Are you one of those guys? One who won’t stop to ask directions? Men like to think they can be lone rangers. But in reality, we can’t and, if we are honest with ourselves, we know it. By asking for help, we are somehow admitting failure. Not true–by not allowing others to help, we set ourselves up for failure and miss out on fellowship, encouragement and the opportunity to learn something…like how to get somewhere!
To truly make it in this world we need relationships; here are three important relationships we should all have:
- A mentor/coach
- A peer/companion
- A protégé/apprentice
There are other relationships we all need, but we will focus on these three here. Whether we like it or not, we are relationship-based beings. So let’s stop fighting it and embrace the idea. It is not a sign of weakness-it is a sign of strength. And for those around us who see us develop meaningful relationships, we will be a walking example to follow.
I will expand on the idea of each relationship listed above in future posts. So put your pride aside and get real with yourself.
It is time for men to help each other and to allow others to help them. I encourage you to seek these three relationships in your life. Be willing to be vulnerable to your mentor and learn from him. Be honest with you peer, hold him accountable and be accountable to him. Pour into a younger man, a protégé. You will be shaping a man to have an impact on the world, and this relationship alone will provide incredible accountability. I have developed a card with questions to ask one another on a regular basis.
Send me your address and I will send you one or more if you need them for a group.
Get out of your comfort zone, drop your “I can do it on my own” attitude and let a couple of guys into your life. I have a friend that jokingly says he is an island, and I tell him I am the water that surrounds him. Let someone surround you. We need to be able to be real with each other. I understand we can’t have multiple “best friends” that’s not realistic.
It takes time to build quality relationships. However, by investing in these three men, our other relationships will be much more enjoyable and beneficial.
We need help with direction in life, just like we sometimes need directions to a location. Remember, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto! Send a comment, share your thoughts on men and relationships.