You often encounter the word "alpha male", but have you ever heard of the term "sigma male?"
Most popularly referred to as the "lone wolf", sigma males are typically considered to be the more silent and mysterious version of your typical alpha male.
They are the kind of guys that prefer being in their own company rather than in a group. Moreover, they only do things on their own terms, and they refuse to conform to authority or the world's demands.
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Among the other five personalities, the sigma male is considered the personality type with higher chances of challenging the dominance of an alpha male and actually winning. However, if not for the most righteous motivations, they'd usually just prefer to mind their own business away from the limelight.
Do these traits seem so familiar to you? Are you wondering if you possess the sigma male personality? Or know someone? Do you want to know if you can become a sigma male?
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Dig deeper in this article to find out.
What is a sigma male?
The sigma male is one of six generally accepted male personalities dubbed from the letters in the Greek alphabet. The sigma male is simplest known for being an introverted version of an Alpha. They are cunning, self-confident, likable, and prudent.
The legendary retired hitman John Wick played by our favorite actor Keannu Reeves is the best definition of sigma male personality.
Signs of a Sigma Male
Sigma Male Notable Traits
1. Sigma males are mavericks.
A sigma male would rarely conform to the demands of the world. They prefer to independently walk their own path. Following structures and traditional concepts don't interest them, and they'd always create a system that perfectly fits their personality.
Their creativity and confidence allow them to be individuals who are driven to accomplish their goals despite any adversities. Guys with sigma male personalities are not afraid to take up space and build something for themselves instead of working for people.
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2. Sigma males are self-sufficient.
If there's a list of things sigma males can live without, it's undoubtedly other people's company and validation. Sigma males are known for their emotional independence and self-sufficiency, hence the reputation of being a lone wolf. Simply put, sigma males don't require a social circle to be themselves.
They're not one to brag about their achievements online. They do not yearn for other people's recognition of their hard work or the need to depend on other people for their emotional wellbeing. As long as sigma males have their basic necessities covered, they wouldn't really need much in life.
3. Sigma males are practical.
Sigma males know what they want in life, which is why it is easier to prioritize themselves first over other people. Do note that this isn't being selfish, but more so, just being practical. As an example, a sigma male will never dress to impress at the cost of his own comfort.
Generally speaking, sigma males' practicality pushes them to base their decisions on their personal preferences, not on other people's opinions.
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4. Sigma males prefer blending in than being the center of attention.
Dreading being in the spotlight is part of a sigma male's introverted nature. They'd rather just work in the background than have the general public know everything they do.
Sigma males prefer to live their lives in silence and save up their energy for something more productive and essential, rather than spending their energy on meaningless conversations and activities.
5. Sigma males are deep and critical thinkers.
Sigma males always make sure to take their time processing all information before arriving at a calculated decision. This can be attributed to their mostly being in their own company.
Sigma males recognize that they're bound to commit mistakes, but practicing introspection and contemplation before taking any action would lessen its chances. They are also prone to self-reflect in order to be more aware of their personal strengths and weaknesses.
6. Sigma males are socially flexible.
Despite being introverts, sigma males can still blend in just well in a crowd. Sigma males happen to have some of the traits of an alpha male, and they can be very much like one if they choose to be.
This trait makes them good candidates for leadership and managerial positions. While they can be quiet and mysterious, they can also be competent leaders, silently working in the background minus the ego of an Alpha male.
7. Sigma males are effortlessly charismatic.
This may be a contradiction to their lone wolf reputation, but sigma males are naturally charismatic and appealing to the opposite sex. Something about their quiet and mysterious side makes it easy for people to get attracted to them.
Is it rare to meet a sigma male?
Sigma males are considered the rarest of all six male personalities. Perhaps, the most logical explanation for this is because the sigma personality is full of contradictions. Given their goal-driven nature, they tend to focus more on spending time alone than in a social setting.
While sigma males bear the characteristics of an alpha male, their silent and mysterious nature keeps them away from the spotlight. This is why the existence of a sigma male personality can be known to only a few people.
How to Spot Sigma Males
What zodiac signs are sigma males?
A sigma male is very much like a lone wolf who usually keeps himself away from the pack. When it comes to zodiac signs, you may have a hard time finding the perfect match for this male personality type. However, the two zodiac signs that come close to the characteristics of a sigma male are Scorpios and Capricorns.
Scorpios, very much like sigma males, are not fond of social settings. They also do not easily conform to authority. Scorpios are self-confident individuals, not out of arrogance, but rather out of genuine content with whatever they have in life.
Capricorns are naturally independent, like lone wolves. Like sigma males, they are aware of their potential but would prefer to just work in the background. Regardless of whether or not recognize what they do, they would choose to offer a helping hand to those who need it.
Other zodiac signs that possess some of the traits of a sigma male personality are Leo and Sagittarius, like being self-assuring. However, they are considered to be more closely related to alpha males.
It's best to remember that being a sigma male doesn't necessarily depend on whether you belong to the two previously mentioned zodiac signs or not. They just happen to possess the closest characteristics based on a sigma male description.
Sigma vs. other male personalities
In the first part of this article, you've already heard that sigma and alpha males are very much alike. But maybe you're wondering, what about the other personality types like Beta, Omega, and Deltas?
