20 Characteristics of High-Agency Men

Back when I lived in Mexico in my early 20s, I came across a document (its author unknown) entitled “ANTROPOMÁXIMOLOGIA.”

It roughly translates to “the study of maximum human development.”

It’s all about how to develop yourself to the utmost. It contains 20 attributes of individuals who make a difference in the world and do great things. In other words, the attributes that make for high-agency men.

The attributes are simple and somewhat cliche, but there’s something about how they’re written in Spanish that really fires me up. I’ve turned back to my copy of “ANTROPOMÁXIMOLOGIA” several times in the past two decades, and every time I read it, I feel ready and raring to take on the world.

I translated ANTROPOMÁXIMOLOGIA into English below. Even in English, it’s stirring. Makes me want to be more of a self and exercise my agency; to act, instead of being acted upon. I’ve added the Spanish version beneath the English translation for those who want to read it in Spanish, too.

ANTHROPOMAXIMOLOGY

Few people reach the full extent of their ability during the course of their lives.

It has been shown that most people do not use more than 5% of their intellectual capacity.

In recent years, many scientists have dedicated themselves to the study of human capacity. This has been termed “ANTHROPOMAXIMOLOGY”:

ANTHROPO: HUMAN BEING

MAXIM: MAXIMUM DEVELOPMENT

OLOGY: STUDY OF

We have all noticed that there are outstanding individuals in the world. What is it that makes the difference between them and the rest of us? This small group (0.5% – 1%) are those who move or impact others.

All the great figures in history have been of this caliber.

Although this possibility is not limited to those who have excelled, every person has the same potential; we all must, and indeed, have the grand opportunity to at least try to achieve the maximum development of our capacity.

To evaluate and analyze our own development capacity, here are some characteristics of those who reach certain degrees of distinction. The knowledge, and above all, the application of these attributes in our own lives will help us to join this select group of achievers.

Here are the attributes that make the difference, “the added value” that distinguishes people who achieve success in their endeavors.

1. They are never satisfied with their level of development; they always want to exceed what was previously done.
2. They avoid comfortable situations. They do things they may not like because they understand the importance of doing them.
3. They have pressing goals. They not only feel they SHOULD do something, but they are driven by their own will that they HAVE to do it.
4. They never blame others. They solve problems. Any task is a challenge to be overcome.
5. They like and encourage taking risks. However, they take these risks judiciously and in moderation—never recklessly or without calculation. They evaluate and proceed with tact and without fear.
6. They have VISION; they can foresee in their minds the outcomes before embarking on the execution of the proposed plan.
7. They are not slaves to work. However, if they need to accomplish something, they will work 24 hours a day if necessary.
8. They handle pressures well. They recognize that no one is interested in whether they are nervous or pressured. They know that only they decide what to do with their lives. They need the tension of demand but trust in their decision-making capacity.
9. They are objective. They are not selfish. They let others receive recognition for an achievement when it is deserved.
10. They understand the nature of energy. They know that if they apply enough energetic force, they will be capable of moving anything.
11. They know the meaning of nurturing. They build and nurture others, always leaving things better than they found them.
12. They understand sociability. They enjoy others but do not depend on them, stepping away from friends and fun if there are more important or higher-priority tasks to handle.
13. They use and understand self-discipline. They do not let habits, desires, and faults control them because they have developed the ability to control themselves.
14. They have COURAGE. They are not reluctant because others do not dare to do something. They make decisions and do not hesitate.
15. They have confidence in themselves. They do not doubt or waver. Their confidence is nourished by action and deeds.
16. They understand the importance of living in the present. They do not live on the laurels of yesterday nor with the aspirations of tomorrow; they aim for the best in the present.
17. They do not worry about past mistakes and never base today’s decisions on yesterday’s errors. They expect and live for the success of the present.
18. They recognize that experiences come individually and not in groups. When they receive training, they apply the lessons to themselves and do not hide behind or dwell on the mistakes of others.
19. They are quick to forgive, forget, and move forward from where they are. They know how to forgive their own faults.
20. They understand the importance of empathy; they are capable of interpreting the feelings of others, developing this quality to the fullest.