“I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is just an employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial’s hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have paid.”

― Jessie B. Rittenhouse

Have you ever thought setting standards for your life? Has it ever occurred to you that the things around you – and within you are all a result of either wanting them or passiveness bringing them to you? Are you happy with life as it is currently? Are you in control over your life, or is life in control of you? From today’s article, I hope it arouses an interest to set and be assertive with your goals/targets.

Life first gives you a set of expectations to grow and live up to. You don’t have much a choice of what life serves you. Some may please you or not. Nevertheless, these expectations come through your parents, guardians, teachers, role models and mentors. They shape us as we grow up and influence how we see life, react to it and respond to circumstances and events. That’s pretty much what makes me and you be different and unique. Many continue living to the expectations of their parents and society, living up to the expectations of the outside world and motivated by the approval from your environment.

And then you grow up and become independent. Life continues serving you expectations and standards. Independence and exposure give you a chance to see things differently from what you are used to. And that’s how your waters are stirred to discomfort. You may see things better than you are used to, or opportunities bigger than you once had. You may also see things that remind you how privileged you are despite feeling inadequate. And you desire things that are different from what you are used to. That is the moment standards kick in and goals get born. You define your life, change the description of who you are and sooner or later things start becoming as you hope they become.

Please re-read the poem above before reading the next paragraph.

What are you working towards? What’s the level of achievement you aim to attain with your current effort? Are you happy imagining the outcome you desire? Do you have an end picture of what a success of your current efforts? Does it please you enough?

We live in an abundant universe. There is everything in this universe, both that which you have and that which you lack; what you desire and what you have a distaste of. A thing being farther or closer to you depends greatly on your relationship with the rest of the universe – how harmonious you are with what you are currently hoping for.

Please evaluate yourself to and rule out standards or goals that are simply running away from something, and success is basically being away. If you want wealth, let it be for a reason bigger than fear of poverty. And if it is the power you desire, grow self so that, rather than being driven by power, you are motivated by purpose.

Establish reference points for what you want. For instance, I got a reference to the researcher I hope to become. My skills development so far in 2017 have been driven by this, and I believe 2018 shall be progressive towards excellence.

Finally, you shall need a support system of friends. Choose people who are challenging you to be a better version of yourself. People who add value to yourself and challenge you to. People interested in contributing positively towards a better society.

Featured Image:

Large North American Moth on a Standard Brick Size Brick Photo by Palmer W. Cook via freeimages.com