Whether we realize it or not, we’re always setting personal standards for ourselves. So it’s not a question of if we set them but how and which standards we choose to live by. Subconsciously, every decision we make,
from the minor to the major, is influenced by our ingrained expectations and values. So when we don’t take the time to consciously evaluate and set these standards, we might find ourselves living by outdated or unhelpful ones that were shaped by past experiences, societal pressures, or others’ expectations.
The Power of Conscious Choices
What if you could choose your standards the way you choose your Netflix series—deliberately and based on what you really enjoy or need? Because, in fact, you can. And should! Taking control of this process means you’re not just going with the flow on an autopilot, but actively directing the current to where you want to go. For instance, maybe you’ve always just taken whatever job came your way because the idea of job hunting was daunting. By consciously setting a new standard, you might decide never to settle for a job that doesn’t excite you or meet your career aspirations.
It’s like updating your life’s operating system. Suddenly, you’re not just reacting to life’s offers; you’re selecting them based on what will make your life richer, more fulfilling, and more aligned with your personal goals, truly reflecting your vision and values.
Personal Choices and Never Compromising
One of the most empowering aspects of setting personal standards involves making choices that align with what you truly deserve, whether it’s in your career, the people you date, the car you drive, or the place you call home. It’s about not settling for less than what you feel you deserve, regardless of other people’s opinions or unsolicited advice on this matter. For instance, if you’re job hunting, it means not jumping on the first offer, even if it is “considered good”, if it doesn’t meet your criteria for satisfaction and growth. When dating, it means not committing to a relationship unless it genuinely brings you joy and fulfillment.
Imagine you’re looking at a new car: you have the option between one that’s okay and one that truly excites you and fits your needs. Opting for the latter, even if it means saving a bit longer, is a testament to your standards. The same goes for choosing a home—it’s not just about four walls and a roof, but about a space that truly feels like a sanctuary.
Setting high personal standards in your personal choices means you’re actively shaping your life, not just reacting to opportunities that come your way. It’s about making deliberate decisions that reflect your self-worth and contribute to your long-term happiness.
Implementing High Personal Standards
Now, don’t get me wrong: personal standards aren’t about setting unreachable goals; they’re about deciding who you want to be and living up to that image every day. They evolve as you do, and they’re about pushing yourself to be better, not perfect. Consciously choosing to set your personal standards high doesn’t mean feeling unhappy with where you are right now. It’s about setting realistic, achievable goals that stretch your capabilities and respect your true self. It’s saying, “This is what works for me, and I’m sticking to it,” and being bold enough to live true to that distinction. Now, let’s look closer at some aspects of your life that you set standards for.
1. Self-Care Standards
Personal standards for self-care involve more than occasional spa days or indulgences; they form the foundation of how we treat our bodies and minds on a daily basis. High standards in self-care mean prioritizing enough sleep, proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental health checks.
Consider self-care and wellness as your personal recharge time. Whether it’s making sure you never skip your weekly sauna visit or keeping that promise to yourself to meditate every day, these are examples of self-care standards that keep you at your best. Think about it — do you often let a busy week push out your self-care rituals? Consistently keeping these little promises to yourself not only boosts your well-being but also ensures you’re always ready to take on the world.
2. Beauty Standards
What do standards in beauty mean to you? For someone like me, it’s never missing a nail or lash appointment, because it’s like brushing my teeth or washing my hair, basic routines I’m dedicated to maintaining by all means. For others, it may be regular waxing, taking the time to choose outfits that make them feel unstoppable, or even hairdos every day – whatever it is, you set those minimum thresholds for yourself to maintain. Setting your own personal beauty standards could also mean deciding to only wear makeup that makes you feel fabulous, not just what’s trendy. Remember, following the crowd can sometimes drag down your self-esteem, especially when the beauty standards set by society don’t align with what makes you feel good about yourself.
