The Power of Standards: Your Path to Lasting Improvement

As we journey through life, the desire for change often takes root within us. Perhaps it's the realization that we've been dining out excessively and want to shed some pounds or save money. It might pertain to our relationships, a longing to be a better partner or to spend more quality time with our children.

These moments of introspection and the desire for a different outcome are common to most individuals. However, the real challenge arises when it's time to translate that desire into action.

Some individuals are adept at planning, mapping out a clear path forward. Others are natural go-getters, sprinting towards their newfound goals. Then there are the procrastinators, waiting for motivation to strike like lightning.

Regardless of your approach to change, there's a critical factor that often goes unnoticed—the existing standard. The power of your standard processes is immense, yet it's frequently overlooked.

In a business context, those engaged in continuous improvement understand the importance of knowing the standard procedures. They meticulously document their processes, creating benchmarks to gauge the effectiveness of their existing systems.

Understanding the current process is pivotal because, without it, you cannot measure improvement. You might feel like you're making progress, but are you genuinely advancing?

This awareness enables them to identify steps for change effectively. By comprehending their current practices and measuring their outcomes, they can tweak processes, ensuring tangible improvements. This approach mirrors the Deming Cycle, consisting of four steps: Plan, Do, Check/Study, Act.

However, when it comes to personal desires for improvement (outside of business settings), we often falter because we fail to recognize the significance of our existing standards. We overlook them, assuming that change will be effortless.

But then we encounter a roadblock. Suddenly, we slip back into our old habits, surrendering to the allure of familiarity. Instead of ascending towards improvement, we plateau, or worse, slide backward.

These existing standards are more important than we acknowledge. They underpin our lives, influencing our decisions and actions. Ignoring them while aspiring for something better is a recipe for failure. To truly enhance our lives, we must acknowledge and credit our existing standards.

By approaching personal improvement akin to how businesses implement continuous improvement strategies, we gain valuable insights. We understand our standards, including why we engage in certain behaviors. We also identify the areas where our practices are weakest and require adjustment.

Moreover, we become vigilant for the return of our old habits. Recognizing these habits as obstacles rather than comfort zones allows us to overcome them effectively.

Personal vigilance becomes paramount. We know our weaknesses intimately. For instance, if we're striving to lose weight, we recognize our Achilles' heel—the irresistible allure of cookies for dessert. While some might find it strange that we rigorously avoid cookies yet indulge in guilt-free ice cream, we understand the difference. We might not enjoy ice cream as much, so a one-time indulgence doesn't spiral into a five-day binge. However, bring a box of thin mints into the equation, and we're fully aware it will disappear by the weekend, followed by a trip to the store for Oreos.

When we are acutely aware of our standards, we gain insights into what holds power over us. We discern where to invest our unwavering effort. Understanding our current standard processes is essential for lasting change and self-improvement. Take the time to identify them, and be vigilant about their influence over you, especially when they attempt to sabotage your efforts to become a better version of yourself.

So, if you're determined to embark on a journey of self-improvement, remember this: the path to lasting change begins with understanding and appreciating your existing standards. Embrace them as the foundation upon which you will build a better future, and you'll find that true transformation is not only possible but also sustainable. It's time to harness the power of standards on your quest for personal growth.