Greatness Vs ‘Alpha’ Mindset

I think one of the biggest misconceptions in life is that greatness is achieved through an ‘alpha’ mindset. Conformation bias check, this belief is prevalent in women as well as men. When I say ‘alpha mindset’, I mean the belief that dominance, competitiveness, and control define success. But is that truly greatness?

Is ‘Alpha’ Mindset Positive?

I accept the argument that society fosters the ‘alpha’ mindset as a highly positive attribute, but I challenge whether it is actually positive.

We are taught from an early age to be our true, authentic selves. Albeit, we are never actually taught how to be authentic. This is particularly present in a societal system that tries to categorise us, stifling our individuality and leaving us guessing. often, trying to work it out on our own and sometimes in hiding. As if some shame or guilt overrules us. Sound familiar?

The Fight For Growth

As we move towards adulthood, we often face a conflict: The yearning for self-authenticity against our embedded societal belief’s that we have to achieve the ‘best version’ of ourselves. An ideal shaped and governed by external validation and ultimately impossible to achieve. Hence, we see the rise of peak archetypes like the ‘alpha’ male and the dominant (or assertive) woman.

The development of, and alignment to, such archetypes is accessible to anyone, regardless of race, religion, sex, or economic status. But I believe, seeking these external validations and alignment to inauthentic values is destructive to the search for true authenticity.

It’s vital to remember: these ideals and archetypes are external societal constructs, not truths. Whereas, true authenticity (not authenticity as a ideology), is not a construct; it is a release of external constructs, and inherently an internal work and uncovering process.

What Is Greatness?

Perhaps now the stark contrast between the two is clear. It may be helpful to define a potential meaning for greatness.

For me, greatness is:

The ability to achieve true authenticity, living life connected to the ever-emerging presence of the universe and allowing external human constructs and influences to fall away.

Yet, defining greatness is only part of the journey. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help us with the seeking of inner greatness. Or even, how to release external these influences.

Perhaps we’ve lost this the knowledge of the process. Or perhaps, with the emergence of sentience, our authenticity became clouded by thoughts and belief systems. Perhaps even, the next step in human evolution requires the uncovering of this skill?

The Next Step in Human Evolution?

So, let’s start to uncover this skill. My understanding is that it involves three key elements:

Deepening our connection to presence — aligning with the ever-emerging pulse of the universe.

Inner exploration — connecting with our deepest selves and releasing what is not.

Challenging external beliefs and societal narratives — healthy questioning of what we’ve been taught about success and identity.

I leave you with this:

What if true greatness lies not in achieving more but in letting go, uncovering who you already are beneath the noise of the world?

And one practical step: Take a moment today to ask yourself:

• What beliefs have shaped your idea of greatness?
• What would your life look like if you lived from your truest self — without the need for external validation?

Because perhaps, real greatness is not a destination — it’s a return.