Women who command respect are a force to be reckoned with.
In a world where women still have to deal with backward challenges and obstacles, many have found a way to rise above and flourish despite these odds.
So, you might be wondering, “How do I get there?” Well you’re in luck…in this article, we’ll explore the 7 secrets of the universally respected woman. Get ready to unleash your inner badass! Let’s dive in!
1) They speak their mind
For a long time, women have been conditioned to be quiet and subservient, to avoid confrontation, and keep the peace.
But the truth is, speaking your mind is essential for earning respect. Women who command respect know that their opinions matter and that it’s important to speak up for what they believe in!
However, speaking your mind can be a challenge for women who have been taught to put others’ needs before their own.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would show a friend. Remember that your voice matters and that your opinions and insights have power.
2) They have boundaries
Setting boundaries is especially important in a world where women are often expected to be caregivers and nurturers.
Women who command respect know what they will and won’t tolerate, and they’re not afraid to communicate that to others. This is because they have an unyielding set of values that they have ingrained within them.
In short, they know when to walk away.
My girlfriend and I have taken up boxing. Initially, we had a shared trainer.
He regularly complimented my form but told my girlfriend she was sorely lacking in her abilities. Weeks later, he maintained his positive sentiment for me while claiming my girlfriend “had zero improvements.”
I know she was giving it her all, and the improvement was obvious. But he chose to dampen her spirits.
We concluded that this trainer was picking on her because she was a woman. She called him out and his tough-guy facade crumbled. Sometimes people will have an unconscious bias and cross boundaries. Needless to say, we got a new trainer!
3) They dress for success
You may think it’s superficial but dressing for success is not just about looking good, it’s about projecting an image of confidence and competence.
Women who command respect understand that how they present themselves can affect how others perceive them. Besides, when you look good, you feel pretty damn good too!
However, women face some challenges when it comes to fashion. They are often judged more harshly on their appearance than men, and there are more expectations around what women should wear in professional settings. Double standard much?
You don’t have to be Anna Wintour every day—striking that balance between dressing appropriately for the occasion and showing some personality is key!
4) They work hard
Speaking of work, women that have a strong work ethic tend to demand respect.
They are dedicated to their jobs and are willing to put in the time and effort to get things done efficiently. They are usually highly organized.
But let’s face it, women still face discrimination and bias in the workplace, which can make it an uphill battle to earn respect for their hard work.
Women sometimes are expected to work harder and longer than men to prove themselves “worthy.” Though we’ve made some strides in this arena, this sexist hypocrisy still widely exists!
Ladies, know your worth. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need, whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or recognition for your hard work.
5) They take care of themselves
Self-care is crucial for women who might feel overstretched, trying to juggle work, family, or personal responsibilities.
Women who command respect understand that taking care of themselves is not only good for their health but also for their work and personal relationships.
Whether it means spa day, relaxing by the pool, signing up for that hot yoga class, or reading a book by the beach, for the respected woman, nourishing herself is always a priority.
Never feel guilty for taking a reasonable amount of time for yourself and putting your needs first. It’s important to understand that self-care is not actually selfish.
6) They support other women
Real talk: women who command respect support other women.
They understand the importance of women lifting each other up, and they actively work to create a supportive and inclusive environment for other women.
They do not see other women as competition, but rather as allies in a similar struggle. Hence, there’s a sense of camaraderie.
They understand that when one woman succeeds, it paves the way for others to succeed as well.
These women use their voices and influence to create a more just and equitable society for others.
7) They’re knowledgable
I’ll tell you this much… the respected woman is knowledgeable in her field. She understands that continuing education and staying up-to-date on industry trends are essential for success.
As I mentioned earlier, women have always faced challenges when it comes to being taken seriously in male-dominated fields or industries.
They may be dismissed or overlooked, even when they have valuable insights to offer.
Fortunately, we live in a time where there are countless women across the globe that are either heads of state or in other major leadership positions.
They’re proving that in a traditionally patriarchal space, women too can excel.
Women leaders offer much-needed sensitivity, empathy, and practicality–things that are a breath of fresh air in the cutthroat world of politics. I promise you, a strong, outspoken woman is someone to be feared! (In the best possible way, of course.)
Final thoughts
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for women to command respect in their personal and professional lives. The secrets of these women are not magic spells, but rather a set of skills and attributes that can be learned and honed over time.
By embodying these qualities, any woman can unlock her full potential and command respect effortlessly, living a life filled with confidence, femininity, and purpose!
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