Respect - a small word with the most powerful impact and reach

So, it’s the end of 2019, one of the biggest years of change, excitement and achievement in my adult life. One where my world was turned upside down, been rebuilt and put back on firmer (well remediated and smartly compacted) ground.

 I have learnt a lot this year about myself, about others and about life in general. And if there is one word that has kept turning up, it’s the word Respect. I have always respected people for their abilities and had a lot of respect for those that have gone above and beyond in their lives. This is why in 2020, I will be launching my #CWMRespect content series of articles, videos and Podcasts.

 It’s also why in 2020 my elder son's rugby team (Stafford Under 12’s) will be facing the opposition with respect or showing the word off as they run past them towards the Try Line (thanks to reversible shirts). This is because the new business I started in 2019, Content With Media, has sponsored their shirts with the simple phrase #CWMRespect (with ‘Respect’ in white, so it stands out) 

Rugby is a sport that is based on teamwork, support and showing respect for others. In rugby and in life, you build a team by playing to its strengths, whilst supporting its weakness. In order to do this, you need to understand the support each individual requires to do their job and in-turn help their team. It’s also important to remember that everybody is different and the support they need is equally different. 

This is why the word respect is so important. Respect is definitely something you have to work hard for. You can also earn a little bit every day, by doing small things that help others and by putting in the effort to better yourself. You can always learn new things and recognise the strengths of others, after all, every day is a school day. 

What is interesting about respect is that you don't necessarily know when you've earned someone's respect. This is because it’s not a sticker or a trophy that people will give you. There is no chart to say you have reached the ‘respect level’. They won't say you've earned enough respect credits to qualify, is not a game and you never know which level of respect you have reached or earned until it is given to you.

But I know from this year, that in the past I have earned the respect of others. Why? Well this year, without even asking, numerous people have supported me, my family, and helped me to set up my own business. Most already had my respect, but equally, I have worked hard to earn theirs. I guess I have cashed in some serious respect credits this year and that has humbled me greatly. 

This is also because people have supported me in ways that I just wouldn't have imagined. I guess I have always been that stereotypical middle-aged man who never really asked for help, tried his best and always worried that it wasn’t good enough. So, I just kept plodding and struggling on, until I started making some calls, opening up face to face and talking.

When you do make that phone call, have that conversation and ask those individuals that said ‘Remember if you ever need anything, let me know’ for help, you will be surprised as to what happens. You break down the walls and go outside your own little world into something much bigger, much more exciting, much more inclusive and much more rewarding.

As I look back at 2019, this year I recognised that I had not only been storing up some respect credits from my family, friends and my day-to-day life, but also from my friends and those that I respected for many years in my work life, particularly those in the plant sector.

Each one of these individuals has embraced me, encouraged me, helped me start my own business and ultimately paid me to help keep a roof over my family’s head. For the first time in 2019, I have also got in front of the camera, interviewing industry leaders, experts and operators alike. 

I have even given my son a chance to enter the world I love. In doing this, I have started new conversations met a lot of new people and shaped the future of what I hope will be a successful business. So as we go into 2020, the word of the year for me will continue to be ‘Respect’, so look out for my new series #CWMRespect, where I will be interviewing people that I respect, who will share their knowledge with me and others so that everyone can benefit from understanding what respect can achieve. 

For those individuals that have helped me in 2019, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you know how much Respect I have for you and how much effort you have put in to deserve it. Here is to a successful and Respect filled 2020 everyone.