Over the years a pattern becomes obvious in relationships, in business, in every room we enter. People respond to the level we consistently demonstrate. When we move through the world unsure of what we deserve, conversations start to reflect that uncertainty and we end up negotiating against ourselves. It takes honesty to admit how often we have accepted less simply because it felt familiar. The shift begins when we decide internally that our time and energy carry value and we align our behavior with that decision. Once that happens, dynamics begin to reorganize in ways that feel almost structural. Respect…

