It’s Time to Lower My Standards

Trust me, I’m not some high-standard perfectionist—far from it. You’d believe me if you saw my kitchen or my car. But recently, I had a little epiphany.

It’s not that I don’t want a clean car or a schmecked kitchen. I do! I’ve realized that this isn’t just about a dirty car or a cluttered kitchen. It’s about the standards I’ve set for myself that are actually holding me back.

Here’s the kicker: there’s a perfectly good car wash right around the corner from my house. It’s easy, affordable, and gets the job done. But somewhere along the way, I picked up the belief that it’s not as good as the one across town. The fancy car wash with all the bells and whistles is miles away and keeps me from making progress. I end up discounting the nearby option and not scheduling the one that's closer, so I'd cringe if you ask for a quick ride across town, and I’d have to come up with an excuse to avoid going in that direction (sorry, I suck).

It’s not just about the car wash. It’s about all these little beliefs and standards I’ve adopted over time. These beliefs are guiding my life and keeping me stuck. I’ve let these “ideal” standards—like the top-notch car wash or the schmecked kitchen (my new word crush)—create bottlenecks that prevent me from moving forward.

So, here’s the deal: it’s time to lower my standards and make life a bit easier. I’m not talking about striving for mediocrity, but about inviting in a 'renegotiation' of expectations that don’t serve me. It’s about finding a balance where “good enough” is perfectly fine, and progress takes the spotlight.

Let’s challenge these old beliefs and start making choices that actually move us forward. Life’s too short to be bogged down. So, here’s to lowering our standards, embracing progress, and enjoying the journey along the way.

Are there any areas in your life where you could lower your standards to make room for more progress and joy?

Let’s talk about it!

Audrey