How to Be Your Own Man

Acceptance.

It’s the one thing most people crave.

Being liked and admired by others.

Surely you’ve noticed how people go crazy over how many “likes” they get on Facebook after posting a picture.

Is this behavior stupid?

Silly?

Immature?

That’s your call.

But I’ll tell you what’s silly and stupid.

Not being your own man.

And what does being your own man mean exactly?

Sticking to your beliefs no matter what.

Not seeking approval from anyone.

The moment you allow someone to tell you what’s right and wrong, it’s game over.

Listen to me.

This is YOUR reality.

Not your mom, dad, brother, cousin, friend, or dogs reality.

Yours!

You make the rules.

You like things a certain way?

You keep them that way.

Being your own man is about power.

It means not following the masses.

You take road B when everyone takes road A.

It’s a sign of strength, independence, and courage.

Fearlessness.

There isn’t a man alive who can convince me to change my beliefs.

And whether you agree with my beliefs or not, it simply doesn’t matter.

Being your own man will bring you good things in life.

A lot of them.

You’ll meet the type of people you want while eliminating those who will only bring you down.

Trust me.

But most importantly, you’ll be free.

Being your own man isn’t about being stubborn.

It doesn’t mean you NEVER take advice.

But there’s a huge difference between taking advice and letting someone tell you how to live your life.

You follow me?

People will try to tell you what to do, what’s right, and what’s wrong.

They’ll try to persuade you to their way of thinking.

The reality is that you get ONE life.

And whether you want to be a lawyer, bartender, fisherman, or writer like me; it doesn’t matter.

There’s no right or wrong way to live your life.

Your family and friends might not agree with your choice.

Fine.

Everyone has their own beliefs about how everyone should live.

And depending on your choice, you’re either right or wrong to them.

Some things in life can be categorized as right or wrong.

These are things that are obvious and that no one should have to tell you.

Bullying someone is wrong.

Stealing is wrong.

Not keeping your word is wrong.

On the other hand…

Helping a mother with her newborn baby load a TV in her car is right.

(Actually, not doing it makes you an asshole.)

Being sincere and never using people is right.

Never putting your hand on a woman is right.

But living life how you want isn’t right or wrong.

It’s a choice.

It means doing what feels right and will make you happy.

Be your own man.

Live on your own terms.

Expect nothing from no one.

The less you expect from others, the less dissatisfied you’ll be.

Always remember that.

Learn to give a LOT more than you receive.

Go after what you want and don’t stop until you get it.

Trust me that people are going to tell you to do things differently. 

And depending on whether you’re your own man or not, their words will or won’t matter.

…So who are you?

Talk soon,

-Alex