Tag Archives: standards

“If you’re not proud of it don’t serve it.”

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“If you’re not proud of it don’t serve it.”

—Bishop Richard Cumberland, 15th Century English philosopher & bishop

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

The principle in today’s quote goes far beyond food—it’s the standard for how we show up in life.

Every conversation, every piece of work, every choice carries your signature.

When you lower your standards, you dilute your integrity. When you raise them, you elevate everything around you.

Pride here isn’t ego—it’s alignment. It’s knowing your efforts reflect your values.

Before you present anything to the world, pause and ask: Does this represent who I am at my best?

If not, refine it.

The discipline to hold that line quietly builds confidence, trust, and respect—first within yourself, then with everyone you touch.

That is how ordinary moments become expressions of extraordinary character.

EXERCISE:

In your self-care choices what you “serve” your body and mind matters.

Food, movement, media—choose things that align with your values, not convenience.

You’re not just consuming, you’re reinforcing who you are becoming.

Life is harder when you expect a lot of the world and little of yourself

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“Life is harder when you expect a lot of the world and little of yourself. Life is easier when you expect a lot of yourself and little of the world. High standards, Low expectations.”

—James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Call Me Fred

How often do you find yourself upset when things don’t go your way?

If we wait for things outside our control to fulfill our expectations, we’re sure to be in for a very bumpy ride.

Alternatively, if we look within our own mindset and efforts, we can definitely adjust our approach to outside events.

EXERCISE:

How can you maintain high standards while monitoring and managing the expectations you have for yourself and the world around you?

“The Quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”

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“The Quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”

– Ray Kroc, American businessman who made McDonald’s famous

Photo from Flickr by JFXie

Photo from Flickr by JFXie

Are you a leader or a follower? This is a bit of a trick question in that the answer is almost always a combination of both at different times and under different circumstances.

We are leaders when we speak of the future and inspire others through our words and actions.

We are followers, or in some cases co-leaders, when we share and act consistently with the vision and behaviors demonstrated by the people we admire and respect.

EXERCISE:

Examine the qualities, behaviors and overall standards set by those who inspire you to follow.

Map your own course toward a new level of leadership by setting, pursuing, and even exceeding your own standards or those of people you admire.