People who become more respected as they get older usually adopt these 9 powerful behaviors

Growing older is a universal experience, but becoming respected as we age is not. The distinction lies in our behaviors and attitudes.

Indeed, respect isn’t automatically granted with the passage of time. It’s earned through continuous personal growth and the adoption of certain powerful behaviors. These behaviors tend to be those that exhibit wisdom, humility, and authenticity.

Those who garner respect as they age understand the importance of these traits, and they consistently demonstrate them in their interactions with others.

Let’s delve into some of these powerful behaviors that can lead to increased respect over time.

1) Embrace continuous learning

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but stagnation isn’t. In fact, those who earn respect as they age are often those who refuse to stop learning and growing.

Continuous learning is not only about acquiring new knowledge or skills. It’s about maintaining a sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas, about understanding that there’s always more to learn and explore in this vast, complex world.

This mindset shows a willingness to adapt and evolve, to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, and to remain engaged with life’s ever-changing landscapes. It reflects a certain humility, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that there’s always room for improvement.

Moreover, continuous learning allows us to offer more to others – more wisdom, more insights, more understanding. It enriches our relationships and interactions, making us not just respected, but also valued members of our communities.

2) Cultivate empathy and compassion

Empathy and compassion are powerful behaviors that earn respect as we age. They enable us to connect more deeply with others, to understand their experiences and perspectives, and to respond with kindness and support.

In my own journey, I’ve found that cultivating empathy and compassion involves a conscious effort to step outside of my own experiences and perceptions. It’s about challenging assumptions, overcoming biases, and truly listening to others with an open heart.

This practice not only enriches our relationships, but it also fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness. It reminds us that we are all part of the human family, with shared dreams, challenges, and desires.

As the Dalai Lama once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” This wisdom has been a guiding light in my life, a reminder of the power of empathy and compassion to transform our relationships and our world.

3) Accept and embrace change

As we age, our lives will inevitably be filled with change. These shifts can be daunting, whether they involve our relationships, careers, or personal circumstances. However, one powerful behavior that earns respect is the ability to accept and embrace change.

Recognizing that change is an essential part of life can allow us to navigate these transitions with grace and resilience. Instead of resisting or fearing change, we can choose to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

In my video exploring the dark side of entrepreneurship, I delve into how change and challenges are integral to the process of growth. Society often celebrates the dream of becoming successful through entrepreneurship, but the reality involves a lot of resilience, mindset shifts, and embracing changes.

Watch this video here.

YouTube video

Embracing change often involves letting go of what we thought our lives would look like and opening ourselves up to new possibilities. It’s about finding fulfillment in the journey, even when it’s challenging, rather than focusing solely on the outcome.

If you’d like to join me and over 20,000 others on a journey exploring a life filled with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel here. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life with authenticity and courage.

4) Practice self-awareness and personal growth

Self-awareness, a key component of emotional intelligence, is a powerful behavior that can earn us respect as we age. This is because it allows us to understand ourselves better, to align our actions with our values, and to respond to life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Developing self-awareness involves confronting our fears, challenging our limiting beliefs, and cultivating self-compassion. It’s not always a comfortable journey. In fact, it can be quite painful at times. But it’s through this raw and honest introspection that we become more authentic, more human.

Self-awareness also goes hand-in-hand with personal growth. By understanding ourselves better, we are more equipped to grow and evolve in ways that align with our deepest values. This is not about striving for perfection but about becoming the best version of ourselves.

In the process, we gain a profound sense of empowerment. We realize that we have the power to shape our lives in meaningful ways, contributing positively to the world around us. This kind of authenticity and integrity is deeply respected by others.

So let’s commit to doing the inner work. Let’s strive for self-awareness and personal growth, not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.

5) Foster authentic relationships

As we age, our relationships often come into sharper focus. Many of us begin to realize that it’s not the quantity of our relationships that matter, but the quality. Those who gain respect as they age are often those who have nurtured authentic, meaningful connections.

Building and maintaining authentic relationships requires honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect. It involves showing up as our true selves, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary. It means being willing to listen and understand, to offer support, and to share in each other’s joys and struggles.

In my video on overcoming loneliness as an introvert, I delve into the importance of building connections based on authenticity and mutual understanding. It’s not about seeking shallow interactions or trying too hard to fit in. Instead, it’s about understanding ourselves, our needs, and seeking connections that align with who we truly are.

YouTube video

Authentic relationships offer us a sense of belonging and understanding that’s hard to find elsewhere. They enrich our lives in countless ways and provide a foundation of support and love that can sustain us through life’s ups and downs. 

6) Embrace failure and setbacks

Failure and setbacks are often seen as negative experiences to be avoided. However, those who earn respect as they age understand that failure is not an enemy, but a teacher. It’s through our failures and setbacks that we learn the most valuable lessons about ourselves and life.

Instead of viewing failure as a sign of incompetence or a reason to give up, we can choose to see it as feedback. It’s an invitation to reassess our strategies, to learn, and to adapt. Every setback contains within it the seeds of growth and innovation.

This perspective requires courage. It involves facing our fears and pushing past the comfort zone. But it’s in this space – where we dare to fail and keep going anyway – that we become more resilient, more adaptable, and more capable of navigating life’s complexities.

7) Prioritize ethical participation in the economy

As we age, our financial decisions often carry more weight, affecting not only our personal lives but also the larger community and even the world. Those who become more respected as they get older often adopt the powerful behavior of ethical participation in the economy.

This means aligning our financial decisions with our values, using our resources to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. It’s about recognizing every financial choice as a vote for the kind of world we want to live in.

Instead of merely focusing on wealth accumulation, we can choose to invest in businesses and initiatives that promote social good. This aligns with my own personal belief that prosperity is about more than just money—it’s about purpose, creativity, and ethical contribution to society.

8) Be a force for positive change

Respect isn’t just about what we achieve for ourselves; it’s also about what we contribute to others and the world. This is why those who gain respect as they age are often those who strive to be a force for positive change.

This involves using our unique gifts, skills, and passions in service of something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s through our work, volunteer efforts, or simply how we treat others in our daily lives, we all have the potential to make a difference.

Being a force for positive change is an empowering choice. It enables us to create a legacy of impact and meaning—something that goes beyond material success and earns deep respect from others.

9) Cherish supportive communities

As we age, we become more aware of the importance of supportive communities in our lives. Those who earn respect as they grow older are often those who cherish and contribute to their communities.

This behavior reflects an understanding that none of us can thrive alone. Our connections with others provide us with shared experiences, resilience during challenging times, and the joy of shared success.

Being part of a community also provides us with opportunities to give and receive support, to learn from others, and to experience the profound fulfillment that comes from contributing to the well-being of our community.

So let’s value our communities, nurture our connections, and commit to being there for each other. In doing so, we not only garner respect but also enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

Age, Respect, and the Power of Choice

The journey of aging is a universal human experience, yet becoming more respected as we age isn’t necessarily a given. It’s a choice. A powerful choice that involves adopting behaviors that reflect our deepest values and contribute to our personal growth and the well-being of others.

From embracing continuous learning and cultivating empathy, to practicing self-awareness and fostering authentic relationships, these behaviors are all rooted in the power of choice. We have the capacity to choose how we respond to life’s challenges, how we interact with others, and how we contribute to our communities.

Whether it’s choosing to see failure as an opportunity for learning, making ethical financial choices, or committing to being a force for positive change, each decision shapes how we are perceived by others.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s keep these powerful behaviors in mind. Let’s strive to make choices that not only enrich our lives but also earn us the respect of others.

Would you like to join me on this journey of exploring life with more purpose and authenticity? I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel here, where together, we can navigate through life’s complexities with authenticity and courage.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. As the co-founder of Ideapod, The Vessel, and a director at Brown Brothers Media, Justin has spearheaded platforms that significantly contribute to personal and collective growth. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

People who have a blessed combination of being highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent usually display these 9 traits

If a friend displays these 8 subtle behaviors, they’re secretly jealous of you