What does the word standard even mean? Merriam-Webster defines it as “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example.” Think about what standards mean for your life and how they have molded you into the person you are. Standards do not have to be thought of as a negative concept but rather a set of guidelines you would like to follow in your life. Many times, we get lost in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to make decisions for ourselves. This can lower our ability to create our own standards and cause us trouble along the way.
Below are some recommendations for how to begin creating your own standards.
Do: Set Goals (Goals are vital for your standards because without them you will not grow, but rather remain stagnant in your life)
Don’t: Settle (You are worth more than the expectations people set for you! Create your own reality! Your standards should be met or you need to move on from the event disagreeing with them.)
Do: Ask for advice (Family or peers may have standards that might give you ideas on how to start your own)
Don’t: Lose perspective (Losing perspective between what your reality is and what you are trying to fit into your life that may not be best for you in the long run. Sometimes we want something so badly that we are willing to risk all the good we have created for ourselves. Don’t lose yourself for someone, something, or a false reality that the world has shown us.)
Do: Be mindful (of your strengths and weaknesses so as not to stress yourself out any further but to instead learn and grow from the standards you create)
Don’t: Ever give up! (You can always achieve what you set your mind on)