In his book, The 22 non-negotiable laws of well-beingauthor Greg Anderson wrote, “Let’s set high standards for life, love, creativity, and wisdom. If our expectations in these areas are low, we are likely not to experience well-being. Setting high standards makes each day and every decade is worth the wait.”
He also reminded us that, “When we change our perception, we gain control. Stress becomes a challenge, not a threat. When we commit to action, to actually do something instead of feeling trapped by events, stress in our life it becomes manageable.”
There are times when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and trapped by situations we’d rather not face. These situations can even be extremely unfair.
It’s easy to focus on how terribly unfair someone could have treated us. It makes sense to believe that unfair things shouldn’t be happening. Simply pretending that a problem does not exist is much easier than dealing with it directly. However, the stress increases, the situation does not change and it could get worse.
In fact, focusing on how things should be instead of dealing with the way they are can lead to disaster, both physically and emotionally.
Winners set high standards for dealing with problems. They set rules about what they will accept and expect of themselves and others. They realize that it won’t work to stay on the path of denial, and it won’t work to lash out at unfair situations by resisting what is true. They have a much more viable plan.
In fact, the winners maintain a positive outlook. However, they know that they must do much more than simply think positively. They mobilize resources and drive new solutions. Self-confidence and courage allow them to take responsibility for situations and take well-planned steps to solve problems.
When a solution is not possible, they take valuable lessons from the event. They know that there is tremendous lifetime value in all experiences.
Ask yourself: What are my standards for dealing with problems? What are my limits for the behaviors, attitudes and actions that I will accept from myself and others? What are the highest standards I hope to live by at all times in every important area of my life?
Setting and living by high personal standards can turn out to be a tremendously liberating and life-changing move. It can help you make wise and informed decisions. It can help us experience more peace, contentment, and prosperity today and for years to come!