9 small habits that make you a high-value person

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | November 6, 2024, 12:26 pm

We all want to be regarded as high-value people, don’t we? It’s not about flaunting wealth or status, but rather about embodying certain qualities that command respect.

And guess what? It’s often the small habits we cultivate that make a big difference. These habits can boost our self-worth and influence how others perceive us.

I’ll share with you 9 small habits that can elevate your value as a person. These are simple yet powerful practices you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Let’s dive right in!

1) Practice active listening

Active listening is a cornerstone habit of high-value individuals.

You’ve probably been in conversations where it felt like the other person was waiting for their turn to speak rather than absorbing what you were saying.

It doesn’t feel great, does it?

On the flip side, when someone genuinely listens to you and shows interest in your words, it leaves a positive impression. You feel heard, respected, and valued.

As a high-value person, practicing active listening means more than just hearing the words spoken.

It involves understanding the underlying emotions and thoughts, responding appropriately, and remembering key points.

This habit not only helps you in personal relationships but also in professional settings. It can help you understand others’ perspectives better, make more informed decisions, and build stronger relationships.

2) Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is another habit that can significantly impact your value as a person.

I remember a time when I was caught up in the rat race, always chasing after the next big thing. I was so focused on what I didn’t have that I overlooked all the wonderful things I did have.

One day, I decided to start a gratitude journal. Every night before bed, I’d jot down three things I was grateful for that day.

It didn’t have to be anything big – a delicious meal, a productive workday, or even a relaxing walk in the park.

Over time, this simple habit transformed my perspective. Instead of constantly pursuing more, I learned to appreciate what was already in my life.

This shift made me happier, calmer, and more grounded – qualities that others started to notice and appreciate.

Cultivating gratitude doesn’t just make you a high-value person to others; it also enhances your self-worth.

It’s a small habit with enormous positive effects.

3) Embrace lifelong learning

Did you know that Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, spends 80% of his day reading? He attributes much of his success to his insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Being a lifelong learner is a habit that undeniably increases your value as a person.

It keeps your mind sharp, broadens your perspectives, and equips you with a diverse knowledge base.

This doesn’t mean you have to bury yourself in books all day. Lifelong learning can take many forms – attending workshops, listening to podcasts, or even engaging in insightful conversations.

The key is to remain curious and open-minded. This habit not only makes you more interesting and knowledgeable but also signals to others that you value growth and self-improvement.

4) Practice empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a habit that can significantly enhance your value as a person.

We live in a diverse world full of different perspectives and experiences. Being able to empathize allows us to connect with others on a deeper level.

When you show empathy, you’re saying, “I see you. I hear you. I understand your feelings.” This kind of understanding can build strong, meaningful relationships.

Practicing empathy involves active listening, open-mindedness, and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. It might not always be easy, but it’s a habit well worth cultivating.

Remember, empathy isn’t about agreeing with everyone. It’s about understanding their feelings and perspectives, even if they differ from yours.

This habit will not only make you a high-value person to others but also enrich your own life experiences.

5) Prioritize health and wellness

Taking care of your health and wellness is a habit that speaks volumes about your value as a person.

It shows self-respect, discipline, and an understanding of the importance of balance in life.

This involves eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring you get enough sleep, and taking time for relaxation and stress management.

Health isn’t just about the physical aspect. Mental and emotional wellbeing are equally important.

This might mean practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy when needed, or simply taking a day off when things get too overwhelming.

By prioritizing your health and wellness, you’re not only improving your quality of life but also setting a positive example for those around you.

It’s a habit that makes you a high-value person in your own eyes as well as in the eyes of others.

6) Show kindness to others

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. This simple yet profound habit can make a world of difference in how valuable you are as a person.

Kindness doesn’t have to involve grand gestures. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or lending a listening ear when someone needs it.

I believe that our true value as human beings lies in how we treat others, especially those who can do nothing for us in return.

Kindness shows strength of character, compassion, and a deep understanding of our shared humanity.

Each act of kindness, however small, makes the world a slightly better place.

And in doing so, it enhances your value as a person. So go ahead, sprinkle that kindness around like confetti!

7) Embrace failure

Learning to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success is a habit that can significantly increase your value as a person.

I recall a time when I was working on a project that I was extremely passionate about.

Despite my best efforts, the project failed. It was a tough pill to swallow. I felt like I had let myself and everyone involved down.

However, instead of letting this failure define me, I decided to learn from it. I analyzed what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and how to improve in the future.

The lessons I learned from that experience were invaluable and led to many successful projects down the line.

Embracing failure shows resilience, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take risks.

It’s a habit that not only makes you a high-value person but also paves the way for personal growth and success.

8) Maintain integrity

Integrity is the habit of being honest and having strong moral principles. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Maintaining integrity involves being true to your word, taking responsibility for your actions, and standing up for what you believe in. It’s about treating others with fairness and respect.

In a world where cutting corners and bending rules can often seem like the easier path, choosing to live with integrity can sometimes be challenging.

However, it’s a habit that sets you apart and significantly increases your value as a person.

Integrity engenders trust and respect from others. It’s a cornerstone of lasting relationships and a mark of true leadership.

By maintaining integrity, you’re not just being a high-value person, you’re also encouraging others to uphold these values.

9) Practice self-love

Self-love is not about being selfish or narcissistic. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and respect that you extend to others.

This habit is the foundation of becoming a high-value person. When you love and respect yourself, you set boundaries and standards for how others should treat you.

You pursue goals that align with your values and desires, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

Self-love also involves forgiving yourself for past mistakes, celebrating your achievements, and acknowledging your worth. It’s about understanding that you are enough, just as you are.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. By practicing self-love, you ensure your cup is full and able to overflow into the lives of those around you. It’s the ultimate habit that makes you a high-value person.

Final thoughts

The road to becoming a high-value person is often paved with seemingly small and insignificant habits. Yet, it’s these minute practices that lead to profound transformations.

As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Each one of these habits contributes to your overall value as a person.

Incorporating these habits into your life won’t necessarily be easy. It will require commitment, patience, and consistency. But the reward – becoming a person of higher value – is worth every effort.