How to Earn Respect Without Compromising Your Values
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Image: Sweetlouise on Pixabay
Respect is earned so you can't really make someone respect you. That being said, there are things you can do which can help change people's perception of you and earn you respect in the process.
Respect Others
Don't talk badly about other people or share confidential information. You will come across as indiscreet. Guide your conversations to topics that demonstrate intelligence and discretion.
Respect Yourself
If you don’t respect yourself, no one else will. People learn how to treat you by the way you treat yourself. Don’t put yourself down or call yourself stupid. It is not humility, it is self-sabotage. Watch what you say when you speak to yourself because you are listening. If you don’t agree with something or it doesn’t align with your values, speak up.
Set Boundaries and Enforce Them
Apply this principle to yourself first. Ask yourself these questions to gain better insight into your own personality.
How well do you manage your time, your resources, your appetite, your relationships?
What are your non-negotiables?
Do you let people take advantage of you? If so, ask yourself why?
Someone once said,
“If you cannot control yourself you cannot control anything.”
Be the ruler of your own kingdom first.
Learn to Say NO
No is still a good answer. No is more than a word. It is a powerful weapon which can yield astoundingly great results when used skilfully. Stand in front of your mirror and practice saying NO.
Get used to your voice saying:
NO to disrespect.
NO to manipulation.
NO to gossip.
NO to lies.
NO to anything else that stands between you and your greater self.
If you do all this and nothing changes, do not lose hope. There is one more thing you can do.
"You must find the courage to leave the table where respect is no longer being served."
— Tene Edwards
Originally published at medium.com/vital-world-online on August 9, 2020