Although masculinity and feminity are polarized in Western society today, we all have masculine and feminine energies within us. Usually, we’re stronger in one over the other. It all depends on which energy we put time and effort into. As a woman who has started embracing her masculine side, I can tell you there are a lot of benefits to working towards that balance. I have felt more confident and happier since letting my masculinity shine. It’s even improved my relationships, both platonic and romantic.
If you feel your masculine energy might need a tune-up, here are 15 unexpected benefits to look forward to at the end of your hard work.
1. Improved Decision Making
Have you been part of a friend group that always throws out suggestions for where to eat or hang out but has the hardest time making an actual decision? Incorporating assertive energy helps cut through the what-ifs and embrace the choice that’s not perfect but good enough to keep things moving. Believe me, most of your friends will thank you for just making the decision.
2. Higher Rate of Success
Risk-taking is an often-overlooked masculine trait that has empowered inventors and scientists for generations. While caution is a valuable trait in many situations, taking advantage of the masculine tendency to “just go for it” gives you the chance to succeed at something you might not have ever tried otherwise. Ironically, you need to fail a lot to finally succeed.
3. Leadership Opportunities
Teachers and bosses prefer go-getters and self-starters. By taking chances and not being afraid to make decisions, you’ll stand out as prime leadership material.
4. Gain Respect
I was particularly surprised by this reception of embracing my masculinity. Male bosses in particular show more respect to assertive, decisive employees. But even my parents regarded me differently when I started speaking up for myself. Contrary to what you might have been taught when you were younger, people like someone who knows what they want and says it.
5. Boosted Self-Confidence
I guarantee that after you succeed at a task you weren’t even sure you should try and your boss offers you a promotion for it, you’re going to feel a whole lot more confident about yourself. Masculine energy isn’t about succeeding all the time, it’s about not being afraid of failure. And every time you do succeed, it will give you more reason to trust your abilities and attempt more daring things in the future.
6. Independence
I wouldn’t have started going on solo camping trips had I not let my masculine side guide me. Now I spend multiple weeks every year in nature happily recharging. There is something to be said for the lone wolf who leaves the tribe to contemplate and take some time to themselves.
7. Being Okay with Quiet Time
Silence can be uncomfortable, but giving in to your non-thinking side helps alleviate the tension that can come from not talking. There is such a thing as comfortable silence. The issue is when you have trouble with intrusive thoughts or worries about what another person is thinking. Instead, try practicing mindfulness.
8. Widened Range of Experiences
With increased confidence and independence comes a higher likelihood of attempting activities outside of your comfort zone. Why not go to the movies by yourself or on that vacation you’ve been meaning to go on for ages? Allowing your masculine energy to give you the boost you need will open up a world of possibilities.
9. Emotional Adaptability
Emotions are sometimes like inescapable tidal waves. You have to learn how to be the immovable rock. This does not mean that you shut down your feelings completely. Instead, by using your masculine energy to experience emotions without being carried away by them, you’ll be in a better position to choose how to react. If you’re in a safe space to cry, go ahead and let it out. If you’re in the middle of a work meeting, you can set your emotions aside for a few hours to do what needs to be done.
10. Improved Relationships
Confidence, independence, and assertiveness are all invaluable traits when navigating both platonic and romantic relationships. You don’t need another half to fulfill you. You spend time with people simply because you enjoy their company. And other people want to be around you because you make them feel uplifted and empowered.
11. Boundary Setting
The power of “No” is fueled by assertiveness and self-confidence. Setting boundaries gives you space and time both physically and emotionally. In a seeming paradox, you will be able to devote more of your time and space to the people and activities that matter most to you.
12. Less Anxiety
Studies have shown that positive masculine traits alone don’t necessarily decrease psychological distress. You also need social support and healthy self-care techniques. So this benefit comes from working on both your masculine and feminine sides. Confidence increases your self-worth and cultivating community makes you feel cared for. Then you are more likely to feel happy and calm.
13. Easier to Stand Your Ground
Do you get frustrated when someone pokes holes in your argument and you don’t know how to retort? The ability to stand your ground comes down to conviction in your argument. Masculine traits like strength, resilience, and determination strengthen your belief in your stance so you don’t flounder in every little argument.
14. Big Stick Ideology
As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” This supposed West African proverb means that you should negotiate calmly and without raising your voice while also implying you have something more tangible to back your words up with. You don’t need to be big and strong to carry a big stick. Your stick can even be your ability to speak up when someone crosses your boundaries.
15. Setting a Positive Example
And finally, the best benefit of nurturing your masculinity is being able to show others the positive side of masculine energy. There are too many examples of toxic masculinity in the world and young people, regardless of gender, need better ones. Someone assertive, not aggressive. Someone with confidence, not boastfulness. Someone with conviction who doesn’t force their opinions on others.
16. Fed up with feeling alone? Attract love by changing your mindset.
With our sister site Sweetn‘s simple quiz and mind tools, love is closer than you think. They’ll give you the tools and skills you need to transform the way you date and shift your energy to help you find lasting love. It only takes a few minutes to get started, so check it out here.
