Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Alpha Male Traits

The following seven essential attributes of an alpha male come from the book Man 2.0 Engineering the Alpha: A Real World Guide to an Unreal Life, written by fitness experts and celebrity trainers Adam Bornstein and John Romaniello. The book hits stores today.

Alpha Trait No. 1

Helpful -- But Not Condescending

The drive to become successful isn’t simply a means to a narcissistic and individualistic end. The Alpha understands that taking care of his primary goals is only part of creating the life he wants; the other half is influencing and shaping the world he lives in. It’s taking what you’ve learned -- the good and the bad -- and being able to pay that knowledge forward and make the world a better place.

But being helpful has its limits. The Alpha gives advice and encourages others, but he does not look to do things for them. He understands that they need to do things on their own, and while they sometimes may need assistance, the Alpha realises that if he were to overstep his bounds and solve the problems for them, they wouldn’t learn.

Alpha Trait No. 2

Confident -- But Not Cocky

The previous incarnation of the Alpha was always thought of as cocky, as the guy who put others down to elevate himself. The redefined Alpha is not characterised by some overt cockiness that is projected to hide deeper insecurities but rather by a true confidence, an honest assessment of his strengths and weaknesses as well as what he can immediately achieve and what he needs to work on.

Therefore, the Alpha elevates others to display his confidence in his ability to share thoughts, ideas and plans that can positively influence the world around him and the people in it. If you have good ideas, you should share them. If you think you can help people, then you should take action.

Alpha Trait No. 3

Vain -- But Not Conceited

Good-looking people can go a little farther in this world. It’s not a hard-line rule, but it is a general observation that has been proven over and over again. English researchers found that men who are rated as more attractive also happen to make more money in their jobs and have higher positions. A little bit of vanity is a good thing because it’s really just a manifestation of wanting to take care of yourself. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you exude an energy that improves your world and the world of the people you interact with.

Alpha Trait No. 4

Prideful -- But Not Arrogant

The difference between pride and arrogance is a fine line but one that separates those men who inspire from those considered arseholes. Everything depends on how you react to your success. Do you share your successes as a means to promote more creative and progressive thought -- or do you expect things to happen because of what you’ve already accomplished?

Arrogance is assuming that, because you’ve reached a certain level, you’re entitled to certain privileges and opportunities. On the other hand, pride is acknowledging your success but always retaining the mindset that you have to earn every opportunity, hustle for every success, and prove yourself over and over again.

Alpha Trait No. 5

Humble -- But Not Self-Loathing

Humility is important. It keeps us sane. It keeps us grounded. Most importantly, it keeps us hungry. Understanding that you are smart is essential to building the confidence you need to achieve; reminding yourself that you’re not Einstein is a strong driver that will help you learn more and become even smarter.

The Alpha understands that anyone who can’t be a little self-deprecating is taking life -- and himself -- too seriously. He’s humble and hungry, but he gives himself credit where it’s due. And he never, ever loses faith in himself.

Alpha Trait No. 6

Tolerant -- But Not Weak

You’re going to have to put up with some crap in life. Whether it’s with friends, loved ones, coworkers or bosses, part of life is dealing with crap. Patience and tolerance are essential to understanding your place in the world, as is being comfortable with opposing opinions and beliefs.

Whether it’s in the office or at the bar, you can’t be argumentative with everything that goes against your worldview and values. You have to be tolerant of people’s mistakes, shortcomings, and personal opinions. Doing otherwise is being narrow-minded and an arsehole. And you don’t want to be an arsehole.

Alpha Trait No. 7

Dedicated -- But Not Obsessed

You know the workaholic as the guy who stays late at the office and works himself to the bone. Doesn’t matter if it’s Monday at 11 a.m. or Saturday at 2 a.m. -- the workaholic is a machine designed to get things done. On one hand, we admire these people. There’s something to be said about a great work ethic, hustle and desire to take on seemingly impossible projects. On the other hand, there’s an aspect of the workaholic that we pity.

Alphas are dedicated to their families, friends, health and, most of all, to themselves. They are dedicated to improvement, but they are not tied to a narcissistic view that impairs their ability to create a rich, multifaceted existence.

No comments:

Post a Comment