In today’s fast-paced world, earning respect from others may seem like a daunting task.
However, it’s often the small things that make the biggest impact. Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, building respect among peers and acquaintances begins with the adoption of small habits.
Certain habits, when practiced consistently, can make a significant difference in how others perceive you. They can elevate your status, foster trust, and, most importantly, earn you the respect you deserve.
What habits?
Well, the seven we will discuss today are a good start.
Best of all, these habits are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and require nothing more than commitment and mindfulness.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
1) Listening, like really listening
“Direct your thought to what is being said. Let your mind gain an entrance into what is occurring and who is producing it.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
How many times have you found yourself halfway through a conversation, only to realize you haven’t really heard a word the other person said?
It’s a common mistake, but one that can cost you in terms of respect.
Mastering the art of listening is key to earning respect.
This is not about merely staying quiet while others speak. It’s about genuinely understanding and empathizing with what they’re saying. When you listen actively and respond appropriately, it shows that you value their thoughts and opinions. This simple act of respect can, in turn, boost their respect for you.
Ask yourself this: are you truly present in your conversations, or are you just waiting for your turn to speak?
2) Being punctual
Have you ever been kept waiting by someone who’s perpetually late? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?
It can feel like a blatant disregard for your time. Well the same goes when the tables are turned.
Making a habit of being on time is more than just good manners; it’s a clear sign of respect for others’ time and commitments. It communicates that you are organized, reliable, and considerate – all traits that command respect.
Every minute you make someone wait chips away at their respect for you.
Time is the most valuable resource any of us have. If you want to be respected, start by respecting others’.
3) Showing humility
“When you have adopted the simple life, do not pride yourself upon it, and if you are a water-drinker do not say on every occasion, ‘I am a water-drinker.’ And if you ever want to train laboriously, keep it to yourself and do not make a show of it.” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus 1916)
Think about someone you know who’s humble despite their achievements. Their humility doesn’t make them less impressive, right? On the contrary, it probably makes you respect them more.
So, take a moment to reflect: Are you humble in your interactions with others? Do you acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them? If not, it might be time to start practicing humility – for the sake of both your personal growth and the respect you command from others.
4) Keeping your word
As the legendary author Mark Twain once said, “Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.”
In the quest for respect, your actions, specifically the action of keeping your word, play a pivotal role.
Your credibility is built on the foundation of your words and actions aligning. When you say you’ll do something and follow through on it, you’re seen as reliable and trustworthy. This is a non-negotiable trait for those who command respect.
So, ask yourself this: Are you someone who keeps promises? Do your actions match your words?
If not, it might be time to reevaluate and start building a reputation as someone who can be relied upon to stick to their word.
5) Treating everyone with respect
Picture this: you’re at a restaurant, and the waiter accidentally spills a bit of water while serving. Do you respond with understanding that mistakes happen, or do you berate the waiter for their clumsiness?
Your reaction in scenarios like these plays a significant role in how much others respect you.
Respect is a two-way street. If you want to be respected, you must first show respect to others, irrespective of their status or position. As Stoic philosopher tells us:
“It is illogical to reason thus, ‘I am richer than you, therefore I am superior to you’, ‘I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am superior to you.” (The Discourses of Epictetus,1916)
This means treating everyone with kindness and consideration, acknowledging their feelings, and validating their experiences.
Imagine if someone like Bill Gates, with all his success and wealth, treated every person he met – from his fellow billionaires to the baristas at his local coffee shop – with the same level of respect. Wouldn’t that make you respect him even more? I don’t know that he doesn’t by the way but you get the point.
It’s a simple practice, but one that can significantly boost your respectability.
6) Practicing empathy
“Habituate yourself not to be attentive to what another has to say, and so far as possible be in the mind of the speaker” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to empathize with others is more important than ever. Empathy isn’t just about understanding others’ feelings; it’s about acknowledging them and responding with compassion.
When you practice empathy, you show that you’re not solely wrapped up in your own world but genuinely care about others. It’s a quality that instantly makes you more approachable and trustworthy, qualities that command respect.
Consider a situation where a colleague is going through a tough time personally. Instead of dismissing their struggles as irrelevant to work, you take the time to listen, understand, and offer support where you can. This kind of empathetic approach can earn you deep respect from not only that colleague but also others who witness your kindness.
7) Doing the right thing even if it’s the hard thing
“Whatever anyone may do or say, I am bound to be good” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
At the end of the day, all the respect in the world means nothing if you don’t have integrity. Integrity is about standing by your principles, being honest, and doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.
When you demonstrate integrity, you show that you’re not just reliable, but also trustworthy and honorable. It’s a trait that commands immediate respect because it’s all too rare in today’s world.
So, take a moment to reflect on your actions. Are they aligned with your principles? Are you honest and fair in your dealings with others?
If the answer is no, it might be time to reevaluate. Because without integrity, respect is just an empty shell.
The bottom line
Respect isn’t something you’re handed on a silver platter; it’s something you earn through your actions and behavior.
Small habits like listening actively, showing up on time, keeping your word, respecting others, exhibiting humility, and, above all, having integrity can make a world of difference in how people perceive you.
Adopt these habits and watch as respect follows naturally.
We’d love to hear from you. What are some habits you’ve adopted that have helped you earn respect? Have these pointers resonated with you?
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
