Standards are not just about rules and regulations; they are about values and aspirations – Kofi Annan
Why Standards Matter
As colors and shapes are foundational and formative for learning in children, standards are the foundation on which we shape our lives. Standards are what we stand on to build a life of significance. Like a foundation is not appreciated until a storm, standards are not known until a crisis. A crisis reveals the strength of our standards. Standards provide stability in uncertainty. Strategies may change, and operation systems can be upheaved, but standards should always be maintained and, at critical times, raised.
That being said, where do standards come from? Standards are a derivative of truth. Truth gives standards strength because the truth never changes, making standards unchangeable to suit the current trend and culture.
Without standards, the degradation of life takes place. We rise and fall in direct proportion to the quality of our standards. Standards become habits, and habits become outcomes. Without standards, we are tossed to and fro, influenced by the winds that come with life – winds that can knock us down and keep us there. When you have a standard, a reference point, or a central purpose, you can discover a resiliency and courage you never thought you had to continue moving forward. Here are two standards I believe we should maintain at all costs:
- Integrity: In his classic best-seller, Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality, Dr. Henry Cloud uses the example of a ship’s wake to describe the effect of integrity. You can tell plenty about a boat 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 as well. 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. 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? The importance of integrity is multifaceted. Firstly, it is crucial for building trust. When individuals perceive us as honest and reliable, they are likelier to believe our words and count on us. This trust is essential in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. It allows us to establish meaningful connections and foster solid collaborative environments. Secondly, integrity plays a vital role in helping us make sound decisions. When faced with dilemmas or difficult choices, our integrity acts as an internal compass, guiding us toward the right path. It empowers us to align our actions with our values, ensuring that we remain true to ourselves and our principles, even when compromising is easier.
- Sincerity is the quality of being honest and genuine in one’s thoughts and actions. It’s about aligning your words, feelings, and behaviors and being free from deception or hypocrisy. It also means being transparent even with our flaws and weaknesses. You will be surprised by how far the currency of sincerity goes into deepening relationships. When we show people our authentic selves, free from the wax of duplicity, we develop stronger connections, and generosity flows freely. Being sincere is important because it is a key component of trust. When we are truthful, we are being honest and genuine with others. This allows them to trust us and believe we have their best interests at heart. Sincerity causes others to be open and honest with us in return. Relational depth grows through the currency of sincerity.
We rise and fall in direct proportion to the quality of our standards.
Final thought: We need standards to avoid the trap of compromise and cutting corners when uncertainty and desperation grow. Without integrity and sincerity, we are easily drawn to deceptive schemes to try and get ahead. Maintaining your standards will keep you steady and on the path of success.
Keep on keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 