[BillyTheAdult]

I notice people say "respect yourself first." I have actually been asked this question by friends before and I start from the other end. You gain respect by

1. showing respect to others, and don't get crazy trying to over do it. This is something that will take time. You could not argue when someone says something you disagree with, instead ask them to expand on it until you understand. Chances are they are not crazy, YOU just don't get it. Open doors for people. Take time to help people when they ask for and give a real effort not a half-a**ed one that is just looking for approval (once again don't go crazy though.) Be nice to the person who is considered the loser at your school/work/where ever.

2. Respect isn't something you just get, it is something you command, as in the phrase he commands respect. Once again you do this by being respectful of others. If you are a manger or some equivalent at work, get in there and do the grunt work w/the lower downs. Take a genuine interest in people just to do it and not because you think you might get something out of it. Be nice to everyone. As James81 above said if you say you are going to do something, do it.

These things simultaneously take care of you respecting yourself and others respecting you.
But this has to be something you are going to commit yourself to for the rest of your life in order for it to really work.
oh, and don't talk about yourself, your accomplishments, what you have, what you are doing, or how good with, or nice to other people you are, unless it is called for in a rare instance like a job interview or something like that.