By 
Being respected as a man isn’t about flaunting your power or wealth. It’s about the way you behave and treat others.
There are certain behaviors, that irrespective of how successful or influential you are, can tarnish your image and respect.
I’ve learned that being a respected man often means letting go of certain behaviors that hold you back from being the best version of yourself.
Let’s dive into these 9 behaviors you need to bid farewell to if you genuinely want to be a respected man.
1) Arrogance
Being successful or influential doesn’t give you a free pass to be arrogant.
Arrogance is one of those behaviors that can quickly erode any respect you’ve earned. You see, respect isn’t just about your achievements, it’s largely about how you treat others.
You may have heard the phrase, ‘Treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO’. This is because true respect is universal – it doesn’t discriminate based on someone’s position or status.
So, if you’re used to looking down on people or not giving them the time of day, you might want to rethink your approach. Remember, being a respected man means treating everyone with dignity and kindness, irrespective of their role in life or society.
Let go of arrogance and embrace humility. It’s one of the first steps towards earning genuine respect.
2) Losing Your Temper
I recall a time when losing my temper was a regular occurrence for me. A bad day at work, a miscommunication, or even a minor inconvenience, and I’d let the steam off without much thought.
However, I soon realized that this behavior was doing more harm than good. Not only was it affecting my relationships and mental health, but I also noticed that people around me were starting to lose respect for me.
You see, being a respected man means having control over your emotions. It’s not about never getting angry or upset – it’s about how you handle these emotions when they arise.
Losing your temper and reacting impulsively can damage your reputation and relationships. By learning to manage your anger and respond calmly in the face of adversity, you’re showcasing emotional maturity – an attribute that commands respect.
3) Dishonesty
Dishonesty is a behavior that can quickly tarnish your image and respect. A study from the University of Massachusetts found that 60% of adults can’t have a ten-minute conversation without lying at least once.
While it might seem like a small white lie won’t hurt anyone, the truth is that each lie contributes to a perception of you as untrustworthy. And trust, once broken, is incredibly difficult to rebuild.
Being a respected man means being someone people can rely on – not just in terms of actions, but also in terms of words. Honesty fosters trust, and trust fosters respect.
4) Lack of Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s an essential trait for anyone who wants to be respected.
Being a respected man means you’re someone who understands the struggles of others, who listens when they speak, and who offers support when they need it. It’s about being there for people, not just in the good times, but also in the bad.
Unfortunately, some men see empathy as a sign of weakness. They believe that showing emotions or understanding others’ emotions makes them less ‘manly’. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, empathy strengthens relationships, builds trust, and promotes mutual respect.
5) Neglecting Self-care
Believe it or not, neglecting self-care can impact the respect you command. When you don’t take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health, it can affect your overall demeanor and how others perceive you.
Being a respected man isn’t just about how you treat others, it’s also about how you treat yourself. By taking time for self-care – whether it’s regular exercise, healthy eating, or setting aside time for relaxation and hobbies – you’re showing that you value yourself.
Moreover, when you are at your best physically and mentally, you can be at your best for others as well.
6) Not Owning Up to Mistakes
We’re all human, and making mistakes is a part of our journey. But what separates a respected man from others is the ability to own up to his mistakes.
It’s not easy – admitting you were wrong can feel like a blow to your ego. But it’s a necessary step in personal growth. It shows that you value the truth over your image, and that you’re willing to learn from your errors.
Moreover, when you own up to your mistakes, you set a powerful example for those around you. You show them that it’s okay to be imperfect, and that acknowledging our flaws is a strength, not a weakness.
Embrace your imperfections, learn from them, and grow. Say goodbye to defensiveness and hello to accountability – it’s a behavior that truly earns respect.
7) Being Unreliable
I remember a time when I’d commit to plans without giving them much thought. I’d say ‘yes’ to invitations, promises, and responsibilities, only to back out at the last minute. While I didn’t realize it then, this behavior was hurting my credibility.
Being a respected man means being someone people can count on. When you make a promise, you should do everything in your power to keep it. People should know that if you’ve committed to something, you’ll follow through.
Of course, life happens and sometimes circumstances prevent us from keeping our promises. But these should be exceptions, not the rule.
8) Being Closed-minded
Respect is earned by those who value diversity and are open to new ideas. Being closed-minded and resistant to change is a behavior that can hinder your journey to becoming a respected man.
In this rapidly evolving world, it’s important to stay adaptable and open to learning. This means being willing to listen to others’ perspectives, even if they differ from your own. It means being willing to challenge your beliefs and assumptions.
Being a respected man means fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. It means being someone who promotes growth, both in yourself and in others.
9) Selfishness
At its core, respect is about considering others. It’s about understanding that your actions and words have an impact on those around you. That’s why selfishness is a behavior that needs to be let go if you want to be a respected man.
Being a respected man means prioritizing the needs and feelings of others. It means being generous with your time, your resources, and your kindness. It’s about making sure that your actions benefit not just you, but those around you as well.
Final Reflections
At its core, respect is a reflection of our character and values. It’s not about power or prestige, but about how we treat others and ourselves.
The great philosopher Confucius once said, “Respect yourself and others will respect you.” This simple but profound statement encapsulates the essence of our discussion.
To be a respected man, it’s not just about saying goodbye to these 9 behaviors. It’s also about embracing their counterparts – humility, calmness, honesty, empathy, self-care, accountability, reliability, open-mindedness, and generosity.
Remember, respect isn’t something that can be demanded or bought. It’s earned through consistent actions and behavior. As you reflect on your journey towards becoming a respected man, consider these behaviors as guideposts.
So take a moment to think – where do you stand? What behaviors do you need to let go of? And more importantly, what new behaviors do you need to embrace?
In the end, the journey to respect is a personal one. But remember, every step you take towards becoming a better version of yourself is a step towards earning the respect of those around you.