Raise Your Standards

I was lucky to have parents, coaches, and teachers who encouraged me to have high standards for myself and others in my life.  My Dad would get on my case about looking like a slob at church.  Mom would wash my mouth out with soap for cursing.  Teachers and coaches would tell us "nothing good happens after midnight." At the time, I thought some of these pearls of wisdom were slightly tyrannical.  Now, I'm thankful for these things.

I remember one football coach I had in particular, despite the fact that I was one of the strongest and most fit players on the football team, telling me to get my "lazy butt of the ground" and then running me for 30 minutes after practice until I vomited.  All because I didn't get off the ground fast enough in a drill. 

I still admire him, because he was right, and didn't mind putting me in my place.  In that few seconds, I was being lazy.  I've always admired people who encourage you to do your best, even if it hurts temporarily to hear what they have to say.  US military NCOs are infamous for this and are some of the best leaders around for it.

What is all this about?  Raising your standards.  It really is the details and the little things. 

To achieve fitness goals, or weight loss goals, or lifestyle change goals, you have to set standards.  Set boundaries and try to meet the standards you set for yourself.  No one is perfect and sometimes you will fail.  But get back up and try again.

When you come to expect more from yourself, day by day, you'll get the big things taken care of eventually.