Makers, Takers, & Fakers - What You Need To Know

Welcome to the core of what makes Argent Alpha tick: the people you surround yourself with. You've probably heard it said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." This idea isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a fundamental truth that shapes your health, growth, and happiness as you age. The people you choose to surround yourself with directly impact your results, driving your successes or holding you back. Here at Argent Alpha, we live by the "iron sharpens iron" mantra—improving together, every day.

In this article, we're diving into the types of people who are in our circles: Makers, Takers, and Fakers. Understanding who they are and the influence they have on our lives can help us foster relationships that truly enrich us and cut ties with those that hold us back. Let's get started.

Understanding the Three Types of People: Makers, Takers, and Fakers

In any high-performance environment, whether in business or personal life, it’s crucial to understand the types of individuals you may encounter. These can broadly be categorized into Makers, Takers, and Fakers. Each plays a different role in your life and can influence your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilled self.

Makers: These are the heart and soul of a thriving community. Makers contribute positively, not just by being supportive, but by actively fostering an environment where everyone can succeed. They embody the "iron sharpens iron" philosophy. A Maker might be the person who encourages you to stick with a fitness routine, shares insightful articles about nutrition, or provides constructive feedback on your life’s challenges. They celebrate your wins as if they were their own and push you toward your best self without any hidden agenda. Makers create a ripple effect of positivity and growth, essential for personal and collective advancement.

Takers: In contrast, Takers are more self-centered and often view relationships as means to an end. Their primary concern is their own benefit, which they pursue often at the expense of others' well-being. Takers might be charming and engaging initially; however, over time, it becomes apparent that their involvement with others is conditional and predominantly self-serving. This type of behavior can be toxic in a community setting like Argent Alpha, where mutual support and collective improvement are key. The presence of Takers can drain the group’s resources and energy, potentially derailing the progress of others.

Fakers: Perhaps the most damaging of all, Fakers wear a mask of supportiveness and camaraderie, but their ultimate goal is self-interest. They often mimic the behaviors of Makers, making them hard to spot. A Faker might offer to help you with a project or provide advice on a personal matter, all while quietly manipulating the situation to their advantage. The danger with Fakers lies in their ability to breed mistrust and disrupt the group’s cohesion. Once their true motives come to light, it can lead to conflicts and a breakdown of trust within the community, which can be difficult to repair.

Recognizing these three types of people is not about passing judgment but about being mindful of the interactions that shape your life. By understanding the characteristics of Makers, Takers, and Fakers, you can make more informed decisions about who you let into your inner circle. Aligning yourself with more Makers can enhance your life and help you become a better version of yourself, while being cautious of Takers and Fakers can protect your emotional well-being and ensure the health of your community.

Building a Supportive Network

Building a supportive network isn’t just about seeking out Makers; it’s also about striving to be one. Reflecting on these types can also inspire you to evaluate your own actions: Are you contributing positively to those around you? Are you supporting others in a way that uplifts both them and yourself? This reflection is crucial as it encourages not only personal growth but also strengthens the bonds within your community, making it a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.

Identifying Makers, Takers, and Fakers

Now that we understand the roles Makers, Takers, and Fakers can play in our lives, it's essential to learn how to identify which is which. Recognizing these types in everyday interactions helps you make informed decisions about whom to trust and engage with, guiding you in nurturing the right relationships for your personal growth and well-being.

Identifying Makers: Makers are the pillars of any supportive community. They are characterized by their consistent actions that match their words. You'll often find them offering help without being asked, celebrating others' successes as loudly as their own, and providing constructive feedback aimed at helping others improve. A Maker is someone who asks about your goals and genuinely listens to your answers, offering to assist in ways that are relevant and beneficial. They often initiate positive projects and look for ways to collaborate and uplift the group. Look for people who seek solutions that benefit everyone involved—they're likely your Makers.

Spotting Takers: Takers can be a bit harder to spot, as they often disguise their self-serving nature with charm and charisma. However, a key sign of a Taker is their focus on receiving more than giving. They may often agree to participate in group activities or projects but will do so in ways that emphasize their own benefit. Takers frequently redirect conversations to themselves and their achievements and might only offer assistance if there's a clear gain for them. They are quick to ask for favors but slow to return them. Be wary of individuals who seem overly concerned with what they can get out of relationships or situations.

Recognizing Fakers: Fakers are the most challenging to identify because they are skilled at wearing masks. They often present themselves as supportive and aligned with community values but watch for inconsistencies between their words and actions. A Faker might enthusiastically commit to plans or projects and then fail to follow through. They might offer compliments and agreement in public while expressing dissent or negativity in private. Another red flag is when someone frequently changes their opinions or loyalties depending on the situation or audience, aiming to always appear in a favorable light regardless of their true feelings or intentions.

