"Il faut être une bête. C'est le seul moyen pour qu'ils te respectent."

To break it down simply, the core idea here is that in order to earn respect, you sometimes need to be fierce and unyielding. In life, people often respect those who stand their ground, show strength, and don’t easily back down.

Think about when this might have been said. It probably came from a place or situation where someone felt they had to be tough to get by. Maybe it was in a competitive environment, like in sports, business, or even during a personal struggle. It's a sentiment that can resonate with anyone who's ever felt underestimated or had to prove their worth.

Now, picture a real-life example. Let’s take Serena Williams, the tennis legend. Throughout her career, she’s faced a lot of challenges — from systemic racism to body shaming and criticism of her playing style. But Serena didn’t just play tennis; she dominated it. She showed up on the court with unmatched prowess, resilience, and tenacity. She was a 'beast' in the best sense of the word. Because of her fierce nature, she earned respect not just as a player, but as an icon. Her strength and determination allowed her to break barriers and set new standards in the world of sports.

So, how do you apply this idea to your own life? First, identify areas where you feel you're not being taken seriously or respected. Maybe it's at work, in your social circle, or even at home. Once you know where you need to step up, work on building your confidence and assertiveness. This doesn’t mean being aggressive or rude. It means being clear about your boundaries, standing up for yourself, and not being afraid to take charge when necessary. Show your talents, speak up, and don’t back down easily.

Imagine you’re in a meeting at work. You’ve got an idea that you know could really benefit the project, but your team tends to overlook your input. Instead of quietly letting your idea slip by, you decide to speak up. “I’ve got a suggestion that could help streamline our process,” you say, and then you explain your idea confidently and clearly. Maybe someone tries to dismiss it, but you don’t just let it go. “I believe this could really work because…” and back it up with your research or examples. You’ve become that 'beast' in the room — firm, unwavering, and respectable.

Let me tell you about my friend Mia. A few years ago, she was working in a male-dominated field and her ideas were often brushed aside. She realized she had two choices: stay quiet and remain in the background, or step up and assert her presence. Mia chose the latter. She started preparing more thoroughly for meetings, spoke with conviction, and didn’t shy away from challenging the status quo. Over time, her colleagues began to see her as a leader. They didn’t just listen to her because she forced her way in; they respected her because she consistently showed that she had what it took to lead.

In essence, being a 'beast' is about embodying strength and perseverance. It’s about knowing your value and not letting others diminish it. So next time you feel overlooked or disrespected, remember Serena or Mia — and unleash your inner beast.