Tiny Behaviors That Will Make You More Admired Than 98% Of People
Envato Elements Most people want to be admired, but few are willing to put in the work and make the changes needed to get there.
If you’re serious about becoming someone that people look up to and respect, here are 15 concrete behaviours you can start implementing today that will set you apart from the crowd.
1. Be impeccably punctual.
Source: Unsplash When you say you’ll be somewhere at a certain time, be there at that exact time, or a few minutes early. Not 10 minutes late. Not even 2 minutes late. Being consistently punctual shows you respect people’s time, and you do what you say you’ll do. It’s a rare quality and it gets noticed. If you’re not naturally punctual, work at it until it becomes a habit. Buy a watch, set alarms, do whatever it takes.
2. Remember names and faces.
Source: Unsplash When you meet someone new, really focus and concentrate on remembering their name. Use their name in conversation. Take a mental picture of their face. Visualise writing their name on their forehead. Whatever memory tricks work for you. Remembering names and faces will make you stand out and show that you were paying attention and care. In a world where most people are too self-absorbed to bother, remembering names is a superpower.
3. Give genuine, perceptive compliments.
Source: Unsplash Everyone loves compliments, but most compliments are generic and meaningless. “Nice shirt.” “You look nice.” Boring. Look for something specific and unique to compliment people on. “You have a great eye for colour — that shirt looks fantastic with your hair.” “Your insights in the meeting were really sharp. You picked up on things most missed.” The more perceptive and genuine your compliments, the more impact they’ll have.
4. Actually listen, don’t just wait to talk.
Source: Unsplash When someone is speaking to you, focus completely on understanding what they’re expressing. Don’t let your mind drift to what you want to say next. Listening isn’t just waiting for your turn to talk. Really absorb what they’re saying. Ask follow-up questions. Reflect it back to them so they know you “get it.” Being a true listener is so rare, and it makes people feel important and understood.
5. Smile with your eyes.
Source: Unsplash Smiling is great, but a fake smile is worse than no smile. When you smile, let it reach your eyes. You’ve heard of “smizing” or “smiling with your eyes.” That little squint and crinkle around your eyes makes your smile genuine. Practice in the mirror if needed. A warm, authentic smile puts people at ease, lights up a room, and makes you more approachable and charismatic.
6. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
Source: Unsplash Your posture speaks volumes before you even open your mouth. Standing up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high makes you look (and feel) more confident and powerful. It changes how people see you and treat you. Want to command a room? Start by standing like you’re in command. Check your posture throughout the day and correct yourself until it becomes natural.
7. Look people in the eye.
Source: Unsplash Eye contact is crucial for building trust and rapport. When you’re speaking with someone, look them in the eye. Not in a creepy, unblinking way, but in a natural, engaged way. Hold eye contact a bit longer than feels comfortable. As they say, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” People will feel like you’re really seeing and connecting with them. If eye contact is hard for you, practice with friends until it becomes second nature.
8. Speak clearly and confidently.
Source: Unsplash No muttering, no trailing off at the end of sentences, no uptalk that makes statements sound like questions. Speak clearly, with conviction, at a volume that can be easily heard. If you tend to speak quickly when nervous, make a conscious effort to slow down. Use pauses for emphasis. Speaking with clarity and confidence makes you sound like you know what you’re talking about and deserve to be listened to.
9. Have firm handshakes (but not too firm).
Your handshake says a lot about you. It should be firm — not bone-crushing, but not limp and weak. Practice with a friend to get the pressure right. Two pumps is usually enough. Any more and it gets awkward. Make sure your hand isn’t clammy — discreetly wipe it on your trousers if needed. A confident handshake sets the tone for positive connections and interactions.
10. Be decisive.
Wishy-washy people who can’t make up their minds are frustrating and unimpressive. Admirable people know how to assess a situation, make a decision, and stick with it. They’re willing to take calculated risks and responsibility for the outcomes. Practice being more decisive in low-stakes situations, like choosing a restaurant. Get comfortable with uncertainty and making choices. Your decisiveness will garner respect.
11. Follow through on your word.
If you say you’re going to do something, do it. No excuses, no flaking out, no “sorry, I forgot.” Following through shows you’re reliable, trustworthy, and a person of integrity. Even if it’s something small like “I’ll send you that article,” make sure you actually send the article. People who consistently follow through are unfortunately hard to come by — be one of them, and you’ll set yourself apart.
12. Be responsive and timely with communication.
Source: Unsplash In today’s world of instant communication, there’s no excuse for leaving people hanging. Respond to emails, texts, and calls in a timely manner, ideally within 24 hours. Even if it’s just to say, “Got your message, I’ll get back to you by Friday.” Responsiveness shows you’re organised, considerate, and on top of things. People will appreciate your communication style and come to rely on you.
13. Have a firm “no” and a generous “yes.”
Source: Unsplash Admired people have strong boundaries — they know when to say “no” and aren’t afraid to do it. They don’t let themselves get spread too thin or taken advantage of. On the flip side, when they say “yes,” they do it generously and fully. If they commit to helping someone, they go above and beyond. Having a firm “no” earns you respect, while a generous “yes” earns you admiration and appreciation.
14. Be curious and keep learning.
Source: Unsplash No one admires a know-it-all, but everyone admires someone who’s continuously learning and growing. Stay curious, ask questions, read books, take courses. Have a beginners mind and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Share your knowledge freely, but never in a bragging or condescending way. Being a lifelong learner keeps you humble, interesting, and ahead of the curve.
15. Show vulnerability and admit mistakes.
Source: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength. Admitting when you’re wrong, apologising sincerely, and showing vulnerability makes you human and relatable. No one expects you to be perfect, and pretending to be perfect actually makes you less likeable. Owning your mistakes and shortcomings takes courage and emotional intelligence. It’s a sign of a secure, mature person worthy of admiration.