By paying close attention to these behaviors and signs, you can start to categorize the individuals in your life into Makers, Takers, and Fakers. This awareness allows you to foster deeper connections with the Makers who enrich your life, cautiously manage or mentor potential Takers, and wisely distance yourself from Fakers who could undermine your progress. Developing this discernment will not only improve your personal interactions but also enhance the overall health and effectiveness of your community. Engaging more with Makers and less with the other types helps create a circle that genuinely reflects and supports your values and aspirations.

Becoming and Being a Maker

Self-Reflection: Start with honest self-reflection. Consider how you interact with others. Are you supportive? Do your actions align with your words? Reflect on recent interactions where you offered help—were these acts genuinely for the benefit of others, or were there strings attached? Self-awareness is the first step towards embodying the Maker mindset.

Strategies for Positive Influence: Enhance your positive influence by actively seeking ways to contribute without immediate personal gain. This might mean offering your skills to someone just starting a health journey or sharing resources that have helped you. It's about making a commitment to the collective well-being of your community.

Avoiding the Traps of Being a Taker or a Faker

Check Your Intentions: Regularly assess your motivations. Are you seeking relationships and opportunities purely for personal gain, or are you genuinely interested in mutual benefit? This self-check can help you avoid the pitfalls of becoming a Taker or a Faker.

Solicit Honest Feedback: Encourage those around you to provide candid feedback about your behavior and contributions. This can help you identify any tendencies toward being self-serving or disingenuous and allow you to course-correct.

Commit to Consistency: Ensure your actions consistently match your words. If you promise to support someone, follow through. Reliability and trustworthiness are hallmarks of a Maker and prevent you from slipping into Faker territory.

Practical Actions to Foster a Community of Makers

Building a community of Makers doesn't happen by accident. It requires deliberate actions and ongoing commitment from everyone involved. Here are some specific steps you can take:

Mentorship Programs: Establish or participate in mentorship programs within your community. Whether it's pairing seasoned members with newcomers or setting up peer mentoring circles, these programs can help spread the Maker ethos and strengthen communal ties.

Regular Meet-Ups: Organize regular meet-ups, both formal and informal. Use these gatherings to share best practices, discuss challenges, and celebrate achievements. These can be in-person events or virtual meet-ups, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of location.

Collaborative Projects: Initiate or join projects that benefit the group or the wider community. This could be anything from a group fitness challenge to a volunteer project. Working together on shared goals can reinforce the Maker qualities of cooperation and mutual support.

Openness to Feedback and Continual Self-Improvement: Encourage a culture where feedback is welcomed and viewed as a tool for growth. Regularly seek input from others on how you can improve and offer constructive feedback that helps others grow. This environment of mutual respect and encouragement is pivotal to maintaining a dynamic and evolving community.

Incorporating these actions into your life isn't just about improving others' lives; it's about enriching your own. As you practice these Maker behaviors, you'll find that the benefits reflect back on you, enhancing your personal growth and satisfaction. By fostering a community of Makers, you help create a network of support and inspiration that makes everyone involved stronger and more fulfilled. Let's sharpen each other and thrive together.

Managing Relationships with Takers and Fakers

While fostering a community of Makers enhances the collective well-being, it's equally critical to address the challenges posed by Takers and Fakers. Effective management of these relationships is vital to protect both personal well-being and the integrity of the Argent Alpha community.

Setting Healthy Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries is essential when dealing with Takers and Fakers. Determine what behaviors you find acceptable and what crosses the line. For example, you might decide that consistently self-centered behavior from a Taker requires a frank conversation about mutual support. With Fakers, keep an eye on consistency between their words and actions; discrepancies here are a red flag.

Severing Ties: Knowing when to cut ties is crucial. If someone repeatedly drains your resources or betrays your trust, it’s time to step back. This decision can be tough, especially if long-standing relationships are involved, but remember, protecting your mental and emotional health should be a priority. A simple, respectful conversation explaining your need to focus on more positive interactions may be necessary.

Conclusion

The people you choose to surround yourself with can significantly impact your life. By being selective and cultivating a circle of Makers, you not only enhance your own personal growth but also contribute to the strength of the entire community. It’s about building a network that supports, uplifts, and inspires everyone involved.

As a man over 50, there’s a good chance you are busy with work, travel, kids, grandkids, you name it.

There’s also the chance you aren’t busy, just bored.

You might feel “rusted and busted” from decades of use and abuse.

There’s also a good chance you aren’t in “fighting shape” anymore but it’s on your perpetual to do list to start someday.

Someday is the busiest day of the week.

This is your invitation to drop someday from your vocabulary and replace it with TODAY.

If you still have some fight in you, a belief it’s not too late, a splash of pride calling you to reclaim what’s yours… take this one simple step today.