Stop Settling and Think Big—Here’s How to Start Raising Your Standards
When we think about success, we often focus on goals, skills, and hard work. But there’s one underrated factor that plays a massive role in how high we actually clim
When we think about success, we often focus on goals, skills, and hard work. But there’s one underrated factor that plays a massive role in how high we actually climb—the standards we set for ourselves. Your standards, whether you realize it or not, define what you accept as “normal” in your life, influencing your choices, actions, and ultimately, your outcomes.
In this edition, let’s dive into how these standards shape our potential, backed by stories and science, and see how you can start setting higher standards for yourself, starting today.
Personal Note: But first let me just apologize for the late Post this month. I was too busy with the work and shifting my home (and yeah i shift my home 3 days back) that I couldn't write and i look every aspect of this Newsletter personally and i knew i won’t be as impactful as i should be as a writer with all of this work and i also didn’t wanted to spam you guys and bring down the quality of this Newsletter so i simply Stopped. But now I’m back and let’s start.
1. The Power of Expectations: Why Standards Matter
Imagine two people who both want to run a marathon. One sees completing the race as a huge win, while the other sets their standard at finishing within the top 20%. The person aiming higher is likely to train differently, push harder, and make different choices. This isn’t just about having a goal—it’s about the standard they believe is possible and necessary for themselves.
A well-known study illustrates this perfectly. In the 1960s, psychologist Robert Rosenthal conducted a famous experiment in classrooms. He found that when teachers were told certain students were high achievers (regardless of their actual ability), those students performed better throughout the year. This effect, known as the Pygmalion Effect, showed that expectations create self-fulfilling prophecies. When we believe in higher standards, we naturally behave in ways that make them come true.
Ask yourself: What standards am I setting in my life? Are they high enough to drive me toward real growth, or am I accepting what’s average or “good enough”?
2. Real Stories of High Standards and Higher Success
Throughout history, there are countless examples of people who achieved remarkable things simply because they refused to settle for the ordinary.
Michael Jordan’s Relentless Standards
Michael Jordan wasn’t just about winning games; he was about setting new standards for what winning looked like. In every practice, he set standards so high that it forced his teammates to rise to a new level. When Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls, he wanted the team to not just play well but to become champions. This mindset drove not only his personal success but also transformed the Bulls into a dominant force in the NBA.
The takeaway? Setting high standards isn’t just about individual achievement—it can elevate the people around you and push you to new heights.
Sara Blakely’s $5 Rule
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, started her billion-dollar empire with just $5,000 in savings. While many entrepreneurs would have been content with survival, Blakely believed her product was destined for the top. Her standard for Spanx was global success from day one. She turned rejection from traditional investors into a drive to innovate and push her product until it was a household name. Blakely’s success started with a belief that her brand belonged at the top, and she let nothing lower that standard.
3. Shifting Your Standards: How to Set Higher Expectations
If you’re thinking, “This all sounds great, but how do I actually set higher standards for myself?” Here’s how you can start:
Step 1: Redefine What’s “Normal” for You
Think about areas in your life—career, relationships, personal growth—where you might be settling for “good enough.” Ask yourself, “If I had no limits, what would this part of my life look like?” Write down what an extraordinary standard would look like for you.
For example, if you’re a freelancer, your current standard might be delivering quality work to every client. An elevated standard could be seeking high-paying, long-term clients who value your expertise.
Step 2: Set Specific Standards in Key Areas
Don’t leave your standards vague. Specificity is powerful. Set high standards in specific areas, such as career performance, personal fitness, or relationship quality. Instead of “I want to be healthy,” try “I will work out three times a week and eat whole foods 80% of the time.”
Step 3: Surround Yourself with People Who Have High Standards
The people we’re around shape our perception of what’s “normal.” Seek out communities, mentors, or friends who have ambitious standards. Being around people who challenge you will raise your own standards almost automatically. You’ll find that your view of what’s possible expands.
4. The Science of Raising Standards: How Small Shifts Make Big Impacts
You don’t have to make massive leaps to raise your standards. Neuroscience tells us that small, consistent actions are far more sustainable than sudden, extreme changes. Your brain loves routines and habits, so making gradual changes can have a lasting impact.
The 1% Rule
Start by improving just 1% every day. This concept, popularized by James Clear in Atomic Habits, is simple but powerful. When you make a 1% improvement daily, those small changes compound over time, leading to significant transformation. If your standard is to produce good work at your job, aim to make that work just 1% better every day. In a year, your “normal” will be leagues ahead of where you started.
Real-World Example:
Athletes often train with the 1% rule. For instance, British Cycling used it to turn a team with a history of mediocrity into Olympic gold medalists. They identified small, specific areas for improvement—ranging from bike design to team sleep patterns—and applied the 1% rule across the board, leading to dramatic results.
5. Making It Real: Set Your Standard Today
Here’s the challenge: What will you start aiming higher on, starting today? Pick one area, whether it’s your career, health, or personal life, and make a decision to raise the bar. You don’t have to know every step you’ll take to get there, but setting the intention starts a powerful chain reaction.
Take this as an opportunity to reset. Remind yourself that the standards you set now will define what’s possible in the future. Aim high, stay consistent, and watch how your mindset begins to open up to new possibilities.
Final Thoughts
When we elevate our standards, we open the door to new levels of achievement, growth, and fulfillment. It’s not about chasing perfection or comparing yourself to others—it’s about believing that you’re capable of more and letting that belief guide your choices every day.
So, what’s the “new normal” you want to set for yourself?
Call to Action:
If you found this edition inspiring, don’t keep it to yourself. Subscribe to NoLimits Digest and share it with someone who could use a push toward setting higher standards in their own life. Let’s commit to aiming higher, together.