Respect

As I begin the Year of the Dog and look at all the goals I have set for myself this year, it is clear how important respect is when it comes to success. All my accomplishments have been built upon a foundation of respect.

Respect is never as simple as it seems, there are many paradoxical tenets of respect. People often underestimate respect and how difficult it is to earn it or even understand it.

The guidance I give my daughters when it comes to respect is basic:

• There is a difference between showing respect and feeling respect. Learn to recognize that difference.
• Give respect to EVERYTHING. Your iPhone, your cat, your grandparents, a stranger on the street - everything represents something of value and worth. Strive to see that value.
• The most valued possession anyone has is time. Time is not infinite and this makes it priceless. Save your time for people or things you value - people or things you respect.
• Lastly, never fail to show respect and do your best to earn respect. Respect is, and should be, easy to show and difficult to earn. Remember though, despite being so difficult to earn, respect is only a single bad decision away from being lost.

 “Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” - Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973)