True masculinity can be likened to strength training. When a man dedicates himself to becoming stronger, it does not happen overnight. It takes many hours of work, beginning with lighter weights and progressively moving on to heavier ones. Much time is spent doing sets and repetitions. If he does not keep the goal of building stronger muscles in his mind, it can be easy to give up.

Likewise, becoming truly masculine takes dedication and training. It involves focusing on factors that make men manly.

Compared to women, it is clear that males are physically different. Their voices are louder and more commanding. They have rougher skin tone and larger muscles, and are generally faster and bolder than women. They are able to bring strength and stability when the situation requires it.

Understanding and correctly fulfilling your role as a male will help you become more masculine.

Outward Strength

What does true masculinity look like? On the outside, it is when you present yourself as strong and clean-cut. When you take care of your health and display proper dress and grooming, it shows that you are in control of your life. Others will appreciate that you care enough to take the time to do these things.

Proverbs 20:29 states, “The glory of young men is their strength.” Truly masculine men are strong from spending time outside being active—these are not lethargic males who spend hours and hours indoors playing video games! Masculinity involves being able-bodied and full of energy.

As a young man, now is the time to develop and use your strength. Take up a sport such as basketball or soccer. With the help of a parent, mentor or coach, study and apply strength-training exercises. Gladly accept opportunities to use your strength, such as raking leaves or shoveling snow on a driveway or sidewalk. Try to spend at least 90 minutes per week being active, preferably dividing this time among several days.

Gentlemen should look sharp. Hair should be kept short according to God’s standards of I Corinthians 11 and be well-groomed. This is in stark contrast to men’s styles today in which hair is often kept intentionally messy. Any facial hair should be completely removed by a clean shave. If an older man has a mustache or beard, it should be well-maintained.

Men should keep up with their hygiene as one way to show respect for others. Shower daily, brush your teeth, and apply deodorant to prevent body odor. Be mindful of oily hair and dandruff, which can be offensive or distracting to those around you.

Clothing should be neat, clean and ironed. Unlike the trend of skin-tight jeans, pants should be full but not baggy. Colors associated with femininity such as pinks and purples should be avoided to further differentiate yourself from the trend of men becoming more feminine.

Yet appearance is not enough—true masculinity emanates from the inside.

Inward Confidence

Manhood involves confidence, self-respect and character. Proverbs 21:8 says that “the righteous are bold as a lion.” Be sure of what you know and act upon it. Think before you make decisions, but then execute them with precision.

One way to develop this confidence is by understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Be realistic with yourself. Understand that everyone has areas in which they need to grow. Have confidence in knowing that you are striving to live God’s way of life and He will help you develop in areas you lack as well as help you improve upon your strengths.

Another important trait of masculinity is self-respect. You must have respect for yourself to receive respect from others. Look people in the eye. Stand up straight. Understand God’s purpose for you. Strive to understand and then develop your personality into something you are comfortable with and can use to make others feel comfortable.

Character is the resolve and strength to do the right thing—even when presented with the opportunity to do the wrong or easy thing. As the world around you has less and less character, determine to be different.

Masculinity in Action

Be on the constant lookout for ways to develop proper male characteristics.

At services, use your abilities to help others. For example, before services assist members with carrying heavy items such as casseroles, children’s backpacks, and elderly members’ briefcases and bags. Help men in your congregation line up chairs prior to the start of services. Help ladies by moving tables and chairs for potlucks, and after eating is finished, take out the trash.

When at home, learn such tasks as mowing the lawn and doing minor repairs around the house. If you lack a masculine example, find a man in the Church from whom you can learn. You both will benefit as he receives a helping hand!

Learn and practice good etiquette. Open doors for ladies and the elderly and stand up when either enters a room. Practice holding your silverware like a king rather than a “caveman.” Use your knife and fork to cut food into bite-sized pieces. Study and research these often-forgotten practices to improve both your appearance and increase your confidence.

Set goals for yourself and make plans for how to reach them. A short-term goal might be to get an “A” on your chemistry test, while a long-term goal might be to keep a high GPA throughout your schooling to assist you in finding a job or applying for scholarships. You could also set a goal to pay for Ambassador Youth Camp next year. This will give you purpose and drive during the times you feel life is moving too slowly.

In the classroom, strive to care about what you are learning. When subjects seem boring, try to analyze how the material can apply to your future and make you a well-rounded individual.

It has been said that common sense is not so common anymore. Determine to defy this saying! God’s Word is full of training on common sense. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote an entire book on this topic: the Proverbs. Take time to read and learn simple principles about how God wants you to live. Developing this trait will increase your ability to lead others.

Similar to weight training, becoming truly masculine requires starting with the basics and building upon that foundation. With repetition and dedication, you can become a picture of true masculinity!