My granddad always told me, “People will treat you the way you allow them.”

And you know what, he was right. Earning respect and admiration from others isn’t about being the smartest, wealthiest, or most attractive. It’s about how you behave.

But here’s the kicker.

You might not even realize that certain habits of yours could be preventing you from gaining the respect and admiration you seek.

So, if you’re sitting there wondering, “How can I get more people to respect and admire me?” it’s time to take a good look at your behaviors.

This article will highlight 7 habits that might be standing in your way. Saying goodbye to these could be your ticket to being taken more seriously and valued by others.

So buckle up! It’s time for some self-reflection. Are you ready to make a change for the better?

1) Lack of honesty

Remember the boy who cried wolf?

Well, let’s just say, not much has changed since then. Honesty remains one of the most valued traits in any relationship, be it personal or professional.

Here’s the deal.

When you’re honest, people trust you. They respect you. And they admire you for having the courage to tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

But if you’re prone to bending the truth or making up stories to impress others, it’s time for a reality check. This habit doesn’t make you look good – in fact, it does the opposite.

So, if you want more respect and admiration, start by being more honest. This doesn’t mean being brutally frank but rather demonstrating integrity in all your interactions.

Remember, trust once lost is hard to regain. So always choose to be truthful.

2) Constant negativity

Now let me share a personal story with you.

A few years ago, I had a friend who was always negative. He would always find something to complain about, be it the weather, his job, or even the most trivial things.

And guess what?

People started to distance themselves from him. It wasn’t because they didn’t care about his problems, but because his constant negativity became too much to bear.

Here’s the takeaway.

Nobody likes a Debbie Downer. If you’re always complaining or focusing on the negatives, people will start to see you as a source of stress and negativity.

But don’t get me wrong. It’s okay to vent out your frustrations from time to time – we’re all human after all. But if you find yourself constantly in a state of negativity, it might be time to take a step back and reassess.

Working towards having a more positive outlook can make you more approachable and likable, and yes, more respected and admired too.

3) Lack of empathy

Have you ever met someone who just doesn’t seem to pick up on how you’re feeling?

It’s like they’re living in their own little world, unaware of the emotions and feelings of those around them. Frustrating, right?

Here’s a hard truth.

A lack of empathy can make you seem self-centered and indifferent. It’s difficult to respect someone who doesn’t acknowledge or validate the feelings of others.

But here’s the good news.

Empathy is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. It starts with listening – really listening – not just hearing the words someone says but understanding the emotions behind them.

It involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, imagining their perspective, and responding with kindness and understanding.

If you find yourself struggling to connect with others, it may be time to work on your empathy skills. Trust me; it can make a world of difference in how people perceive you.

4) Being judgmental

We all have opinions, right?

And it’s completely natural to form judgments based on our experiences and beliefs. But there’s a thin line between having an opinion and being judgmental.

Let me explain.

When you’re judgmental, you tend to label people, situations, or things as good or bad without understanding them fully. And here’s the problem – it can come off as arrogance or narrow-mindedness.

People generally don’t enjoy being around someone who is quick to judge and slow to listen. Being open-minded and accepting of different perspectives can go a long way in earning you the respect and admiration of others.

So next time you find yourself ready to pass judgment, take a step back. Try to understand where the other person is coming from. It might just change your perspective. And in the process, change how people perceive you too.

5) Ignoring boundaries

The thing about boundaries is – they’re not just lines drawn on a map. They’re crucial for healthy relationships too.

When we respect the personal space, time, and feelings of others, we’re acknowledging their individuality. But when these boundaries are ignored or violated, it can lead to discomfort and resentment.

In fact, studies found that people who set healthy boundaries are more likely to be trusted and respected by others.

If you have a habit of overstepping or ignoring the boundaries set by others, it’s time for a change. Learn to recognize and respect the limits others have put in place.

Remember, respect for boundaries is a two-way street. By honoring the boundaries of others, you’re more likely to have your own boundaries respected as well.

6) Not acknowledging others

We all crave acknowledgment in one way or another, don’t we?

Whether it’s a simple thank you, a nod of appreciation, or just a smile, these little gestures can make a big difference.

But here’s what you might not realize.

If you’re constantly looking past people without acknowledging their efforts or their presence, it can come across as dismissive or aloof. People want to feel seen and valued. It’s a basic human need.

So here’s a simple solution.

Start acknowledging people more. Say thank you when someone holds the door open for you. Compliment your colleague on a job well done. Express appreciation when someone goes out of their way to help you.

It doesn’t take much, but it can mean the world to someone else. And in doing so, you’ll find that you’re not only respected and admired but loved too.

7) Failure to keep promises

Promises are not meant to be broken.

When you make a promise, you’re essentially giving your word. You’re telling someone that they can rely on you to do what you said you would. But if you consistently fail to keep your promises, it sends out a clear message – that your words can’t be trusted.

And let’s face it.

Trust is the foundation of all respected and admired relationships. Without it, all you’re left with is disappointment and distrust.

So, if you’re someone who often finds themselves saying “I promise” without following through, it’s time for a change.

Be mindful of the commitments you make. If you promise something, do everything in your power to fulfill it.

Because in the end, actions speak louder than words. And people will judge you more by what you do than by what you say!

The final takeaway

If you recognize some of these behaviors in yourself, don’t beat yourself up. We’re all works in progress.

The important thing here is awareness. Now that you’re aware of these seven behaviors, you can consciously begin to work on changing them.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time and consistency. But every step you take towards becoming the best version of yourself is a step towards earning more respect and admiration from others.

Start by observing your interactions with people. Notice when these behaviors come into play. Ask yourself, “Is this how I want to be perceived?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to do something about it.

This journey is about becoming someone who not only others respect and admire but someone you can respect and admire too.

So take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and start making those small but meaningful changes. You’ll be surprised at how much of an impact they can have on how others perceive you.

But remember, at the end of the day, the only person’s opinion that truly matters is your own. So strive to become a person you’d respect and admire, and the rest will follow naturally.