To get a clearer grasp on what the five other personality types are about, it's best to take note of their similarities and differences with the sigma personality.
Sigma males vs Alpha Males
Similarities: Sigma and Alpha males are both confident and capable to achieve the goals they seek to accomplish. This both makes them good leaders.
Differences: While alpha males are oftentimes dominant, sigma males refrain from taking on leadership roles even though they are the most qualified to challenge alpha for social dominance.
Sigma males vs Beta Males
Similarities: These two personality types are both known for their silent nature and aren't that bothered to just stay in the corner.
Differences: Both sigma and beta male are content with being alone, but the latter also likes to be a part of a group. A sigma male doesn't like to partake in any social hierarchy, which differs them from beta males. Beta males can sometimes be branded as bottom-feeders, but it's just because beta males are more self-aware.
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Sigma males vs Omega Males
Similarities: Both sigma and omega males are confident and self-sufficient.
Differences: Sigma males are typical lone wolves and emotionally unreliant to other people, while omega males prefer to keep a small friend group for emotional support.
Sigma males vs Delta Males
Similarities: A delta male is also sometimes considered a lone wolf.
Differences: Sigma males refuse to be part of the pack. Delta males on the other hand despise it. It could be that he didn't have the best experience of being part of a social hierarchy.
Sigma Males in a Relationship
Despite their personal preference of spending time alone, not all sigma males plan to spend the rest of their lives alone. A sigma male will typically welcome the possibility of romantic companionships but on his own terms.
Do sigma males fall in love?
Of course! They may be lone wolves, but they are very much capable of falling in love. It also helps that most of the characteristics of a sigma male (mysterious, independent) may seem so appealing to some women.
How do sigma males act in a relationship?
A sigma male preserves an old-fashioned perspective when it comes to romantic relationships. He also may not be too vocal about his feelings, be it love or lust. He prefers for things to naturally come to him.
Do sigma males have friends?
It may be rare, but sigma males can have a few friends like an omega male. However, if they did indeed have friends, it's because they chose to be friends with them and not out of necessity.
Sigma Males: Essential Career Traits
Because sigma males prefer to work independently, it may be a bit of a challenge to imagine them assuming a leadership position in a large group.
What are the career traits of sigma males?
When it comes to working, you can count on a sigma male's adaptability to work in different settings. Their self-sufficiency makes them capable of making the most out of what they are given. And because they are thought to be similar to an alpha male, they can be good leaders.
Although, unlike an alpha male, it may be a challenge to their independent and quiet nature to function and collaborate in a group.
What motivates a sigma male?
Thanks to their prudent and logical nature, a sigma male may end up challenging an alpha male's dominance if he senses dishonest and fraudulent leadership. Regardless of his lone nature, he will be motivated to make a difference in the world, even if it means going against corruption at play.
Can I become a sigma male?
By now, you probably have more reason to decide whether you are a sigma male or not. If it's the latter, the sigma male traits may have made some sort of appeal to you, and now you're interested in if you can become one and how. It's okay and totally understandable. Who doesn't want to be a more attractive version of the alpha?
Do take note that becoming a sigma male can take years of experience, primarily because it isn't exactly something that can be easily taught. But it's not at all impossible to become a sigma male. You just have to awaken your inner sigma.
Practice the following ways to adapt the sigma personality.
- Be content with not being in the spotlight. Focus on getting your goals accomplished without needing everyone to know about your hard work.
- Do not seek other people's validation. Free yourself of other people's opinions and expectations of you. The only opinion that should matter is yours.
- When it comes to friends, choose quality over quantity. If a friendship doesn't feel physically, emotionally, or mentally rewarding for you, then better not have it at all.
- Talk less and listen more. Spend more time in deep thinking and contemplation than wasting your energy in meaningless conversation that wouldn't matter tomorrow.
- Depend only on yourself. Never expect someone else to come save you. Best equip yourself with essential skills, so you are capable of saving yourself.
- Be more self-aware. The key is to reflect and meditate more to get more in touch with your inner self.
Takeaway
Sigma males have several notable traits that make them good candidates for leadership in a social hierarchy. However, because of their self-sufficient and one nature, they are considered to be the more silent and mysterious version of an alpha male. This is why this personality type is the least common to find.
Despite their introverted nature, sigma males are still capable of friendships, relationships, and sometimes, even leadership if motivated by the right reasons and if done on their own terms.
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Great article and it offered some powerful insights into the differences between Alpha and Sigma males. I've taken the Myer Briggs test several times and am often either a ENTJ or INTJ. I think much of this is a reflection of being on socially flexible. If necessary, I can lead and direct but also willing to work quietly in the background. I enjoy being in social settings but am just as comfortable being alone and reading. I have always been comfortable working outside conventional norms and rarely feel it necessary to conform to what others expect.
I think another attribute Sigma males possess is that they have a wide range of skills to draw upon which makes it easier to break from the pack and live a life they define. This gives them a lot of flexibility to find paths to the goals they set. They are also constantly learning and absorb information if it helps them grow and develop. Not being bound by a social construct also makes it easier for them to fit into many different groups.
I also agree that Sigma males tend not to have close friends. I have had a wide circle of friends over the course of my life, but I don't seek the validation many expect from their friends and frankly I find I outgrow the relationships with these friends over time.
I think it's pretty true, we ARE a strange kind of individual