3. Home Organization Standards
Ever feel like a clear space equals a clear mind? That’s no coincidence. Whether it’s making your bed every morning or organizing your workspace at the end of each day, maintaining a tidy environment can massively improve your mental clarity and overall mood, which, in turn, enhances clarity and focus in other areas of your life. Ever notice how stressful it is to find your keys in a cluttered drawer when you’re already late? Setting a personal standard like “everything has its place” can save you from that chaos. As a person with ADHD, this standard alone has saved me more time than I can count.
4. Health Goals
Let’s get real about health: eating well should mean more than just avoiding fast food or restraining from excessive alcohol intake. What if you set a standard to only eat high-quality foods that nourish and delight you? It’s not just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding life to your years. This could mean swapping out those mid-afternoon vending machine snacks for something you actually enjoy, and that benefits your body, like a healthy home-made dessert or appetizer. Yes, this might require some additional effort, like developing cooking skills, but it’s totally worth it as the long-term benefits pay off tenfold. Other health goals can range from committing to regular healthy breakfast and exercise to scheduling regular medical checkups. Setting these personal standards helps instill discipline and demonstrates a commitment to self-preservation and enhancement.
5. Building Networks and Maintaining Relationships
Think about your circle. Keeping high personal standards for who you spend your time with can mean the difference between a support network that lifts you up and a social circle that doesn’t contribute to your growth. In fact, your network choices can affect your standards by themselves as people who are close to you can and will influence your standards of living whether you want that or not, by just constantly being in your life and shaping your way of normal, so be wise about whom you spend most of your time with, observe their life choices and “try them on” to see if this is something you want too. If not – perhaps it’s time to rethink some friendships. This might look like choosing to stay connected with colleagues who inspire you or also means saying no to last-minute plans that don’t really interest you.
6. Workplace Standards
At work, setting standards could be as simple as never leaving emails unread at the end of the day or ensuring your projects always reflect your best work regardless of how demandingly you’re checked. This doesn’t just show others you’re reliable; it builds a sense of self-respect and pride in your accomplishments.
7. Pursuing Pleasure and Personal Fulfillment
Life is also about pleasure—never forget to make room for joy! Whether it’s keeping your Saturday night free for dance classes or dedicating Sunday mornings to your favorite café and a good book, freeing time for family gatherings, getaways with friends, or a personal photoshoot – setting standards like these will help to make sure your happiness is always on the agenda.
8. Standards for Life Tasks Completion
Ever heard the saying, “How you do anything is how you do everything”? It’s one of my favorite ones. This means how you approach any task—big or small—tells a story about you. Even the little things, like how you handle your morning routine or even maintain your hairbrush, can and will set the tone for how you live your life overall. Let’s say you’re the kind of person who never leaves a job half-done, whether it’s a major work project or just washing the dishes. Such habits develop a level of commitment that, if pursued, will likely translate into other areas of your life, creating a snowball effect that will eventually become a dominant pattern for your further and bigger accomplishments. So before going big, start small and rethink the way you approach little things in your life, streamlining those tasks one by one to form the desired patterns.
Key takeaways
Personal standards are the essence of how we guide our lives. By setting high standards in every aspect—from how we care for ourselves and manage our homes, to the ambitions we have in our careers and the personal choices we make—we not only enhance our own lives but also set a powerful example for others. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making choices that are right for you, every single day. Each choice we make is a chance to live more aligned with our true selves.
Take some time today to take a good look at your life and ask yourself where you might be settling for less than you deserve. Is it in your job? Your relationships? The personal goals you set? Think about the standards you’ve been living by in these areas —are they really yours? Do they serve your highest good? If not, it’s within your power to change them. Choose wisely and consciously to create a life that not only meets your needs but also fulfills your deepest desires.
Why not pick one area of your life where you can raise your standard this week? Share your plans or experiences in the comments below—or if you’ve got a personal standard that’s worked wonders for you, let us know. Let’s inspire each other to live our best lives!
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