Ever wonder why you have not achieved the things you want in your life?  Are you looking around and seeing others do what you wish you were able to do?  You are not alone.

Although many people set goals, all too often they feel lost and frustrated.  Their goals are just too far out of reach.  Focus is choppy, and progress seems to be minimal or even going backwards.

Why does this happen to so many people?  I believe the core of the answer lies in one area – personal standards.

I see it all the time.  People settle.  They do the minimum and expect maximum results.  Good is good enough.   They stop on the 5-yard line.  Their standards are just too low.  Period.

If you want to achieve more, you have to expect more of yourself.  High achievers constantly raise their personal bar.  They do not let small successes distract them from their bigger goals.  They settle for nothing less than their best effort.  No excuses.  Personal accountability for their own success is a certainty.

Are you someone who gives up after only one try?   Raise your standard to always try something more than once.

Are you someone who views failure as defeat?  Raise your standard to learn from every failure and change your approach.

Are you someone that makes excuses when you do not perform your best?   Raise your standard to take responsibility for your own actions, and move on.

You get the idea.  It starts with standards.  High achievers are constantly raising their own personal standards to never settle for anything less than their best.   Do that, and you too will see more success.