You've got dreams, big ones.
Being healthier, wealthier, dating the right people, commanding respect, looking good.
But despite all these aspirations, you constantly fall short, time and time again. It's like an endless cycle of failure and disappointment.
And it stings, doesn't it?
Seeing others around you achieve what you desire. They look so effortless, so natural. Yet, you struggle, and you fall further behind.
You start to wonder: "Why can't you achieve these things?"
Here's an unsettling truth:
It's not your desires that are holding you back, it's your standards.
Yes, that's right. Your standards.
You don't rise to the level of your desires; you fall to the level of your standards. Unsettling, isn't it? But it explains a lot.
The Lottery Winner Phenomenon
Let's consider an example: take lottery winners from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
They hit the jackpot, suddenly they've got more money than they ever dreamt of, and they've got the chance to live out all their desires.
Fast-forward a couple of years, and what do you see? Most of them are back where they started, or worse. Why?
Because their standards didn't rise with their bank balance.
When they won the lottery, their lives changed a lot for a short while.
But because they didn't raise their standards along with their wealth, they ended up going back to their old habits and lifestyle.
They didn't adjust their inner 'thermostat' to match their new lives, so they ended up returning to what they were used to.
Imagine A Life With Elevated Standards
Imagine for a moment that you've cranked up your internal standards.
You've raised the bar in every facet of your life.
You expect more from yourself, from your work, your relationships, your health.
You no longer settle for mediocrity; you now aim for excellence.
The gears of your life that seemed stuck gain momentum, moving you forward in remarkable ways.
Suddenly, you're not just dreaming about a better life, you're living it.
You've become a proactive achiever, not just a passive dreamer.
Turning Visions into Reality: A Step-By-Step Guide
But the magic doesn't stop there. As your standards elevate, so does your sense of self-worth and satisfaction.
This isn't a fantasy or a pipe dream. It's real. It's attainable. And it all begins with a simple shift in standards.
Here's how you turn that vision into reality, step by step:
1) Audit Your Life:
Look at each aspect of your life: Physical, Social, Mental, Vocational, Financial, Familial, and Spiritual.
Rate them out of 10.
Where are you falling short? What is the lowest?
That's your starting point.
2) Identify the Gap:
Once you've determined your lowest-rated aspect, understand what's lacking.
For example, if it's physical - perhaps you're not satisfied with your body shape, fitness level, or overall health.
Identify what's missing.
Work on one aspect of your life at a time.
3) Set Your Non-Negotiables:
These are commitments you make to yourself, come what may.
For our Physical example, it could be:
• Exercising for 30 minutes daily
• Preparing healthy meals
• Weighing yourself every day
• Going to bed at a specific time.
Write them down.
Make these non-negotiable. It's not a matter of 'if' anymore, it's 'when'.
4) Action, Action, Action:
Once your non-negotiables are set, it's all about execution.
No more negotiation, no more second-guessing.
Rain or shine, these are tasks that must be done every day.
This is your new standard, your new normal.
5) Track Progress:
Measure your success and check your progress.
You can't manage what you can't measure.
So, keep track. You'll be amazed at how these incremental improvements add up over time.
Remember, it's progress, not perfection, that matters.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the blueprint to not just chase your desires, but to elevate your standards.
You're stronger than you think, and capable of more than you imagine.
Today is the day you step up to a higher standard. And trust me, once you experience this newfound altitude, there's no looking back.
That's all for today, go out there and get it.
~Stefan Barbas Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
→ Discover Your Genius: If you're still looking at what you should spend the rest of your life doing then this is for you. Discover your unique gifts and what you were born to do in your life.
→ The Life By Design Program: An 8-Week comprehensive deep dive on how to empower you with the clarity, strategies, and mindset needed to unlock your potential and create a purpose-driven life.
Comments