There’s a massive difference between growing up with a male figure and a strong male role model.
Growing up with a strong male role model is not just about having a man around. It’s about having someone who sets the right examples, teaches valuable lessons, and shapes your character.
If you’re lucky enough to have had such an influence in your life, there are certain signs that you’ll definitely recognize. And I’m going to share 7 of those signs with you.
Don’t worry, this isn’t some psychological evaluation. It’s simply a casual conversation about the impact a strong male role model can have on our lives. So, let’s dive in.
1) Personal responsibility
Growing up with a strong male figure often means being taught the importance of owning up to your actions. Whether it’s a mistake, a bad decision, or an accomplishment, the mantra was always the same: You are responsible for what you do.
The concept of personal responsibility is not just about accepting blame. It’s about understanding that our decisions shape our lives and that we can control our destiny through our choices.
This might be something that you now apply in your life without even thinking about it. But pause for a moment, and you’ll realize that this lesson probably came from that strong male role model in your life.
So if you’re someone who understands and practices personal responsibility, there’s a strong chance that you grew up with a solid male influence. However, remember, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true for everyone.
Yet, if this resonates with you, consider it as sign number one.
2) Resilience in the face of adversity
Another sign that you’ve grown up with a strong male role model is resilience. They showed us that life can be tough, but we have to keep going.
I remember when I was a kid, my father lost his job. It was an incredibly tough time for our family. But he never let us see him defeated. He would spend hours, day in and day out, looking for new opportunities, trying to figure out how to keep us afloat.
And during that time, he taught me more about resilience than any book or class ever could. He showed me that no matter how hard life hits you, you get back up and keep going.
That’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my life. Every time I face a challenge, I remember my father during that difficult time and it gives me the strength to push through.
If you’ve got a similar story or mindset, there’s a good chance you had a strong male role model growing up.
3) Respect for others
A strong male role model teaches respect for others, regardless of their gender, race, or background. This is a fundamental value that shapes how we interact with the world around us.
It’s interesting to note that according to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, children who grow up with fathers who treat people with respect, regardless of their status or position in society, are more likely to become adults who have successful relationships and careers.
If you’ve grown up with a deep-seated understanding of the importance of respecting others, chances are you had a strong male figure guiding you.
This isn’t just about saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’; it’s about showing empathy and understanding towards everyone around you.
4) Work ethic
If you’re someone who understands the value of hard work and isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty, there’s a strong possibility that you had a solid male role model in your life.
Strong male figures often instill a robust work ethic in their children. They teach by example, showing us that nothing worthwhile is handed to us on a silver platter.
It’s about commitment, dedication, and sometimes working late into the night to achieve our goals.
This lesson isn’t just about professional success. It’s about understanding that anything worth having requires effort and perseverance. If this resonates with you, consider it another sign of having grown up with a strong male role model.
5) Emotional strength
A strong male role model isn’t just about physical strength or resilience. It’s also about emotional strength. They teach us that it’s okay to feel, to express those feelings, and most importantly, how to handle them.
I remember a time when I was dealing with a significant disappointment in my life. My world felt like it was falling apart, and I didn’t know how to handle the pain. It was then my role model stepped in, not to shield me from the pain, but to guide me through it.
He taught me that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. But what’s not okay is letting those emotions control you. He showed me how to acknowledge my feelings, process them, and then move forward stronger than before.
If you’ve learned similar lessons and apply them in your life today, that’s another sign of a strong male role model in your past.
6) Integrity
Another sign that you grew up with a strong male role model is if you value integrity. This is about sticking to your principles, even when no one is watching or when it might be easier to take shortcuts.
Strong male role models teach us that our word is our bond and that honesty and fairness should guide our actions.
They help us understand that integrity forms the basis of trust and respect in any relationship, whether personal or professional.
If you’re someone who places a high value on integrity and strives to live by this principle, there’s a good chance you had a strong male influence during your formative years.
7) Empathy
The most critical sign of growing up with a strong male role model is empathy. They teach us the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Empathy is not just about sympathizing with someone; it’s about stepping into their shoes and truly feeling what they’re going through. It’s one of the most profound human connections we can experience.
If you’ve been taught to treat people with empathy and compassion, then you’ve been gifted with one of the most valuable lessons a strong male role model can provide.
The legacy of a role model
The influence of a strong male role model extends far beyond childhood.
Their teachings, values, and examples become ingrained within us, shaping our decisions, actions, and personalities. They mold our understanding of the world and guide our interactions with those around us.
A quote by American author, Mark Twain, comes to mind: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
A strong male role model often helps us find the ‘why’ by igniting that spark of curiosity and giving us the tools to explore it.
Whether it’s through instilling resilience, teaching respect, or demonstrating integrity, a strong male role model leaves a lasting impact that is carried forward into adulthood and often passed down through generations.
Take a moment to reflect on this. Recognize the signs in yourself and the influences that have helped shape you. Cherish those lessons learned and carry them forward. Because the legacy of a strong male role model truly is a gift that keeps on giving.
