Should I Lower My Standards?
The decision to lower one's standards is a highly personal and multifaceted issue that depends on a variety of factors including goals, values, and current circumstances. This article aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on when and how to approach this decision with the ultimate goal of personal and professional growth.
Evaluating Your Standards
Before considering lowering standards, it is crucial to assess their realism and alignment with your goals. Strive for standards that are achievable and reflect your aspirations. Unrealistically high standards can lead to missed opportunities and persistent disappointment.
Gauging Context
Standards should be evaluated in different contexts: relationships, work, and personal achievements. For instance, you might have higher expectations in a business relationship than you do in personal friendships. Each area often requires a different approach and mindset.
Balancing Ambition and Flexibility
Striking a balance between ambition and flexibility is key. You should maintain high standards that reflect your values, but being too rigid can hinder growth and opportunities. Being adaptable and open to change is essential for long-term success.
The Power of a Growth Mindset
Rather than lowering standards, consider how doing so might open up new opportunities for learning and growth. Accepting a slightly lower standard can sometimes lead to enriching experiences and important lessons. For example, accepting a less daunting project at work can pave the way to more significant opportunities in the future.
Reflecting on Consequences
It is vital to consider the potential long-term effects of lowering your standards. Will doing so lead to regret, or could it provide valuable life experiences and learning? Assess the impact of both maintaining and lowering standards.
Talking to trusted friends or mentors can provide valuable perspectives. They can help you see if your current standards are too high, just right, or perhaps slightly unrealistic. Seek feedback to gain a clearer understanding of your current situation and how to improve it.
Personal Insights and Reflection
Not everyone would advise lowering your standards. However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all individuals are rational or easy to engage with. Knowing that more than half of people can be irrational and difficult to deal with can help shape your expectations and behaviors.
That said, there are instances where lowering your standards can be justified. For example, accepting a less rigorous proposition can sometimes lead to a positive outcome. In my experience, such situations can provide unexpected opportunities and lessons.
Illustrative Example
One instance where lowering psychological barriers was beneficial was when I owned a video store. A young customer came in looking for a movie called “The Pest”. At first, I joked by saying, “Yeah, I’m looking right at him!” This playful interaction not only lightened the atmosphere but also made the sale more enjoyable for both of us.
By embracing a more flexible and humorous approach, even in challenging situations, you can sometimes turn a difficult interaction into a positive one. This can be especially useful in customer service roles where maintaining a positive attitude can lead to better customer satisfaction and potentially repeat business.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is understandable to have instances where lowering your standards can be beneficial, it is equally important to strive for realistic expectations and high standards that reflect your aspirations. Balancing ambition with adaptability can lead to personal growth and opportunities for success.