By 
There’s a huge distinction between being a male and being a genuine man.
It’s about more than just gender. It’s about character, actions, and milestones achieved.
Being a “real man,” is about meeting certain benchmarks in life that demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and wisdom. And trust me, the smart ones understand that there are 7 specific achievements that separate the boys from the men.
Here’s a teaser into those 7 things every guy should strive for in life to truly call himself a man. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1) Self-reliance
One of the first major milestones on the journey to manhood is self-reliance.
As children, we rely on our parents for our every need, from food and shelter to emotional support. But as we grow into adults, it’s important to learn how to provide for ourselves.
Sure, it’s not easy. But the real men among us understand the importance of standing on their own two feet. They know how to cook their own meals, pay their own bills, and handle their own problems.
It’s not about proving you don’t need anyone else in your life. It’s about proving to yourself that you can handle whatever life throws at you.
This is not just a necessity; it’s a rite of passage. And if you’ve accomplished this, you’re well on your way to becoming a real man.
2) Emotional maturity
Another critical step in the journey to manhood is emotional maturity.
I remember a time in my life when I was quick to anger and slow to forgive. I let my pride get in the way of my relationships, and it cost me dearly. A dear friend of mine and I had a falling out over a petty argument, and I was too stubborn to apologize.
But as I grew older, I realized that being a man meant more than just being physically strong or financially independent. It meant having the emotional intelligence to navigate complex feelings and maintain healthy relationships.
I had to learn how to manage my emotions, to be patient, and to put my ego aside. It was a tough lesson to learn, but it was worth it. Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve mended that broken friendship and have become better at managing my emotions.
Emotional maturity isn’t something that’s achieved overnight. It’s a gradual process, a journey filled with lessons learned from mistakes made. And trust me, reaching this point is a surefire sign of being a real man.
3) Responsibility
One of the defining traits of a real man lies in his sense of responsibility.
Did you know that in ancient Rome, the term ‘virtus’ was used to describe the ideal qualities of a man? Among these qualities were courage, character, but most importantly, a sense of responsibility. This concept dates back over two millennia, and it’s still relevant today.
Whether it’s taking care of a family, fulfilling commitments at work, or simply being accountable for one’s actions, a real man understands the importance of responsibility. It’s about being reliable and trustworthy, being someone others can depend on.
This isn’t limited to big life-changing decisions either. Even the smallest actions – like returning a borrowed book or being punctual – are a reflection of a man’s sense of responsibility. If you’ve mastered this quality, you’re definitely on the right track to manhood.
4) Respect for others
In the grand scheme of things, respect for others is a fundamental characteristic that real men embrace.
It’s not just about showing politeness or courtesy, but about understanding and acknowledging the value of every individual. This includes respecting differences, opinions, and boundaries. It’s about treating others the way you would like to be treated.
A real man knows that respect is not a one-way street. It’s not just about commanding respect; it’s about giving it as well. Whether it’s your partner, your colleagues, or even the waiter at a restaurant, a real man treats everyone with dignity and kindness.
Remember, respect is not just a word; it’s a principle to live by. And living by this principle is what truly makes a man.
5) Overcoming adversity
Life is full of ups and downs. And let me tell you, it’s in the face of adversity that a real man shows his true colors.
There was a time in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. I lost my job, my relationship was on the rocks, and it felt like I was stuck in a never-ending loop of bad luck. It was one of the lowest points in my life.
But instead of letting the situation get the best of me, I decided to take it as an opportunity to grow. I picked up the pieces, dusted myself off, and started over. I sought new opportunities, mended my relationship, and learned from my past mistakes.
It was not easy, but it was necessary. Because being a real man isn’t about never falling down, it’s about having the courage to pick yourself up each time you do. And let me tell you, overcoming adversity is one of the most gratifying achievements you can accomplish on your journey to manhood.
6) Pursuit of knowledge
In the quest for manhood, the pursuit of knowledge is a significant milestone.
Being a real man is not just about physical strength or financial independence; it’s about intellectual growth as well. It’s about having an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to learn and understand the world around us.
Whether it’s picking up a new skill, learning a new language, or simply staying informed about current events, a real man never stops learning. They understand that knowledge is power, and they harness this power to better themselves and those around them.
So, if you’re someone who loves to learn and seeks knowledge at every opportunity, you’re well on your way to becoming a real man.
7) Integrity
At the heart of manhood lies one crucial characteristic: Integrity.
A man with integrity is a man who honors his word. He’s someone who stands by his principles, even when no one is watching. He’s honest, reliable, and walks the talk.
Integrity is not about being perfect. It’s about being real, being genuine. It’s about acknowledging your mistakes and striving to do better. It’s about being true to yourself and others.
In the journey to manhood, integrity is not just a milestone – it’s the destination. And if you’ve achieved this, you can proudly call yourself a real man.
Final thoughts: It’s about character
At the heart of the matter, being a real man goes beyond the superficial definitions society often imposes.
It’s not about physical strength, financial success, or any stereotypical markers of masculinity. It’s about character, about values, and about the choices we make.
These seven achievements – self-reliance, emotional maturity, responsibility, respect for others, overcoming adversity, pursuit of knowledge, and integrity – are not just milestones in a man’s life. They are pivotal pillars that define his very character.
Remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
So as you navigate through your journey to manhood, reflect on these values. It’s not an easy path, but one worth taking. Because at the end of the day, being a real man is not about reaching a destination, it’s about who you become along the way.