There are two types of people in this world: makers and takers. The reality is that we’ve all been a bit of both in our lives. But I think more and more I’m seeing the pendulum switch in society from most of us being makers to most of us being takers.
It’s not sustainable. It’s not healthy. And, frankly, it’s not manly. So today, I thought I’d share why being a maker is not only your job as a man but it’s a much more profitable and fulfilling way to live. And, I’ll also share five very practical tips/mindsets for turning yourself into more of a maker.
Look, at the end of the day, it’s easy to see why a lot of people believe being a taker will produce maximum results in their lives. It will, in the short term because, when you’re a taker, your results typically come at the expense of other people. Being a maker, however, is about cooperation with other people to create environments where everyone wins, not just one party.
When you create scenarios in which everyone wins, it’s much more sustainable over long periods of time because it leverages your efforts from just you to an army of motivated advocates of you.
Take this movement in Order of Man and, more specifically, this podcast. I do this for free. I don’t get paid to do this podcast. I’ve never asked you to pay me to deliver this information to you. Sure, we have programs and offerings but the value you get here in the words that I share is free and accessible to everyone. What this has done is create a movement millions of men are not only proud to support but also proud to share with other men they know.
This is just one small example of how "making" inevitably turns into "taking." And, I want to be very clear on this, making (or producing results) should not come at your expense. There’s a point at which making becomes unhealthy. We recognize this when we see the perennial “nice guy” who lets himself become the victim of everything and everyone else.
And, I’m not necessarily advocating for being a maker simply so you can be a taker at some point. Sure, it often plays out that way but that’s just a natural byproduct of producing more in your life. Quite honestly, it just feels good to give to other people. Why? Because we’re hardwired to do it. Think about our tagline, “Protect, Provide, Preside.” All three roles have an element of service.
So, yes, being a maker will help you win but it’s also our job.
On that note, let’s break down 5 tip, strategies, and mindsets you can incorporate to be a better maker.
If you’re going to be negative about every situation, you’re more likely to be a taker. You’re more likely to believe that the world is inherently bad and that everyone is out to get you. I don’t believe that’s the case at all.
I believe people are inherently good and that most people are moral and ethical and want very much the same things I want out of life: good relationships, a little money in the bank account, a thriving career, and some memorable experiences. And, because I believe this to be true, I can see a bit of myself in everyone that I meet. I want people to win. I believe they can win. And, if I can help them do it, you better believe that I will.
And, you know what, I’m willing to give people the benefit of the doubt because of it. Every once in a while I get it wrong but it’s never served me poorly to give to other people abundantly.
Along those lines (and point number two), I believe that you can have one of two mindsets: scarcity or abundance.
Those with a scarcity mindset tend to believe the pie is finite and that if I am to win, it has to come at the expense of someone else. They believe the rich only get richer at the expense of the poor. And, they live their lives believing they have to get theirs before anyone else or there won’t be any left.
Those with an abundance mindset, however, believe that there is no pie – that there is more than enough to go around. And, because they know there is more than enough to go around, they can share freely of their resources. They know that they won’t run out of that which they give to others because there is no tank that holds happiness, opportunity, connections, innovation, ideas, that once depleted, it’s gone. It’s like sustainable energy. These things cannot be depleted. In fact, the more you give, the more you create so it’s in your best interest to create, give, and produce.
In addition to being optimistic and of an abundance mindset, makers are constantly looking for ways to create win-win situations. This isn’t a negotiation necessarily but an opportunity to make sure success for one does not come at the expense of the others.
I think those with a “taker” mindset see a very limited set of solutions to problems. But a maker sees more than black and white. He sees the middle ground, the unconventional, the unorthodox solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems.
And because he sees the world through that lens, he becomes a person who has the ability to get the job done. His reputation grows, his relationship thrives, and his businesses explode.
From the outside, others will wonder in amazement at all he is able to accomplish and chalk it up to the “x-factor,” when all the while, it was his simply his ability to see a solution others failed to.
This actually leads nicely into point four, looking for creative solutions. I have a lot of people ask how we’ve been able to rise to the top of a very crowded market. The answer is very simple – be creative when it comes to helping other people win.
I want people to win. I want you to get information from this podcast that will change your life. I want my guests to sell their books and their courses. I want men to step up more fully into their lives as fathers, husbands, business owners, and community leaders. Because I want that so much, I spend time thinking creatively about how I can help others accomplish the things they want in their lives.
And, here’s one of the best parts: when I do, I make myself indispensable in people’s lives. Everyone can come up with the same regurgitated solutions but if you can craft creative solutions to problems others may not even recognize they have, you cement yourself as someone others need in their lives.
I saved point number five for last because without this final strategy, nothing else I talked about really matters. You have to be in this game for the long-haul. If you haven’t fully committed to being a "maker" in every environment in which you find yourself, you are not going to win long-term.
Sure, you’ll secure some short-term gains, but they won’t last because you didn’t do it the right way. Usually, when someone is in it for the short-term, they’ll jeopardize their principles because they know they’ll be out soon so they have to “get while the gettin’s good.” If you want to win for a very, very long time, plant your flag now and know things will work out in everyone’s favor when you focus on being around forever. You can’t lie, cheat, steal, manipulate, and coerce because there is nowhere to hide when you plan on being around indefinitely.
Men, I know there are more solutions and mindsets to living as a “maker” than this but I wanted to get the conversation started. I want to hear from you. What are your best tips for becoming more of a maker in your life and the lives of those you care about?
This stuff isn’t always easy, especially when you’re working to overcome mindsets that have been indoctrinated into you since childhood, but with a little thought and a lot of effort, you can become someone who gives more than he takes and has the honor of calling yourself a man.
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