Want respect? Follow these 6 habits
Hey, listen up. Let’s cut the bullshit and get real for a moment. No one is going to hand you respect on a silver platter. If you’re not adding value, you’re just another face in the crowd, ignored like everyone else. Respect isn’t given; it’s earned. And if you want to be someone who commands respect, you need to build something worth respecting. Here are some habits you need to practice to get there.
1. Self-Belief and Self-Respect
First things first, you need to believe in yourself. Look, if you don’t respect yourself, why the hell should anyone else? Self-doubt is a disease, and it’ll kill your confidence faster than anything else. Positive self-talk isn’t just some fluffy concept; it’s the foundation of self-belief. Wake up every day and remind yourself of your worth. No matter what shitstorm you’re facing, never let your confidence waver. Confidence is magnetic. People are naturally drawn to those who exude it. If you walk around like a defeated puppy, guess what? That’s how people will treat you.
And let’s get one thing straight: self-respect isn’t arrogance. It’s about acknowledging your value and not settling for less than you deserve. Stop letting others treat you like dirt because you’re too afraid to stand up for yourself. Demand respect by first respecting yourself.
2. Be Disciplined and Show Respect
Discipline is non-negotiable. If you can’t get your act together, don’t expect anyone to take you seriously. Discipline yourself to do the hard things, the things you don’t feel like doing but need to do. Respect follows discipline. You can’t be respected if you don’t respect others. Treat people with respect, not because they deserve it, but because you do. Your discipline and respect for others will set you apart. Procrastination is your enemy. Every time you put off important work, you’re telling the world you’re not serious. Handle your business now. No one’s going to do it for you.
Discipline isn’t just about work. It’s about your entire lifestyle. From how you manage your time to how you treat your body, discipline permeates every aspect of life. A disciplined life is a respected life. Show respect to others, regardless of their status. Respect is a mirror; what you give is what you get.
3. Listen to Everyone and Seek Guidance Wisely
Here’s the deal with seeking guidance: there’s a fine line between being open to advice and being a mindless follower. Don’t get sucked into every self-proclaimed guru’s teachings. Listen to everyone, but make your own judgments. You’re the only one who truly understands your situation. Take the good bits from different sources and apply them to your life. Absorb, adapt, and grow. The ability to learn from others while maintaining your own perspective earns respect. People admire those who can think for themselves.
You don’t need a thousand opinions clouding your judgment. Learn to filter advice. Not everyone’s opinion is worth your time. Seek out those who have been where you want to go, but always remember to carve your own path. Respect those who have walked the walk, but don’t idolize anyone. You’re capable of greatness, too.
4. Embrace the Unpredictability of Life
Life is unpredictable, and that’s a fact. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns. If you’re expecting smooth sailing, you’re in for a rude awakening. Embrace failure as part of the journey. Each failure is a lesson, a stepping stone. Keep moving forward, regardless of the setbacks. The people who rise from failure and keep pushing forward are the ones who earn true respect. They show resilience, strength, and the ability to adapt. When you fall, get up, dust yourself off, and keep going.
The unpredictability of life is what makes it exciting. Learn to dance in the rain instead of waiting for the storm to pass. Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. Face life head-on, with all its uncertainties, and emerge stronger from every trial. That’s how you earn respect.
5. The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
Life isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And on this journey, you should always be learning and growing. Arrogance will get you nowhere. There’s always someone who knows more than you do. Approach life with humility and a desire to learn. Discover new things about yourself and the world every day. Growth is continuous. When you commit to lifelong learning and personal development, people take notice. They see someone who’s not content with mediocrity but strives for excellence.
Embrace the idea that you are a work in progress. Never settle for “good enough.” Strive for better, aim for best. The journey of self-discovery is endless, and the more you grow, the more respect you earn. Stay curious, stay humble, and always seek to improve.
6. Finding Validation Within
Stop looking for external validation. It’s a trap. You are your own best critic and cheerleader. Outsiders are just noise. Learn to filter the good from the bad, and choose what you let influence you. When you find validation within yourself, you become unstoppable. You don’t need others to tell you you’re doing a good job because you already know it. This kind of self-assuredness is rare and highly respected. Be your own guide, your own source of validation, and watch how others start to respect you.
You don’t need a thousand likes or a pat on the back to know you’re doing well. Trust your instincts, back yourself, and let your achievements speak for themselves. Inner validation is the strongest form of approval. When you master it, you become impervious to external criticism and praise alike.
Let’s listen to this Hustler’s Journey. There was a guy, let’s call him The Hustler. He started out with nothing—no money, no connections, no fancy degrees. But he had one thing: an unshakeable belief in himself. Every morning, The Hustler looked in the mirror and told himself, “I’m going to make it.” No matter how tough things got, he never doubted himself. He respected himself first, and that set the tone for others to respect him.
The Hustler was disciplined. While others were out partying, he was grinding. He respected everyone, from the janitor to the CEO, because he knew that respect is a two-way street. People began to notice his dedication and discipline. They saw someone who didn’t just talk, but walked the walk. Respect followed naturally.
The Hustler listened to everyone but followed no one blindly. He took bits of wisdom from different sources, filtered out the crap, and applied the best parts to his life. He sought guidance, but always trusted his own judgment. This ability to learn yet remain independent made him stand out.
Life threw The Hustler curveballs, but he embraced the unpredictability. He failed many times but never let failure define him. Each setback was a lesson, and he grew stronger with every fall. His resilience earned him respect. People saw a fighter, someone who wouldn’t quit, no matter how tough the road got.
The Hustler understood that life is a journey of constant growth. He never became complacent. Every day was an opportunity to learn something new, to become better than he was yesterday. This commitment to personal growth made him not just respected, but admired.
Most importantly, The Hustler found validation within. He didn’t need applause or recognition from others. He knew his worth and didn’t seek approval from the outside world. This self-assuredness was magnetic. People respected him because he was his own person, confident and self-reliant.
Years later, The Hustler had built a successful business from the ground up. He was respected, not because he demanded it, but because he had earned it. Through self-belief, discipline, respect, learning, resilience, and self-validation, he had transformed from a nobody to someone who was looked up to.
The Takeaway:
The world doesn’t owe you respect. You have to earn it. It starts with self-belief. Respect yourself first, and others will follow. Be disciplined and show respect to everyone. Listen and learn, but think for yourself. Embrace life’s unpredictability and grow from your failures. Keep learning and growing every day. And above all, find validation within yourself.
Stop waiting for the world to acknowledge you. Make yourself worthy of acknowledgment. Through your actions, your discipline, and your attitude, earn the respect you seek. No more excuses. It’s time to get off your ass and start building a life that commands respect. Remember, respect isn’t given; it’s earned. So, go out there and earn it.
