Unmasking Masculinity: The Power of Men Embracing Hardship. – As a retired Navy SEAL with 26 years of service, I am often asked to be a part of organizations and processes that help men become men again…or help them find something they have lost along the way.
In recent years, there has been a growing push to redefine masculinity. With some voices advocating for a shift away from traditional male attributes like protecting and providing for the family. Traditional gender roles are being redefined, and societal expectations are changing. In this push for change, masculinity is under attack and being described as a bad thing.
The significance of men embracing their masculinity is frowned upon more now than at any other time in history. Words like “Toxic Masculinity” are thrown around like confetti at a parade. I would argue that there is no such thing as “Toxic Masculinity”. The facts are that “weak” men are the root of toxic or harmful behavior.
To be clear, when I say “weak men,” I am referring to men who have:
- lack resilience,
- low self-worth,
- low self-esteem,
- are passive, apathetic,
- low emotional intelligence (EQ), etc.
Masculinity is about having a high moral compass. Being a protector, and a provider, having high EQ, being physically fit, self-reliant, confident, courageous, and being a leader/decision-maker. Many traditions about manners and etiquette are based on masculine and feminine roles.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t come easy in today’s societal pressures to feminize men and force a power shift forcing women to take a more masculine role. The challenges faced by modern men demand a reclamation of masculinity through embracing hard things. I love using the word NAKED to share my points of view. In this article, we will explore the significance of men undertaking difficult tasks and how it can be achieved using the acronym NAKED.
N – Nurturing the Well-being of Loved Ones:
One fundamental aspect of masculinity is the desire to protect and nurture the well-being of loved ones, especially within the context of family. Historically, men have been regarded as the primary protectors and providers, ensuring the safety and security of their households. By embracing hard things, men can cultivate the necessary skills, knowledge, and resilience to safeguard their families from physical, emotional, and societal challenges. This role as a protector not only instills a sense of purpose and fulfillment but also fosters strong family bonds built on trust, safety, and support.
A – Accountability:
Engaging in difficult tasks requires a deep sense of personal accountability. Men who embrace hardship understand the importance of taking ownership of their actions and choices. By seeking out challenging experiences, they develop a heightened self-awareness and an ability to handle adversity. This accountability translates into the ability to protect their families. As they become reliable and trustworthy men, capable of making sound decisions during critical times.
K – Knowledge and Growth Men need to be pushed:
Engaging in hard things plays a crucial role in cultivating both mental and physical well-being. Men face increasing pressures in various aspects of life, leading to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. By actively seeking out challenges, men can build mental resilience, learning how to effectively manage stress and cope with adversity. Additionally, undertaking physically demanding tasks promotes physical fitness, enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of chronic conditions. Embracing hardship helps men achieve a holistic sense of well-being, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
E – Emotional Intelligence:
Contrary to popular belief, engaging in hard things does not require suppressing emotions. But rather encourages the development of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing one’s own emotions as well as empathizing with others. By undertaking challenging tasks, men are exposed to a range of emotions, providing an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. In the right group setting where men are suffering together, men have the ability to share their emotions openly and not worry about appearing weak. The courage it takes to share openly is monumental. This emotional intelligence developed through doing hard things translates into healthier relationships, better communication, and a deeper connection with oneself and others.
D – Demonstrating Leadership:
The journey of embracing hard things inherently fosters the development of leadership qualities in men. Leadership extends beyond mere authority or dominance; it is about inspiring and empowering others. By taking on challenging tasks, men learn to lead by example, motivating and guiding those around them. They cultivate qualities such as perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are essential for effective leadership in both personal and professional domains. Embracing hard things equips men with the skills and mindset needed to excel as leaders in their communities and beyond.
In a society that sometimes seeks to diminish traditional masculine attributes, it is crucial for men to embrace hard things as a means to reclaim their masculinity. The NAKED acronym highlights the significance of Nurturing the Well-being of Loved Ones. Accountability for your actions, Knowledge and Growth, Emotional intelligence, and Demonstrating Leadership. By undertaking difficult tasks, men can rise above societal expectations and stereotypes, forging their unique paths while contributing positively to their communities. Embracing hard things not only benefits men individually. But also fosters healthier relationships, creates more inclusive environments, and keeps society safe.
If you want to learn more about how to think like a Navy SEAL. Please visit http://5SEALsecrets.com and let me know what you think. If you or the man in your life wants to be challenged and be a part of a community of other men who raise one another up, often through hardship.
Please visit http://manmadetribe.com.
Most importantly, don’t forget to GET NAKED!
Connect with William: https://liinks.co/william.branum
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