Set HIGH standards that STICK!

Raising your standards is a personal choice. It requires getting vulnerable with yourself, which can feel uncomfortable. Good thing we addressed discomfort and vulnerability each of the last two weeks.

People make five common mistakes in the process of raising their standards:

1. The standards are too vague.
2. The standards are too complex.
3. They delay their commitment to the standards.
4. They rationalize reasons for lowering the standards.
5. They don't track their alignment with the standards.

Here's what to prioritize when you raise your standards:

1. Clarity: Make the standards explicit. Remove the foggy mist of calculations and interpretations. If a standard isn't obvious, it isn't a standard at all.
2. Execution: The standard is clear and evident, but intentions don't count here. Doing it is what matters. It's yes or no, do it or don't. 
3. Speed: Start immediately. When it's time to apply the standard, take decisive action. No debates. No delays. No negotiations.
4. Responsibility: 100% ownership. Circumstances and relationships will attempt to pull your standards down. You must execute high standards in the face of opposition and adversity.
5. Alignment: Track your alignment and misalignment with your standards. This is the core skill of self-awareness. You are the person who sets your standards. It doesn't make sense to set standards for yourself that you don't align with. Pay constant attention to whether you are living the standards you've chosen or avoiding, rationalizing, and falling short too often.

The time is now. Do the work.