From Self-Doubt to Self-Respect

There was a time when I felt like the world didn't respect me.

It seemed like no matter what I did or how hard I tried, I was always overlooked, taken advantage of, or dismissed. I felt invisible, like my efforts didn't matter and my worth was insignificant. But as I reflect on those days, I realise that the root of the problem wasn't how others perceived me—it was how I perceived myself and that respect I felt people lacked in me, I attracted them because I hadn't had it in myself.

In my upcoming book, I delve into a season of my life where I nearly threw in the towel and said, "Screw this."

It was a period marked by people flocking to me for connections to celebrities I knew, companies seeking collaborations without offering genuine support, and so-called friends constantly picking my brain for advice on PR and Marketing. And yet, when I dared to set boundaries, I was met with resistance and excuses disguised as flattery.

'But Glenn, i just respect your advice'

I found myself grappling with the psychology of it all. Why did I attract these people who didn't value me or my contributions?

Why did I allow myself to be treated as less than I deserved?

The answer became clear: I didn't respect myself, my worth, or the hard work I had put in.

I was sending out signals of self-doubt and insecurity, and the universe responded by sending me more of the same.

But then something shifted.

I made the conscious decision to step into my own power, to recognise my inherent value, and to demand the respect I deserved.

It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight, but gradually I began to see a change. As I started to believe in myself and my abilities, the people who had once taken advantage of me fell away, replaced by those who saw me for who I truly was—a force to be reckoned with.

These days, I hold my head up high with confidence and a heart that still helps others.

But there's a stark difference between offering genuine assistance and being taken advantage of.

I've learned to discern between the two, to say no to those who only seek to exploit my kindness, and to surround myself with people who uplift and support me.

And yes, along the way, I've faced backlash.

There are those who accuse me of arrogance or claim that I've changed.

But to them, I say this: I haven't changed; I've simply stopped tolerating the bullshit.

I know my worth, and I refuse to settle for anything less.

So if you're not willing to respect me and what I bring to the table, then I have no time for you.

In the end, it all comes down to self-respect.

When you believe in yourself and recognise your own value, you attract people and opportunities that reflect that. So don't be afraid to stand tall, to set boundaries, and to demand the respect you deserve.

Because once you do, the world will have no choice but to take notice.

Lastly, you have to realise that giving your advice or time to anybody that doesn't respect your worth, time or value by paying you..... to say no to them, what are you going to lose out on?

Absolutely nothing.

glennmarsden.com