Every goal you set needs something from you.

No matter what that goal is, there will be requirements in attaining this goal.

These requirements have standards that support the goal.

Standards are different from expectations.

Expectations are internal and fictional. They project what a person thinks will happen in the future or feeling that someone or something is going to achieve something. Expectations can lead to disappointment when they’re not aligned with what other people deliver.

Standards can be seen and are factual. They are a level of quality or attainment and is something that is accepted as a norm. They are reflected in how you treat yourself, your quality of work, in what you say, in what you do, how you treat others, and how you expect others to treat you. Standards are reflected in so many areas of life.

“Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.” Mandy Hale

Setting low standards can only take you so far.

With low standards, it’s hard to put enough time, effort, energy, and resources into achieving your goals.

Goals need tender love and care.

“We only get what we believe that we deserve. Raise the bar, raise your standards and you will receive a better outcome.” Joel Brown

Setting high standards, raises expectations of what’s possible. Not only do you expect more from yourself, more from your actions, but more from other people.

Considering we are the average of the five people we’re around the most, self-improvement rely heavily on who’s around us.

Surround yourself with people who have high standards and you’ll likely raise yours.

Surround yourself with people who have low standards and you’ll likely lower yours.

“Never [raise or] lower your standards to fit in with other people.” Anonymous

I added the word raise to the quote above because really, standards are personal. They are something that are different for each of us to overcome.

When faced with adversity and setbacks, it can be easy to resort back and lower your standards, but don’t!

Don’t settle for what’s easy.

Instead, remind yourself that the process of raising and meeting your personal standards isn’t easy. Therefore, it’s a path that many do not choose to take.

Start small and progressively work your way up.

What seemed unattainable yesterday, might be attainable today.