Respect is not given, it’s earned. It’s about how you behave and treat others, but it all begins with how you treat yourself.

The first hours of the day set the tone for everything that follows. So, if you’re looking to garner more respect from others, your morning routine can be a game-changer.

I’m going to share 10 things you should start doing every morning if you want to be more respected. These aren’t magic tricks, but small changes that can create a big impact on how others perceive you.

And don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest waking up at 4 am or running a marathon before breakfast. These are simple, achievable actions that anyone can incorporate into their mornings. Ready to get started?

1) Start your day with gratitude

We often overlook the importance of starting our day on a positive note. And what better way than through gratitude?

Practicing gratitude every morning is an excellent way to shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right in your life. It’s about appreciating the small things, like a warm cup of coffee or the chirping of birds outside your window.

Why does this matter when it comes to respect? Because when you approach life with a positive attitude, it reflects in your interactions with others. You become more patient, more understanding, and more appreciative – traits that are highly respected.

Try starting your day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be monumental – sometimes, it’s the small joys that make the biggest impact.

2) Set clear intentions for the day

I’ve found that one of the most empowering ways to start my day is by setting clear intentions. It’s like setting a roadmap for what I want to achieve and how I want to behave throughout the day.

For instance, one of my intentions might be, “Today, I will handle difficult conversations with calm and understanding.” This sets a clear guideline for how I intend to respond in challenging situations.

The effect this has on how others perceive and respect me is substantial. When I stay true to my intentions and handle tough situations with grace, people notice. They see that I’m not just reacting on impulse, but acting according to a thought-out plan.

By setting and following through with your intentions, you demonstrate self-discipline and commitment – qualities that are sure to earn you respect from those around you. So, why not give it a try tomorrow morning? You might just be surprised by the change it brings in your interactions with others.

3) Exercise to kickstart your day

Did you know that regular physical activity can boost your mood and your confidence? It’s true. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which leads to a phenomenon known as the ‘runner’s high’. But it’s not just runners who experience this. Any form of exercise can do the trick.

When you begin your day with exercise, you feel more energetic, more alert, and more ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. This increased energy and positivity are reflected in your interactions with others.

You don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Even a short 15-minute brisk walk or a quick yoga session can make a difference.

Your physical well-being directly ties into your mental well-being. And when you’re feeling good about yourself, it shows. Others will pick up on this positive energy and it will undoubtedly elevate the respect they have for you.

4) Practice mindful eating

Mornings can be a rush for most of us. We’re often in such a hurry that we don’t take the time to sit down and enjoy our breakfast. Or even worse, we skip it altogether.

However, I’ve found that slowing down and practicing mindful eating can make a significant difference in how my day unfolds. When I take the time to savor my food, I feel more grounded and present. This sense of calm and presence then carries into the rest of my day.

Mindful eating isn’t just about eating slower. It’s about truly appreciating the food that nourishes your body and fuels your day. It’s about being present in the moment instead of worrying about what’s next on your to-do list.

When you’re grounded and present, it positively impacts your interactions with others. You listen better, respond more thoughtfully, and generally leave a better impression – all characteristics that garner respect.

5) Prioritize and plan your day

One of the key things that set respected individuals apart is their ability to manage their time effectively. They know what needs to be done and they plan accordingly.

Start your morning by identifying your top priorities for the day. What are the tasks or meetings that hold the most importance? Once you’ve identified these, plan your day around them. Dedicate your best energy and focus to these tasks.

This doesn’t mean you have to plan every minute of your day. Rather, it’s about having a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished and making conscious decisions on how to use your time.

When you’re organized and efficient, it not only reduces stress but also builds trust and respect from those around you. They see you as someone who can effectively manage responsibilities and get things done.

6) Start your day with self-love

Here’s something that we often forget – in order to be respected by others, we first have to respect ourselves. And a crucial part of self-respect is self-love.

So, how about starting your day with a dose of self-love? This could be anything that makes you feel good about being you. Maybe it’s spending a few minutes in front of the mirror, appreciating your unique features. Or perhaps it’s taking the time to enjoy a hobby or activity that brings you joy.

Self-love is not about being selfish or narcissistic. It’s about acknowledging your worth and treating yourself with kindness and compassion. When you love and respect yourself, it shows. You radiate positivity and confidence, qualities that others can’t help but respect.

7) Practice meditation or mindfulness

Meditation has been a life-changer for me. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the pace of life, struggling to keep up with the demands. That’s when I turned to meditation.

Starting my day with a few minutes of quiet introspection helps me clear my mind and center myself. It’s like hitting the reset button, allowing me to start the day fresh and focused.

But it’s not just about reducing stress or calming the mind. Practicing meditation or mindfulness can have profound effects on how we interact with others. It makes us more patient, more empathetic, and more present – traits that naturally command respect.

You don’t have to sit in silence for hours. Even just a few minutes of focused breathing or quiet reflection can make a big difference.

8) Embrace a bit of digital detox

In this digital age, our mornings are often dominated by screens. The first thing we reach for when we wake up is usually our phone – to check emails, scroll through social media, or catch up on the news.

But what if we broke this habit? What if, instead, we started our day with real-world experiences?

Unplugging from the digital world, even if just for the first hour of the day, can have surprising benefits. It allows you to start your day more mindfully, more present in your surroundings and in tune with yourself.

This mindful presence can have a direct impact on your interactions with others. When you’re more present and less distracted, you naturally come across as more engaged and respectful. And that’s something people notice and appreciate.

9) Cultivate a growth mindset

Starting your day with a growth mindset can be a game-changer. It’s about embracing challenges, seeing effort as a path to mastery, and understanding that failure is not a reflection of your abilities, but rather an opportunity for growth.

When you approach your day with this mindset, it reflects in everything you do. You’re more open to learning, more resilient in the face of setbacks, and more determined to improve. And these are qualities that command respect.

So, how do you cultivate a growth mindset? It starts by changing your self-talk. Focus on learning and improving, rather than proving and defending. Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes.

Respect isn’t about being the best. It’s about being committed to becoming better. And there’s no better way to start this journey than by adopting a growth mindset each morning.

10) Be consistent

The most crucial part of this journey is consistency. It’s not about doing these things once or twice and expecting immediate results. It’s about making them a part of your daily routine.

When you consistently show up for yourself every morning, when you consistently practice self-love, gratitude, mindfulness, and all the other things we’ve talked about, it translates into how you show up in the world.

People notice consistency. They respect it. Because it’s a clear sign of commitment, discipline, and integrity.

The heart of the matter: Self-Respect

As we’ve walked through these ten steps, one common thread weaves them together – self-respect. The way you start your day sets the tone for how you treat yourself and how you allow others to treat you.

The great philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” This holds true in our quest for respect too.

The morning practices we’ve discussed are not just about impressing others or conforming to societal standards. They’re about nurturing respect for yourself, recognizing your worth, and setting a high standard for how others interact with you.

So tomorrow morning, when the alarm rings, remember this – the journey towards gaining more respect from others starts with respecting yourself. It’s not about changing who you are but celebrating it. And in that celebration, in that authenticity, others will find a person truly worthy of respect.