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Is Your Yardstick Helping or Hurting You?
Is Your Yardstick Helping or Hurting You?
Yardstick?
A yardstick is a standard used to measure and evaluate something. In the context of self-assessment, it represents the criteria we use to judge our own success, happiness, and self-worth.
The Influence of Our Unique Yardsticks
We all develop our own unique yardsticks, influenced by the way we are brought up, our parents, friends, network, and societal norms. These influences shape our perceptions of success and happiness, often leading us to adopt standards that may not truly reflect our own values. It's important to recognize these influences and ensure our yardstick aligns with our authentic self.
Personal Reflection: My Struggle with the Yardstick
Recently, I was working on a hard professional goal that I had set for myself. I was spending a great deal of time and energy on this goal, but despite my efforts, I kept missing milestones and falling short of my expectations. The constant pressure I placed on myself was taking a toll. I noticed that my body was not feeling the same positive energy, insomnia set in, and the stress started to show in various aspects of my life.
One day, feeling completely overwhelmed, I decided enough was enough. I took a big pause, stepping away from everything for a few days. This break gave me the space to reflect on my situation. During this time, I sought a word that could encapsulate my internal struggle, and it came to me—"yardstick".
By identifying my yardstick, I realized that I had been measuring myself against an unrealistic and self-imposed standard. This awareness helped me adjust my perspective and priorities. Taking that pause and reflecting on my yardstick helped me tremendously, allowing me to approach my goals with a healthier mindset and renewed energy.
Understanding and Checking Your Yardstick: A Self-Assessment Checklist
Everyone has a yardstick—a way to measure their success, happiness, and self-worth. This yardstick can be based on various factors, including personal achievements, societal expectations, or comparisons with others. It's crucial to periodically examine this yardstick and ask yourself the following questions to ensure it aligns with your values and aspirations:
1. Identifying Your Yardstick
What are the key metrics I use to measure my success and happiness?
Are these metrics truly important to me, or are they imposed by external pressures?
Do these metrics align with my core values and long-term goals?
2. Are You Being Too Hard on Yourself?
Are my expectations for myself reasonable and achievable?
Do I allow myself room for mistakes and growth?
How would I treat a friend in a similar situation? Can I extend the same kindness to myself?
Am I frequently critical of myself? If so, why?
3. Constantly Worried About What's Next?
Do I regularly take time to appreciate my current accomplishments and milestones?
Am I aware that growth is a journey, not a race?
Do I take time to enjoy the present moment and the process itself?
How often do I find myself anxious about future challenges or goals?
4. Practicing Gratitude
Do I keep a daily gratitude journal, noting down things I'm thankful for?
Do I take moments throughout the day to pause and appreciate the small joys and victories?
How often do I express gratitude to others, reinforcing positive relationships and feelings of connectedness?
Can I identify at least three things I'm grateful for right now?
Integrating the Slight Edge Philosophy
From Jeff Olson's The Slight Edge, a profound message stands out: "Simple daily disciplines—little productive actions, repeated consistently over time—add up to the difference between failure and success." This principle can be tied to our concept of the yardstick. Instead of measuring success by monumental achievements or societal standards, we can focus on these simple daily disciplines. By doing so, we create a yardstick that reflects continuous growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of personal excellence, rather than a rigid and often unattainable standard.
In conclusion, regularly examining and adjusting your yardstick can lead to a healthier self-perception, reduced stress, and greater happiness. Remember, everyone's yardstick is different and unique, just like you. Let's respect, accept, and acknowledge these differences. Recalibrate with a purpose and watch the changes in your perception. This perspective shift not only enhances your personal well-being but also redefines your relationships in both personal and professional settings, fostering greater empathy and understanding.
It’s also essential to recognize the importance of empathy and compassion in our daily lives. Being mindful of our own yardstick helps us to be more understanding and patient with those around us—our teams, families, children, and friends. Each person is on their own journey, trying their best to measure success and happiness by their own standards, not ours. Let’s be non-judgmental and supportive, appreciating that everyone has their own unique yardstick.
Friends, you are not alone in this journey. Here are some questions I invite you to consider:
What metrics do you use to measure your success and happiness?
What steps have you taken to recalibrate your yardstick lately?
If you need someone to talk to about your yardstick or feel the need for guidance, consider reaching out to a professional coach or mentor. Sharing your thoughts and challenges with a professional can provide valuable insights and support. Feel free to reach out directly if there is anything I can support you with through a discovery session.
Thank you for reading this article in its entirety. Your engagement and reflections are invaluable. Share your thoughts and insights about this article in the comments below. Feel free to check out my other blogs and articles.
#SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Success #Happiness #Gratitude #SelfCompassion #TheSlightEdge #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #GrowthJourney #BalanceInLife #Coaching #TheYardstick
@Trail Blazers Consultancy Services
