Your personal standards impact every aspect of your life. They influence the quality of your journey. Standards include what you demand from yourself, what you expect from others, and how you allow yourself to be treated.

The food you eat, where and how you live, the clothes you wear, how you behave, and how people treat you are all affected by your standards. Your standards are connected to attitude and outlook, not money. It’s not what you spend, but rather what you do with what you have that reflects your level of excellence.

What do you ask of yourself? Do you strive for excellence or is mediocrity acceptable? Those for whom mediocrity is good enough face a constant struggle. They are constantly competing with a large segment of the population with a similar outlook. When you don’t expect much from yourself you won’t get much.

However, people who aim for excellence gain a significant edge. For them, education never ends. Their mind is always open to new and better ways of doing things. They do more than is required without being asked. These are the individuals who get promoted, run successful businesses, and achieve success where others struggle.

People who have high standards are polite and considerate. They treat others in a manner they themselves would like to be treated. They don’t take advantage of anyone. Their word is their bond and their handshake is better than any contract. Additionally, they attract others who also believe in excellence.

Standards also apply to what you consider is acceptable treatment by others. Being a nice person does not mean you have to put up with being taken advantage of or having your good nature abused. High standards will significantly limit the amount of poor treatment you will accept.

When you have high standards, you will have a positive attitude. Because you expect good things to happen, they will occur more often. You will more readily discover solutions to elusive problems.

If high standards are so beneficial, why do any people have low standards? One reason is having the wrong examples set for us when we are growing up. We may continually be told that we won’t amount to much, have low potential, or have to accept whatever we get. As a result, we don’t think much of ourselves or feel worthy of happiness and success. When this happens, our standards are knocked down.

Some people seek out the easy road. Since they don’t want to expend much effort, their standards are lowered to allow them to be satisfied with whatever results they get. They formulate a long list of excuses to justify why they can’t accomplish more.

How can you raise your standards? Start by rejecting mediocrity and demanding excellence from yourself. Do the best possible job in whatever you tackle. Do more than is expected. For you, good enough shouldn’t be good enough Take pride in your behavior and appearance. Never act in an unethical manner. Set high goals. Believe in yourself. You have more potential than you acknowledge.

You may be criticized for having high standards. Many people would rather pull you down to their level than climb up to yours. Don’t allow their derision to deter you. If you capitulate to their admonition, you will sacrifice your future. Lowering your standards helps no one. However, maintaining high standards may motivate others.

Today is a perfect time to examine your standards. Raise them in as many areas as needed. Elevate your attitude and actions. Don’t lower your expectations. Maintaining high personal standards will enhance your life in numerous ways.

“Dare to Live Without Limits” the book is now available. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail him at bryan@columnist.com