Adopt confident body language, including straight-backed posture, eye contact, and arm positions that leave the front of your body “open. " Accept compliments and stop over-apologizing. (Say “Thank you, I appreciate that. " instead of “It’s nothing. “) Practice asking for what you want and acknowledging your own abilities. (“Yes, I do have experience in ____ but I charge $___ for this kind of work. “)
If you get nervous about everyday risks, start facing your fear in minor ways. For example, push yourself to try something difficult in your hobby or workout. You’ll either gain confidence by succeeding, or practice handling failure in a context with no major consequences.
In Western cultures, men are supposed to have thick skin and be tough. It’s important to realize the negative side of this cultural pressure as well. American men are much less likely than other genders to seek help for serious problems, especially ones related to emotional and mental health. This makes it much harder to recover, and ironically places a burden on their friends and family who have to deal with the unresolved turmoil. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source It’s not a virtue to pretend you can handle absolutely everything without help.
It’s okay for things not to go your way or to find that reaching your goals is harder than you expected. React with calm and determination.
Participating in sports and competitive games can be an excellent way to let loose your inner “alpha male” in a controlled context.
There’s an ugly side to this divide: in mixed-gender groups, men usually dominate the discussion, and often don’t realize that they are interrupting others or not giving them a chance to speak. [5] X Research source Whether you present as a man or a woman, try to pay attention to this dynamic. The group might get a lot more out of a meeting with a more cooperative or speak-in-turn format, or a social hangout that breaks into small groups. [6] X Research source
This works best in a debate where you are the most knowledgeable person in the room. If someone is trying to “out-man” you, responding in kind with a confident demonstration of your expertise is a quicker path to success than trying to compromise.
Own up to your mistakes. If you can’t admit your flaws, people will characterize you as the worst masculine stereotype: someone so invested in having their way that they end up emotionally fragile and sabotaging others’ success. Don’t let pride and confidence cross the line into bragging. Yes, showing off for a crush is one of the most universal masculine activities, but it gets old fast if you overdo it.
It’s impossible to lay down one masculine style for the entire world. There are countries where men wear brightly colored robes, and social groups where a custom-tailored suit and silver cufflinks are an expression of masculine power. Observe your masculine friends and ask them for advice if you’re not sure where to start.
Even if you want to be more masculine, you should still take care of your hair and body by showering frequently enough to stay clean, but not so frequently that you don’t give off some natural odor.
Use a professional binder only, avoid over-compressing, and rely on it only for short-term use. Binding your chest incorrectly can cause lasting damage. [9] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
Look like you’re happy to walk to whatever destination that lies ahead of you, even if it’s your math class. Smile at people, but don’t slap a goofy smile on your face at all times. Don’t bite your lip or squint with uncertainty. Instead, keep a straight face with just a slight smile and keep your eyes wide open, ready for the next challenge ahead.
Pride in your body helps with that fundamental masculine trait: confidence. Keep in mind that almost everyone needs to work on their attitude to achieve this, not just the treadmill.
