Why Your Standards Matter More Than Your Values
Struggling to achieve your goals despite how much you value them? The real issue isn’t your values—it’s your standards. Uncover the transformative power of aligning your values and standards to unlock your potential.
Are You Living Up to Your Values?
Let’s get real for a moment. Do you value financial independence but find yourself stuck in a cycle of credit card debt or living paycheck to paycheck? For many, the answer to this question is a reluctant no. This disconnect between what you value and how you live might not be about your values. The issue could lie in your standards.
This distinction between values and standards is a game-changer. Here’s how understanding it can transform your life—starting with your finances.
Values vs. Standards: What’s the Difference?
- Values: Represent your ideals or preferences. You believe they’re essential, like honesty, health, financial stability, or family time. However, values alone don’t guarantee action or results.
- Standards: Define the minimum you’re willing to accept in any area of your life. Standards are actionable, measurable, and directly tied to your results.
Key Insight: Values indicate what you want. Standards determine what you get.
The Honesty Gap: Why We Don’t Always Live Our Values
Take honesty, for example. Nearly everyone values honesty, yet dishonesty fuels entire industries, from law enforcement to litigation. The truth? Many people value honesty but settle for dishonesty when it’s convenient. Similarly, you may value financial independence, but your standards don’t align with that value if you’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Ask Yourself: “What am I willing to settle for?” If the answer doesn’t align with your values, it’s time to raise your standards.
How Low Standards Sabotage Your Life
Your standards shape your outcomes. Here are some common examples:
- Financial Stability: You value savings but settle for overdraft fees and unpaid bills.
- Health: You value fitness but eat junk food and skip workouts.
- Relationships: You value connection but settle for disconnection by prioritizing work over family time.
The disconnect isn’t your values—it’s what you’re willing to tolerate. As one expert said, “Show me how you spend your money, and I’ll show you your standards.”
The Power of Raising Your Standards
When you raise your standards to match your values, magic happens. Here’s why:
- Clarity Leads to Action: Define the minimum you’ll accept. For example, instead of saying, “I value savings,” set a standard: “I’ll save 10% of every paycheck.”
- Results Drive Motivation: Small wins reinforce your ability to change. Start with easy wins, like always making your bed, and build from there.
- Commitment Unlocks Power: As you commit to higher standards, you take responsibility—and that’s where personal power begins.
Actionable Steps to Align Your Standards with Your Values
- Ask Tough Questions: Start with, “What is my standard for [area of life]?” Examples:
- Financial: “What is my standard for saving money?”
- Health: “What is my standard for exercise and nutrition?”
- Relationships: “What is my standard for spending quality time with family?”
- Get Honest: If your standard doesn’t align with your value, acknowledge it without judgment. For instance, “My current standard is living paycheck to paycheck, even though I value financial freedom.”
- Set New Standards: Define what you’re willing to settle for moving forward. Make it actionable and specific, e.g., “I will pay all my bills a month in advance.”
- Practice Consistency: Implement small, achievable changes that align with your new standards. Over time, these actions become second nature.
- Track Progress: Regularly evaluate if your actions align with your standards and values. Adjust as needed.
A Personal Example: Fun vs. Financial Security
Let’s talk about happy hour. You budget $20 for a casual outing, but after drinks, appetizers, and dinner, you’ve spent $200. Your value is financial security, but your standard says, “I prioritize social fun over savings.” There’s no judgment here—just a question: Does this standard serve your long-term goals?
If not, adjust your standard. For example: “I’ll attend happy hour, but I’ll stick to one drink and skip dinner out.”
The Hidden Power of Standards
Here’s the kicker: Raising your standards isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Even small shifts in what you’re willing to accept can lead to big changes.
Pro Tip: Want to fast-track your progress? Surround yourself with people who have high standards. As the saying goes, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Final Thought: Commit, Align, Thrive
Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve struggled to live up to your values. Instead, focus on your standards. Get clear about what you’re willing to settle for and take action to raise the bar. Remember, it’s not your values but your standards that define your results.
Ready to make the shift? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life transform.
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