Ever since I was a young boy I recall being fascinated with stories of heroes. I watched them in cartoons, I read about them in comic books, I listened to people talk about them in church. I fell in love with the idea that despite overwhelming odds in each of these stories, the hero was somehow able to overcome his enemy's traps, defeat the 'bad guy', and save the day. Over time I took notice that all my heroes seemed to possess a similar character (author, Joseph Conrad writes about this in The Hero's Journey). The basic format is that the hero starts off as a regular person, they encounter tragedy or hardship, and must journey to find resolution ultimately returning with the knowledge or power to defeat their foe.
My older brother indoctrinated me and my younger brother to the world of "Star Wars" which introduced us to the concept of "The Force", a mystical energy that surrounds everything in the universe and can be used to manipulate or influence one's environment by those sensitive to its presence.
In college I became familiar with the concepts of social dominance, which basically details how people fall into a certain "pecking order" at work, at home, and in the sexual market place. I remembered being invisible to girls in junior high school and envied the athletes and "cool kids" that seemed to effortlessly command the attention of the herd. For high school my parents enrolled me into a competitive all-boys preparatory school which taught me many skills. I grew strong in mind, body, and spirit. In college I returned to a co-ed learning environment with the gift of self-confidence. I was no longer 'invisible' to the fairer sex and relished in the newfound attention. I competed in talent shows and contests and won. I dated the most attractive females, got selected for competitive jobs, and things generally seemed to work out for me.
After graduation I took a job where I started at the bottom of the social hierarchy. I slaved 80 hours a week making 'cold calls' for little pay. My confidence waned, and I struggled. My body reflected the poor diet my lifestyle could afford. My spirit was crushed by rejection at work and in my personal life. My choice of career was clearly affecting my life in a negative manner. I did what any young and inexperienced college graduate would do and accepted the first job that "looked' good and would help me pay my bills. I suffered nearly 17 months at a job that I hated in order to save enough money to secure a house. Shortly thereafter, I left that miserable work experience with the knowledge and training to acquire a position at another firm with a higher income and better hours.
Slowly my confidence began to resurface. I took time to eat better and exercise. With time I experienced love and acceptance which helped my soul to heal. I was growing strong again in mind, body, and spirit. Things once again started to work out for me and I became grateful!
I learned a most valuable lesson in seeking balance in one's life so as to not take any of the gifts of well-being for granted. With this I vowed to help others on their journey as I was helped in mine.
I started with myself. I wrote out the characteristics of the man I wished to be, then I devised a plan to accomplish this. I started to read for leisure to keep my mind sharp. I took up competitive sports to train my body and learned to cook in order to eat a healthy diet. For my spiritual growth I would often spend time in nature listening to the 'universe' in quiet meditation, thoughts, and prayer. My faith grew stronger...
After results started manifesting in my own life through attracting health, wealth, friends, and important relationships I felt confident to begin helping others.
In today's vernacular we call the person on top of the social hierarchy the "Alpha". The Alpha is the leader of the pack (In wolves as well as in primates). They achieve this ranking through dominance of mind, body, and spirit. They are CEO's of corporations, heads of state, and leaders in the world. In grammar, Alpha is a verb, adverb, noun, and adjective. Alpha behavior is marked by being in control of oneself. These individuals possess seemingly supernatural powers of influence. They are the 'x-factor' in the equation that tilts the odds in their favor. Their influence can turn a sinking ship of a company into a flying frigate of profit and success. They are not handed these gifts so much as they have learned to wield them. Their struggle has made them strong. Alpha is equivalent to "favor from God". One cannot become Alpha without first suffering through other ranks of the hierarchy. Alpha is a constant process. If one fails to maintain it, it can leave them. With Alpha, great things are possible...
Young people are interested in the benefits of being perceived "Alpha" due the social benefits of attracting wealth, mates, and power; however, true Alpha cannot be impersonated. Some may be fooled initially, but society can tell almost immediately. In nature, the Alpha animals are typically the tallest (biggest), most intelligent, and most equipped to defend the tribe (including themselves in battle). Most of the candidates selected to become CEO's or presidents of the United States were over six feet tall. Alpha status is highly coveted for the benefit of mating as females are attracted to status; however, 'with great power comes great responsibility'. Alphas must stay on top of their game in order to prevent being bested by another competing member of the tribe. Barring physical combat, one need not be discouraged if they do not possess great height or size. Alpha status can be achieved through wealth, talent or ability, and most importantly attitude. Alpha mindset is to control that which is in their power, to shrug off disappointment, and to continue moving forward towards their goal of being the best they can be. Everything else will fall into place (status benefits and all).
Throughout the course of time the terms will change in which we assign the mystical powers associated with individuals of influence. The important takeaway is that it does exist, it always has and will continue to shape our environment, world, and ultimately our universe.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you"