Living Better with Standards

Standards are not just about rules and regulations; they are about values and aspirations – Kofi Annan

Shapes and Colors

During a recent reflection, I pondered, “Why are shapes and colors so crucial for children during their formative learning years?” It dawned on me that these elements are not just essential for children but for adults as well. Shapes and colors are integral to our existence as a human race, influencing our perception of the world. Letters and numbers are based on shapes! Standards, like shapes and colors, serve as the pipeline and framework to find, interpret, describe, differentiate, and value life. 

Why Standards Matter

As colors and shapes are foundational for children’s learning, standards are the bedrock on which we build our lives. Standards are what we stand on or for. Like a foundation that is only truly appreciated when a storm hits, standards often go unnoticed until a crisis arises. It is during these crises that the strength of our standards is revealed. Standards give stability in times of uncertainty. Strategies change, and operation systems can be upheaved, but standards should always be upheld and even elevated during critical times. 

This Month

Where do standards come from? Standards are a derivative of truth. When based on anything but the truth, they become interchangeable. They adapt to suit the current trend and culture. Truth is what gives standards strength because the truth never changes. Without standards, life is degraded. We rise and fall in direct proportion to the quality of our standards. Everyone with the correct standards should have these irrefutable qualities that will shape the content for this month.

Truth is what gives standards strength because the truth never changes.

Integrity (Coming August 7th): In his classic best-seller, Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality, Dr. Henry Cloud uses the examples of a ship’s wake to describe the effect of integrity. You can tell plenty about a ship from its wake as it moves through the water. Its speed and course are two of those aspects. We all leave a wake as we move through life. The effect of our lives on the people we interact with can be described as our wake. What does your level of integrity communicate to the people around you? Integrity means wholeness. And this wholeness leads to the effectiveness and courage we need to meet the demands of life when required. Has your wake left people better or worse? 

Sincerity (Coming August 15th): According to Wikipedia, old folk etymology states that the word sincere comes from sine cera. This phrase means without wax. In ancient Greece and Rome, unscrupulous sculptors would use wax to cover up defects and cracks in their work. The wax with no color would conceal the defect and go unnoticeable to the buyer. It was only over time or when exposed to heat that the cover-up was revealed. Living a no-wax life means being transparent even with our flaws and weaknesses. You will be surprised by how far the currency of sincerity goes into deepening relationships. 

Generosity (Coming August 22nd): Generosity is the act of giving without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act that can profoundly impact both the giver and the receiver. There are many ways to be generous. You can give your time, your money, or your possessions. You can also be generous with your compliments, encouragement, and support. Giving will make you feel good regardless of how you choose to be generous. It will also make the world a better place. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Courage (Coming August 29th): Courageous people stand up for what they believe in, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. There are many different ways to show courage. Some people show courage by standing up to bullies, while others show courage by facing their fears or overcoming obstacles. Courage can also be shown by being kind and compassionate to others, even when difficult.

Final Thought: We live in a world where standards are needed more than ever. Without them, we are like a ship without a keel, lacking stability. Whether in leadership, politics, work, school, sports, or at home, standards help shape a more colorful world. The value of standards should not be overlooked but maintained with integrity, sincerity, generosity, and courage. 

Keep on keeping on!