Self-development and self-improvement are the most unselfish things you can do.
That's not a typo.
Not bettering yourself or taking care of yourself is selfish. Nothing will ensure you can't help those you love faster than your failing health as you neglect all the signs just to help someone do something they can do on their own.
You are their crutch. You are their plan when they want to be lazy or go do something to take care of themselves.
Real respect comes when they know you value yourself enough to guard your time like the non-renewable asset it is. Tell people no and see who stops coming around after that. Your circle might be small, but at least you'll know it's real!
Now, put that work in on yourself. The funny part is that you'll find a bigger circle of people who respect you more along the way.
You owe it to yourself to see what that best version of you looks like. You know you were meant for more, so let it out. Be that savage you know is inside!
No excuses!
Kevin Brewer
Rise Again From The Struggle