Often times my content is spread to message boards where it is then picked apart and analyzed under the ever‑watchful eye of the white knight. This has happened over the course of my blogging career more times than I’ve cared to count. The same questions always seem to pop up, “Who is this guy to determine what alpha is?” My answer is that I’m just one of many who are trying to put language to a real social pattern, not some divinely appointed judge.

I didn’t invent the hierarchy or even the scale I use, though I’ve modified it. That system is the result of a collective effort by people who recognize that humans have animal instincts and natural social ranks. For me, game wasn’t a complete personality overhaul; it was more about adding words to feelings I already had. It gave names to things I could not articulate, inspired me, and got me preaching the alpha thing the loudest because it changed my life more than anything else.

So what is an alpha? At its core, it’s independence. It’s not that you don’t care what people think, it’s that you’re fine not getting the result you want because you aren’t emotionally dependent on that person or outcome. You understand you’re the best you can be, enjoy what you have, and people either jump on your train or get left at the station, but your life keeps moving. You act based on what you know is right, not on what others want from you.

You can’t let your feelings and actions be dictated by people or outside forces. You have to be independent, maintain your frame, and enjoy your life regardless of whether others want to join or even approve. Being an alpha is being your own man and not letting dependence sabotage your path. You do what you have to, chase your goals, and reach success in whatever you strive for, then let the rest either ride along or fall off. Be independent, be a champ, and be an alpha male.