While many women, desperate for a man, will tell you all a real man needs to have is a heart beat, we all know there is so much more to being a real man. Today's society has seen so many manless homes that leave young boys with no role model. When the best teacher is watching by example, these young men grow up never knowing the traits that make a real man.  Their empty homes teach them the saddest lesson of all, that men leave their families. A real man will consider their family a top priority and will take care of them regardless. While divorce is common, a real man will make sure that child support is paid and that they continue to be a part of their child's life.

It is often said that real men don't cry. What that saying really means is that a real man doesn't cry about how unfair life is to him. He doesn't complain about how others have it better than him. He sucks it up, works hard and goes about life with an attitude of gratitude for the good things he finds instead of the misfortune that he, along with everyone else, encounters. A real man works hard to be a productive member of society. He is not content to live on welfare and collect what he thinks is owed to him. He works whatever jobs he has to keep food on the table and a roof over his head.

Another common saying heard is real men don't wear pink. Men can wear anything, any color, any style, as long as they take pride in their appearance. A real man is well groomed and presents a positive appearance. Wearing tee shirts that demean other groups, tattoos that shout gang or offensive messages, or pants that show off the cracks no one should see, are not what Real Men wear. It's not being said that a real man needs to be in a suit and tie everyday. It's being said that in public, grooming and appearance is important. To be treated like a man, you must dress like one, not like a teen trying to prove something to the world.

For many men, having a fit body is important, for a number of reasons. Not only is being in shape better for your health, but it's a great way to boost self esteem, not to mention attract attention from the opposite sex. If one of your resolutions this new year is to get in shape, then there are many ways you can go about developing a fitness plan to meet your goals. While there are lots of programs out there that claim to work overnight, the programs with the most lasting success involve good old fashioned exercise and healthy living.

To begin with, you'll want to get your mind in the right shape. No fitness program will work if you aren't committed - not only to following it, but also to making it part of your overall lifestyle. A fit body requires maintenance, and fitness isn't just something you do for a few months and then quit - it's a way of life. So before you begin making plans, make up your mind to change your lifestyle to a healthy, fit one that involves taking care of yourself permanently, not just for a few weeks.

Once you've set your mind, it's time to create a plan. Buying a gym membership and hitting it once or twice a week is a good start, but can only take you so far. If you have serious weight loss and fitness goals that include body building, then you might want to consider getting the advice of a physical trainer, or finding a progressive fitness program on the Internet. If you choose to go this last route, look for programs that are created by fitness trainers, as they are more likely to produce results you'll be happy with. Of course whichever route you choose, remember to stick with it, even though the first few months might be hard.

You'll also want to take a look at some other areas of your life, as getting into shape involves more than just working out. Look at your diet, and consider if it is helpful or detrimental to your fitness goals. If necessary, consult a dietitian, fitness trainer or find some advice on the Internet about healthy eating habits. Specifically, look for advice on the best way to eat for the fitness routine you've chosen and the goals you have set. Also, you'll want to start cutting back on things that aren't part of a healthy lifestyle - drinking too much, smoking, and other unhealthy habits.

By doing these things, you should easily be able to create a plan for your new year's resolution of getting into shape. As they say, a goal is nothing without a plan, so create an awesome fitness plan that will help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals this year.