The Wolves in Our Pack – The Visionary Wolf
The following 5-Part Series will examine men’s friendships; how we find them, how we cultivate them, and what they do for us, and our friends.
My pal Felix and I talk about everything, but mostly the things we’re going to do next. We talk about business ideas. We inquire about each others’ current ventures, what’s working and what’s not. We share podcasts about how to get to the next place in life. We talk about the industry we both work in. We share theories about what’s just ahead, what’s on the horizon.
We also meander into relationships, family life, feelings. We get a little vulnerable sometimes. Then, when it’s all over, we hug, say goodbye, then rush back to our respective lives, and then find each here and there on some text thread or messaging app, and then later, sometimes months, we visit again in person. It’s like we’re just right there, but not there, but it feels like no time has elapsed. Like there’s nothing to catch up on when we do see each other because everything’s already established. We’re primed for the ideation.
That’s who Felix is in my wolf pack: the ideas man. I imagine I’m that same person for him. All men need an ideas guy: the one who challenges the boring thoughts and reaches for innovation. We need these guys because they are not sit-around-do-nothing people. They are movers. Shakers. They get things done.
I suppose that’s why I always feel so energized around Felix, because I know our conversations won’t be about the weather. They will be meaningful, inspiring, and motivating.
When you find that friend that not only vibes well, but sparks the creative and entrepreneurial mindset, you have to hold onto them. As men, we spend a lot of time alone. We’re wired that way, to want to accomplish on our own. But wolves need brothers, and that’s why building your pack requires a certain level of curation. Who’s someone you’d have a few drinks with, but also count on if you needed a thought partner or some real advice? Who can you open up to, but also kick back with and not have to say much at all?
Our friends come in all varieties, and we must maintain a certain level of thought diversity lest we become those packs of dudes that show up wearing the same thing. Yeah, it’s cool to be in tune, but wearing the same brands and styles isn’t as cool as someone who will push you to be your best.
You never know which one of your buddies will be your ideas guy, but a good way to find out is to ask a few questions. Pose a few imponderables. Float that idea you have to start a business. See which one of your pals laughs and which one nods his head “yes” in total agreement.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: Unsplash
