There’s a massive shift that occurs when someone goes from being taken for granted to being deeply respected.

It all boils down to change. That’s when you stop allowing others to walk all over you and start commanding respect.

The beautiful part? It’s often a result of making some key changes in how you interact with the world.

I’ll be discussing 8 powerful changes that can turn you from a pushover into a figure of admiration. And trust me, these aren’t complex or outlandish changes – they’re simple and achievable.

Stay tuned to learn about these 8 transformational shifts that can make you command respect like never before.

1) They start saying “No”

Believe it or not, one of the first steps in going from being walked over to being deeply respected starts with a simple two-letter word: No.

People who have a history of being taken advantage of often struggle with the ability to say no. They fear confrontation, they worry about disappointing others, or they simply don’t want to rock the boat.

But here’s the thing. Saying yes to everything isn’t a virtue. In fact, it can be a one-way ticket to being taken for granted.

The moment you start setting boundaries and saying no when you mean it, you signal to others that your time, energy and values matter.

It might be uncomfortable at first, and you might face pushback. But over time, people will begin to respect your assertiveness and your ability to stand up for yourself.

So, if you’re feeling like a doormat, try practicing the art of saying no. It’s a small change that can make a huge difference.

2) They stop apologizing for everything

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself apologizing for things that weren’t my fault. I’d trip over someone’s foot and apologize, someone would bump into me and I’d be the one saying sorry. It was almost as if ‘sorry’ had become a reflex response for me.

But then I realized something. Each unnecessary apology was subtly eroding my self-esteem. It was as if I was constantly admitting fault or wrongdoing where there was none.

So, I decided to make a change. I started to limit my apologies to situations where they were genuinely warranted – when I had done something wrong or caused some harm.

And you know what? It made a world of difference. Not only did I start feeling more confident, but it also seemed like people started taking me more seriously. There was a sense of respect that wasn’t there before.

So if you’re someone who’s always apologizing, consider whether you’re really at fault. Remember, it’s okay to reserve your apologies for when they’re truly called for. Trust me, it can go a long way in boosting your self-respect and the respect you garner from others.

3) They become comfortable with silence

Silence can be a powerful tool. In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and chatter, the ability to sit comfortably in silence is a trait that commands respect.

Interestingly, studies have shown that people who can handle silence are often perceived as more powerful. When you’re not rushing to fill every gap in conversation, it demonstrates confidence and self-assuredness.

Moreover, being comfortable with silence allows you to listen more effectively. We often underestimate the power of listening in our urge to be heard. But if you can master the art of active listening, you not only show respect to others but also earn their respect in return.

So next time you’re in a conversation, resist the urge to fill every pause. Embrace silence, and let it work its magic.

4) They prioritize self-care

It might seem unrelated, but prioritizing self-care is actually a crucial step in earning respect from others. When you take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, it sends a clear message to those around you: you value yourself.

This doesn’t mean you need to book a spa day every weekend (although that sounds lovely), but it does mean making time for things that make you feel good and help you recharge. This could be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, or spending time on hobbies and passions.

Practicing self-care not only improves your mood and energy levels but also boosts your self-esteem. When you’re feeling good about yourself, you’re more likely to stand up for yourself and command the respect you deserve.

So, don’t forget to make yourself a priority. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. And the respect you’ll gain from others will be well worth it.

5) They cultivate empathy

At the heart of respect lies empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. People who transition from being overlooked to being deeply respected often cultivate a strong sense of empathy.

It’s easy to dismiss empathy as a soft or fluffy skill, but the reality is quite different. Genuine empathy allows you to connect with others on a deep level, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

When you show people you genuinely care about their experiences and emotions, they naturally reciprocate that respect. It’s a powerful and heartwarming cycle that can drastically change your interactions with those around you.

So, strive to understand before being understood. Show compassion, listen actively, and try to walk in others’ shoes. These empathetic actions can open the door to deep respect and admiration from those around you.

6) They stop comparing themselves to others

There was a time when I was constantly measuring my worth against other people’s success. Whether it was their job, their looks, or their social life, I always found a way to feel less than. This constant comparison game left me feeling inadequate and perpetually disrespected.

But then, I made a conscious decision to stop comparing myself to others. Instead of wishing I had what they had, I started to focus on my journey, my growth, and my achievements.

What I found was liberating. The moment I stopped looking sideways and started looking forward, I felt a surge of self-respect and confidence. And the more respect I had for myself, the more respect I started getting from others.

So if you’re caught up in the comparison trap, know that your worth isn’t defined by someone else’s journey. Focus on you and your path. Not only will it boost your self-esteem, but it will also draw respect from those around you.

7) They embrace their uniqueness

In a world that often values conformity, it can be tempting to hide or downplay what makes us unique. But those who go from being walked over to deeply respected often do the opposite – they embrace their uniqueness.

Whether it’s a quirky sense of humor, an unconventional way of thinking, or a distinctive style, these unique traits are what make you who you are. And when you own them with confidence, people are drawn to your authenticity and individuality.

Being true to yourself not only fosters self-respect but also encourages others to respect you for who you truly are. So don’t shy away from showcasing your uniqueness. After all, there’s only one of you in this world, and that’s something to be proud of.

8) They learn to value themselves

The most important change you can make on your journey to commanding respect is to learn to value yourself. When you know your worth, you set the standard for how others should treat you.

This means respecting your own time, your talents, your feelings, and your needs. It means not settling for less than you deserve, and not letting others take advantage of you.

Because the truth is, if you don’t value yourself, you can’t expect others to do so. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for all other relationships in your life.

So start by respecting and valuing yourself. It’s the first step towards earning the respect and admiration of others.

In conclusion: It’s a journey

Transitioning from being walked over to being deeply respected isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation.

Each step you take, whether it’s learning to say no, embracing silence, or valuing yourself, contributes to this journey. And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The changes that work for one person might not work for another.

But at the end of the day, it all comes down to one fundamental truth: respect starts with self-respect. As the legendary thinker and philosopher Confucius once said, “Respect yourself and others will respect you.”

So as you embark on this journey, remember to treat yourself with the same kindness, dignity, and respect you extend to others. And slowly but surely, you’ll notice a shift in how others perceive and interact with you.

It’s a journey worth taking. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being deeply respected by those around you.