Standards
“When setting expectations, no matter what has been said or written, if substandard performance is accepted and no one is held accountable—if there are no consequences—that poor performance becomes the new standard.”
-Jocko Willink - “Extreme Ownership”
Jocko is talking about standards of leadership here in his book, “Extreme Ownership”, but I’m sure he’d agree that these are true for ourselves as well. We have to set standards in our life that are in line with our identity and our goals.
I just got off a call with Josh Stively, who is one of the phenomenal coaches at 1st Phorm. The topic of standards came up about halfway through the call and I couldn’t shake it. I couldn’t help to stay on the thought of the standards I’m setting in my life. Josh’s words keep ringing in the back of my head, “Your standards are the things that you’re no longer going to accept from yourself.” “Your standards will take you where you want to go in life.” I keep going back to these two statements that he made.
It’s time for me to sit down and really focus in on my standards and get ahold of my identity. I talk about knowing the plans God has for me, and I know my identity is rooted in Him, but I need to sit down and get these things on paper so I can remind myself daily when tough times come.
I have never been someone who sets a lot of standards in their life. Sure, there are times where I am more strict with myself and others and the things that I allow and don’t; but I haven’t been the most consistent with these things.
This is the part of the journey that is exhausting. I’ve tasted success and know what I’m capable of, but the excitement of being a better version of me is wearing off. Nobody is asking me about all the things that I’m doing and how they also want to make a change in their lives. This is the part that matters most. This is the mundane middle where most people revert back to their old ways. Not me!
I’m going to push through. I’m going to set the standard in my life and set an example for my family and others. I will push through the mundane middle and reach whatever goals I set for myself. Will you? Do you have the willpower to push through the boring times to get to the other side, creating lasting habits that will lead to your success? You do… you just have to create it.
Until next time…
Josh
