Standards or mere excuses???

"I can't talk on the road!"

"Don't pat me on the head!"

"Gosh! Step back a bit! You're in my space!!!"

"Na wa oh! A purple dress with a pink clutch?"

"I don't like walking with people who grin too much."

"I can't talk to him, can't you see he's so disgusting?"


"No! No!! No!!! I'm not eating in any one's house but mine."

"OMG! I just can't walk with you, your clothes aren't ironed."

"I would rather die of boredom in my room than go say hello to her."

"Can you stop being so dramatic? You're calling unnecessary attention to me."

Complaints! Complaints! Complaints! Or did I hear you say excuses? Nope? Standards? Really??? I thought standards had to do with set goals which could actually make one achieve a particular level of honour and quality or fulfilment and attainment? Then, what kind of attainment do these excuses above lead to?

Yes, there are boundaries which everyone sets for themselves based on their comfort and convenience during their interaction with other people. That is acceptable and understood by all, but it becomes an issue when it is made to seem like everything a fellow human does is irritating and disgusting. Fact is, the examples above cannot completely be discredited as standards, but they barely ever make any man progress and acquire true fulfilment. Why lay so much emphases on them and make them standards in your life?

Have high standards for yourself. You might love your present state in life, but who wouldn't love to grow? Now, seeing you would love to be better than you presently are, you have to set standards for yourself. Did i say set standards? I meant set HIGH standards for yourself. What does it entail? Decide on what you want, then push yourself, work harder and out do your usual self just to get to that set standard.

However, you should take into consideration that standards are of various apects and areas.  Take for example; you want to start thinking positive, then you'd set a standard for positive thinking; you want to be courteous from now on, set a standard to greet people you come across, say thank you and i'm sorry where necessary; is it keeping fit? Set a standard to wake up early in the morning and go jogging; you want to draw closer to God, set a standard to get up early in the morning and seek God; are you referring to your thoughts, set a standard of honest, pure and just thoughts; you want to impart lives, set a standard of giving to the poor as much as you can and living peaceably with all men; What other aspects can you think of? Mentally, physically, health-wise, academically, socially, financially and so much more...name them.

Whatever you do, make sure that your standards are objective and essential to your life. When setting these standards, do not allow anyone to tell you that your standards are too high as long as you know that they'd make you a better person. There is no evil in wanting what's best for you. Also, know that when you set high standards for yourself, you'll have to stop listening to those who tell you you're fine the way you are. You'll believe that and immediately settle where you are. Maybe you're someone who assumes that bringing your standards lower would make certain people more comfortable around you. Don't be deceived!!! You have no business trying to impress anyone at your own expense. I guess you know that already, but if you didn't, take note.

No one ever said any of these would be easy or do you think it's easy? What!!! Would you want the truth or the lie? It is NOT easy...there, you have it! A major key to attaining standards you have set for yourself, no matter the area, is discipline. If you cannot discipline yourself and persevere even in the midst of discouragements and disapproval from people around you, then you cannot press on to be where you desire. You have to step out of your comfort zone if you intend to successfully raise your standards. To do so needs a resolve, effort, and persistence. Indeed, a lot of work may be involved, but if you ignore making positive changes, this will lead to your own peril. After all, when you don't take responsibility for improving your life, you will live with regret and guilt and these attributes will definitely drain your energy.

Now, do any of these make any meaning to you? The unnecessary excuses you make and hold so dearly, are they really standards? They might be standards to you, but i need you to look at it from another perspective, maybe they make you fulfilled but if they also have the tendency of isolating you from other people and making you unconsciously judgmental of people, then do something about them. Bear in mind always that it is wrong to look down on people or shove them off before trying to understand the motives behind their actions.

Wait a second! Don't get it twisted, I'm not saying that it's wrong for you to have those other kind of standards which make you feel comfortable, rather I’m trying to point you to those ones you hold so dear which are flimsy and totally unreasonable.  Do not give room for pride and ego in the name of set standards. Like you already know, "pride goes before a fall".  Choose for yourself; only be sure it's the best for you whatever you may decide.

                        STANDARDS OR MERE EXCUSES, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE???