn, adapt, and innovate. Almost every great success story is accompanied by failures that lead to breakthroughs.

And it doesn’t just apply to great inventors and men who literally changed our world. As I wrote in a recent article, this was one of the most important habits I developed in my twenties.

Embracing failure, or at least not fearing it, enabled me to start multiple businesses, try different careers, and generally live on my own terms. Not all of these things worked out by any stretch of the imagination. Many times, things got difficult. Now in my thirties, I am in a place in life that I am very happy with.

This is not to sound boastful, and I am not saying I am remarkable. I tell you this to illustrate how letting go of your fear of failure could benefit you, too. If I hadn’t, I would likely be getting by, working 60 hours a week in a job I don’t care about.

So, don’t shy away from taking calculated risks, and when you encounter failure, wear it as a badge of honor on your journey to becoming remarkable.

04 Integrity

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One.” – Marcus Aurelius

Integrity is a cornerstone of remarkable men. In a world where shortcuts and compromises often beckon, these individuals stand firm in their commitment to unwavering principles and values.

Integrity means aligning your actions with your values, even when no one is watching. It’s about doing the right thing, not because it’s easy or convenient, but because it’s the morally sound choice.

Remarkable men understand that integrity is not negotiable—it’s the unbreakable foundation upon which their character is built.

To embody this trait, start by clarifying your values and principles. What matters most to you? What lines will you never cross, regardless of the circumstances?

Make a commitment to uphold these values in your daily life, both personally and professionally. It isn’t just about being honest with others; it’s about being honest with yourself. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions and holding yourself accountable.

05 Adaptability

“A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.” – Chinese Proverb

If there is one thing that is constant in the world we all live in, it’s change. For good or bad, this is probably more true now than ever before.

The remarkable men among us understand that the ability to adapt is one of the most valuable assets in their arsenal. Remarkable men thrive in diverse environments, navigate through uncertainty, and turn challenges into opportunities. They don’t resist change; they see it as an opportunity.

To cultivate adaptability, start by acknowledging that change is inevitable and can bring growth. Embrace new experiences, seek out diverse perspectives, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

06 A learning mindset

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”

Mark Twain told us this at a time when information was much less accessible than it is now. The trouble is that while we all have access to a world of information free of cost, most of us don’t take advantage of it.

Remarkable men do. Not only that, they understand that learning is a lifelong journey, not a destination. They don’t believe that learning stops with schooling, as many seem to.

If you examine the lives of many remarkable men, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, you’ll find they are voracious readers and lifelong learners.

To develop a learning mindset, start by making reading a daily habit. Books are windows to the world; through them, you can access the wisdom and experiences of countless individuals.

Whether business, history, science, or literature, a well-rounded reading list can expand your horizons and sharpen your intellect.

Moreover, remarkable men actively seek other growth opportunities. They attend seminars, engage in workshops, and surround themselves with mentors and experts in various fields.

They ask questions, seek feedback, and are unafraid to admit when they don’t know something.

We are all busy, but if you are to become remarkable, you must find the time to develop a learning mindset and, more than that, a learning habit.

The bottom line

These traits are not innate. They can be developed with effort and determination. Remarkable individuals aren’t born that way; they are shaped.

Take a moment to assess your current strengths and weaknesses. Know that your path to becoming remarkable begins with a simple decision to cultivate these qualities in yourself.

It was a short one today, but I hope it gave you some food for thought.

Until next time.