Embracing Healthy Masculinity: A Guide for Young Men in 2023

Embracing Healthy Masculinity: A Guide for Young Men in 2023

Dear young men between the ages of 15-26, today we find ourselves in a rapidly evolving world, filled with opportunities and unique challenges. Why do colleges and universities have a 72% enrollment rate of females? Male enrollment has been on the decline over the past ten years. What is going on in our society to demotivate men? 

As you navigate through life, it is essential to understand the concept of healthy masculinity and how it can empower you to become the best version of yourself. Embodying healthy masculinity encompasses personal growth, physical health, competence, agency, and leaving a positive mark on the world. Let us explore together how you can embrace healthy masculinity and thrive in this day and age.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Through Challenge 

Men thrive with a healthy challenge. Problems and suffering are an opportunity to make you grow. To embody healthy masculinity, it is crucial for you to know who you are, your values, and your strengths. The first way to get to know yourself is through your body! Get working out, and join a sport because we learn through our bodies. In addition to taking physical action to get to know yourself, take time for self-reflection and discover your passions. Don’t know what your passion is? Good… start with physical activity. Set goals and work towards them. Nurture your emotional intelligence and seek personal growth opportunities. Developing a strong and authentic sense of self will establish a stable foundation for your journey toward healthy masculinity.

Physical Health and Strength Lead to Mental Health and Resilience

Physical well-being is an integral part of healthy masculinity. Cultivate habits that promote your physical health, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest. Take care of your body, as it is the vessel you navigate the world. Engaging in physical activity boosts your physical strength and enhances your mental well-being, discipline, and self-confidence.

Developing Skills and Competence

To be competent is a fundamental aspect of healthy masculinity. Identify areas where you have a genuine interest and work toward developing the necessary skills. Seek opportunities to learn through formal education, mentorship, or self-study. Embrace challenges and persistently strive for improvement. As you become more skillful, you will gain the confidence to navigate various life aspects successfully.

Agency, Drive, and Making an Impact

Healthy masculinity embraces a sense of agency, drive, and a desire to make a positive mark on the world. If you still need to learn your passion, start with service. Challenge yourself to find someone in need and resolve within yourself to give them a hand. You possess the power to shape your destiny (and identity) rather than simply accepting what life throws at you. Be proactive, and seek real-life interactions. Video games and marijuana steal your drive and move you into apathy. Take charge of your decisions, set ambitious goals, and take decisive action towards achieving them. Embrace opportunities to contribute to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. By empowering yourself, you become an agent of positive change.

Fulfilling Your Ambitions and Leaving a Legacy

An embodiment of healthy masculinity is someone who aspires to fulfill their ambitions while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. If you do not yet know your ambitions, start really small, like “I will work out 30 minutes per day,” then move toward something larger, like, “I will work out five days per week for 16 weeks”. If you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl. Start where you start. 

Every Moment is the Most Important Moment of Your Life

Dream big and work persistently towards those aspirations, whether professionally or personally. Seek to build meaningful relationships, foster a strong support system, and leave a positive impact on those around you. Your actions today can influence the trajectory of generations to come.

Conclusion

Dear young men, embodying healthy masculinity in this day and age is a journey of self-discovery, physical well-being, competence, agency, and legacy-building. By flourishing first for yourself, you lay the groundwork to impact your family, posterity, and communities positively. Embrace the opportunity to become the best version of yourself, cultivate meaningful connections, and contribute to the world around you. Embodying healthy masculinity will equip you with the mindset and tools necessary to navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.