We’ve all heard stories of, or perhaps know, men who seem to have it all—wealth, power, influence, and a sense of purpose that drives them forward. It’s easy to think they were simply destined for greatness, born with a silver spoon or a stroke of luck.
But what if their success isn’t just a product of chance?
The truth is, men who achieve extraordinary things often share certain characteristics—traits that set them apart from the rest. These aren’t just random quirks; they’re intentional ways of thinking and behaving that propel them toward their goals.
Today, we’re exploring nine of these specific traits. Do you have what it takes to rise to the top?
Let’s find out.
1) Unwavering self-belief
Belief in oneself is more than just a cliché; it’s a cornerstone of success.
Successful men almost always possess an unwavering sense of self-belief. This isn’t about being arrogant or overconfident, but rather about having an unshakeable faith in their abilities and potential.
When faced with challenges, they don’t waver or second guess themselves. They trust their skills, their knowledge, and their instinct. This belief powers them through obstacles and setbacks that would discourage others.
This self-belief sets them apart, fuels their ambition, and propels them toward greatness.
As put by a very successful man, Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”. If you believe you can achieve something, you’re already halfway there.
2) Resilience in the face of adversity
Did you know that Steve Jobs was kicked out of the Apple in 1985? Yes, he was pushed out of the company he built from the ground up.
Did he sit around feeling sorry for himself? No, of course not.
He formed NeXt, a new hardware and software company. The following year, he bought what would go on to become Pixar. In 1997, he returned to Apple and, in many ways, turned it into the massive success it is today.
The point?
Another standout trait of successful men is their resilience. Life will inevitably throw curveballs, yet these men are able to bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.
I’ve seen this firsthand, too. A few years ago, a close friend of mine lost his business due to unforeseen market changes. It was a devastating blow, yet he didn’t let it define him.
He took it as a learning opportunity, dusted himself off, and started anew. Today, he’s running a thriving new venture, and he credits his success to the resilience he developed during that challenging time.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning, growing, and coming back stronger from it. And in the journey to success, resilience isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial.
3) Minimal ego
Next up is a trait that might seem counterintuitive – minimal ego. Successful men understand that ego can cloud judgment, create unnecessary conflicts, and inhibit personal growth.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the concept of minimizing ego to maximize impact. It’s about understanding the importance of listening to others, staying open to new ideas, and being willing to admit when you’re wrong.
This trait is particularly crucial in leadership roles. Men who are built for success know that it’s not about being the smartest person in the room but about bringing out the best in the people around them.
4) A growth mindset
This is a big one. But what does a growth mindset mean?
Well, world-renowned psychologist Carol Dweck, who coined the term “growth mindset”, puts it best: “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”
This mindset allows successful men to push boundaries, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.
Practically speaking, this could mean seeking feedback, investing time in learning new skills, or even taking on projects that push you out of your comfort zone.
5) The ability to disconnect
Now, here’s a trait you might not expect – the ability to disconnect.
In a world that glorifies hustle and 24/7 productivity, successful men understand the importance of taking a step back.
They know that rest, relaxation, and time away from work are not just luxuries; they are essential for long-term success. By disconnecting from their work, they can recharge, gain fresh perspectives, and avoid burnout.
This might mean setting strict boundaries between work and personal life, taking regular vacations, or even indulging in a hobby that has nothing to do with their professional life.
6) Acceptance of imperfections
Nobody’s perfect, and successful men are no exception. They understand that imperfections are a part of being human. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, they accept their flaws and work with them, not against them.
There was a time when I struggled with this. I had a vision of who I wanted to be, and when I fell short of that image, it was tough. But instead of letting it deter me, I embraced my shortcomings and used them as stepping stones towards growth.
Accepting imperfections doesn’t mean settling for less. It’s about acknowledging your areas of weakness and actively seeking to improve them while appreciating your strengths.
7) Persistence
Last but not certainly not least, persistence is a trait that successful men almost always possess.
You see, success doesn’t usually happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent effort, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to their goals.
These men understand that achieving great things takes time. They don’t get disheartened by slow progress or temporary setbacks. Instead, they stay the course, adjusting their strategies and refining their approaches as needed.
They’re not just dreamers; they’re doers who are willing to put in the hard work necessary to turn their visions into reality.
Wrapping it up
The traits of successful men aren’t just checkboxes to be ticked off. They represent a mindset, a way of life, and a commitment to personal growth and development.
You might not embody all these traits right now, and that’s okay. Success is not an overnight transformation but a journey filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
As always, I hope you found some inspiration and value in this post.
