Stop Setting Goals Until You Fix This One Critical Thing
The Ancient Secret To Raising Standards
You know how everyone talks about "reaching for the stars" and "pushing your limits"? Yeah, that's great and all, but here's what nobody tells you: while you're busy looking up at that ceiling you want to break through, you might be forgetting something way more important - the floor you're standing on.
That floor is your standards, and they matter more than you think.
The Floor Matters As Much As The Ceiling
The thing about trying to hit that next level, we're always focused on pushing the ceiling. "Sky's the limit," right? But sometimes we forget something crucial, and I think this is why we often stumble when hitting our goals and milestones.
It's not just about worrying about the ceiling and pushing it up, pushing yourself forward. It's also about making sure you're bringing the floor up with you. That floor represents your standards.
Take a second and think about your own standards right now. When was the last time you looked at your daily habits and thought, "Is this really the best I can do?"
Be honest with yourself—are you setting the bar where it's comfortable, or where it needs to be?
Why Your Standards Are Your Safety Net
You have to raise your standards. They're like your personal measuring stick because without them, the fall becomes larger.
Think about it - as you go up, one step back can knock you down pretty significantly. But if we raise our standards, it's not a far fall.
We constantly measure ourselves against them. It's something we constantly adhere to.
Marcus Aurelius didn't have to deal with Netflix autoplay or that "just one more scroll" Instagram trap. He never had to resist the urge to DoorDash his way through a tough day. But, here's why his teachings hit different today.
When he talked about focusing on actions, not outcomes, he was calling out our "instant gratification" culture before it existed.
When he said "Do what nature demands. Get a move on—if you have it in you—and don't worry whether anyone will give you credit for it," he might as well have been talking about posting your workout on social media.
Are you doing it for the likes, or are you doing it for you?
It's about the process, not the end goal. It's about building those habits and taking necessary actions to reach that level.
Ask yourself: How often do you catch yourself looking for shortcuts?
How many times have you downloaded a productivity app thinking it would solve everything, only to abandon it a week later?
Setting Those Boundaries
These boundaries? They're about holding ourselves accountable. Let's break it down with some real talk:
When's the last time you left someone on read because they were dragging you down?
Have you checked your screen time lately? (Yeah, I'm calling us all out on this one)
Are you still following people who make you feel like crap about yourself?
And if we're talking specific goals - like exercise - let's get even more real:
Are we sticking to a routine, or are we still "waiting for the perfect time" to start?
Are we keeping our calorie count in check, or are we playing the "I'll start on Monday" game?
Are we committed to our workouts, or are we letting one rain cloud derail the whole week?
The Reality Check
Seneca said, "Without a ruler to do it against, you can't make crooked straight."
In 2024 terms? That's like trying to hit your goals without tracking them. It's like trying to save money without checking your bank account.
You need those measuring sticks.
The Bottom Line
So yeah, while it's good to push ourselves forward—and that's something I've always professed—we must also bring up that floor, raise those standards, because those are what will keep us in check.
It's not just about how high you can reach - it's about how solid the ground is beneath your feet.
Your Turn to Step Up
Now, I want you to do something right after reading this. Grab your phone, open your notes app, and write down three standards you're going to raise starting today.
Not tomorrow, not next week - today.
Maybe it's finally unfollowing those accounts that make you feel like garbage. Maybe it's setting a non-negotiable bedtime. Whatever it is, make it real, make it specific, and most importantly, make it happen.
Remember: Every time you let yourself slide below your standards, you're not just having "one bad day" - you're literally lowering your floor. Don't do that to yourself. You've worked too hard to build it up.
Drop a comment below with one standard you're raising today. Let's hold each other accountable - because sometimes the best way to raise your own standards is to see others raising theirs too.
Quote of the Day:
"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." - Marcus Aurelius
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