Whether it’s from watching classic action films, reading about heroic guys throughout history, or looking up to the examples of the men we respect in our own lives, every man, more or less, has a concept of an honorable, upstanding, masculine archetype that they want to live up to.

Finding your footing in the world today often isn’t easy, and frequently comes with a lot of confusion. We all face challenges growing up, and we inevitably struggle to find our niche, and achieve meaningful goals that will leave us feeling as though we’ve done something worthwhile with our time.

There are a lot of mixed signals out there. Many guys will turn to a kind of super-hedonistic, arrogant concept of what it means to be a successful man. But deep down, most of us know that there’s a better way to conduct ourselves in the world.

Becoming a man of character and integrity isn’t just about learning certain skills – but learning certain skills can nonetheless be a great entry point, and a first step on the road that leads to something better.

Here are a few life skills every guy should develop.

Essential DIY

Traditionally, men from all around the world have sought to be the kind of people who can fix things when they break down, help out their friends and relatives, and be self-reliant.

Learning essential DIY skills can be an excellent way of developing these traits within yourself.

We are fortunate today in that there are all sorts of businesses and systems out there to help us out whenever something breaks down in our lives. But when you know how to fix things yourself, you inevitably step into a more independent and effective role in your life.

If you own a car, you should know the basics of its maintenance. Get on the web in search for terms such as tyre shop near me next time you have a blowout, and fit the replacement yourself. There are plenty of resources out there to help you learn how.

Personal scheduling and routine management

The traditional and heroic concept of being an upstanding man has a lot to do with being able to handle things effectively in your life, pursue your goals without making excuses, and be the master of your own behavior.

Many of us struggle with sticking to a productive schedule and routine, and so also struggle with effectively overcoming the obstacles that we are faced with.

Try out different task and schedule management systems and tools, and work on becoming adept at the art of organizing your own life.

It will make you happier and more successful, and also more reliable in your relationships with other people.

Endurance, and the ability to bounce back up

Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem, “If,” paints a pretty inspirational, but also pretty tragic, picture of what it means to step into a heroic masculine role.

The poem describes the ability and will to keep moving forward, when everything goes wrong, when people blame you for things that are not your fault, when your dreams fall apart, and when you’ve got nothing left in you but the will to endure.

In life, we all face plenty of challenges. But if we allow ourselves to stay down when we are knocked down, we make things worse in all ways – for ourselves, and for those who depend on us.

Develop the character trait of always getting up and moving forward when life catches you short, and you’ll be in a much better position to look the world straight in the eye.

–

Thanks for reading, y’all stay dandy. 😎 Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram!
-Diego