A Real Man is calm, collected and confident:- I feel like this is one of my strengths... probably why I listed it first. My normal demeanour is pretty laid back, almost to a fault, and I'm not easily rattled. Having said that there are some areas that I could improve on in this respect. I am generally comfortable meeting new people, but larger groups of strangers make me nervous, and sometimes I allow this to stop me from meeting new people...
A Real Man is a leader:- I feel like I do ok in this area. It is something that I've been working on for some time now. Once upon a time I wasn't willing to take the lead, to make suggestions, or to put ideas out there. Now I'm much more comfortable doing this. I still have moments of apathy but on the whole if the situation calls for a leader then I am willing to step into that role and make a decision...
A Real Man has high self esteem:- This is another area that I have been improving on for a long time. Years ago I felt that I wasn't likeable. I thought I was ugly and that no-one would ever love me... Thank goodness those days are gone! I now have a healthy level of self respect. I am confident that I can handle most situations that life throws at me!
A Real Man takes action:- I think that this is a real weakness for me. I have a real tendency to let things slide if I can get away with it. My motto used to be “Why put off for tomorrow what I can put off until the day after that?”! My general laziness is something that I am going to have to work on. I am also guilty sometimes of collecting knowledge without acting on it. Paralysis by analysis I thik it is called...
A Real Man is motivated:- Motivation has been one of the missing factors from the equation of my life. I have been generally willing to drift along wherever the current takes me, not really caring too much where I end up. This has changed somewhat recently. First of all the “See the World” mission and now the “Real Man Project” mission are starting to motivate me in my life. Having said this, motivation is something that I'm still going to have to work on...
A Real Man is positive:- This is another area that I have improved immeasurably in the last 10 years. My self talk these days is almost 100 percent positive! I like to look on the bright side of life, and to see the best in things. I think one thing that I could do better in this area is to learn to communicate more positively, in such a way that leaves people feeling better...
A Real Man has integrity:- I feel like this is another of my strengths. I have always been honest to a fault. This doesn't necessarily mean that I always tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (but who does that), but it means that in important matters I don't try to mislead people for my own benefit... only if it is particularly funny. :^p
A Real Man is always learning:- This is really a foundational point. After all, improving yourself means being willing to learn from experiences. This is also another of my strengths. I have always loved learning (sometimes too much, see “A Real Man takes action” above). Sometimes I get fixated on one world view, but I think that I've always been the type to admit that I'm wrong if someone can show me that I am.
A Real Man has strong body language and posture:- Generally I think I do ok on body language, but I can tend to become closed off from time to time. Crossing my arms or legs if I'm uncomfortable. My posture is worlds better then it used to be (just ask my Mum!) but I think my head leans forward sometimes. I also feel like I sometimes walk too fast, perhaps seeming uncomfortable. This is one of those areas where it is pretty difficult to self analyse so any input from people that know me would be much appreciated...
A Real Man speaks clearly and confidently:- I feel like I have a pretty good speaking voice, however there is lots of room for improvement. I know that sometimes I can speak kind of quietly, or mumble. I would also like to increase the range of my voice, with more expressiveness. I think my voice is often far too monotone!
A Real Man is well dressed and well groomed:- I don't feel like I do too badly in this area (in spite of what Jan says!). For my current life situation I dress pretty well, and keep my personal hygiene pretty well. However, one area that I am going to lump in here is my general fitness. I could definitely do to lose some body fat. I am around 187cm tall and weigh around 97kg. This puts me square into the overweight category. I could do to lose about 10kg and keep it off through a combination of eating less and exercising more.
Finally, a Real Man has a good balance in his life between work and leisure:- Right now I'm living the dream regarding work/life balance... I am travelling the world, working when I have to, which is not very much! This will become more of a concern when I settle back down to a non-nomadic lifestyle. This has never been too much of a problem for me though...
Writing this list is an exercise in introspection, and it is always difficult to do this objectively. If you think that I have been too kind or harsh on myself then let me know. Especially if I have been too kind! I need harsh criticism at this point that can give me a solid direction to go in. Without clear knowledge of my faults I can never fix them!
All feedback is useful.
Thanks guys.
