I recently attended a talk given by Noelle Pikus-Pace who won the silver medal in the sport of skeleton at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Before she got into skeleton, she was dedicated to becoming a collegiate athlete in track in field. Noelle competed in the decathlon which is an event that covers ten track and field events including the high jump and pole vault.
The jumping events have a horizontal bar held up by two poles called standards. The standards mark the height of the bar and when the event begins the standards move up as jumpers clear the bar. The standards and bar never go down throughout the competition, once they are set, they only go up.
This example of standards taught me three things.
Standards are Set Before the Competition
All jumpers in the event know exactly what the starting height will be when they begin the competition. The standard is set in advance. As individuals who want to make a difference in our homes, communities, and organizations, we must set our standards in advance. They must be clear and understood so when it comes time to “perform” we know exactly what the standard is and there is no temptation to lower it.
The Beginning Standard is Achievable
I will set goals that personally stretch me so I can grow. This may be your pattern too. I learned from this example of standards in jumping events that the standard must be achievable first to enable the stretch opportunity. This provides an environment for small wins and makes it easier to understand where you get tripped up and where you need to grow. Start with an achievable standard and then progressively move it up to push your limits. Soon your standard will be at a level that is appropriately pushing you into that zone of discomfort and growth.
Only Going Up Enables Growth
By starting with an achievable standard and only going up the jumper has an environment for growth. If she goes from 6′ to 5’6″ back to 6′ will not push and stretch the muscles, technique, and ability to achieve higher heights. If she is meticulous in her progression, only going up from 6′ to 6′ 1″ and so on, she is creating the environment for learning and growth to enable improvement.
I invite you to consider the areas of contribution in your life. What is the standard that you have set? Now is the time to decide before you will need them. Start with a standard that is achievable and then commit to never go down, only up.
Write down the areas of contribution in your life and then document the standard you will hold yourself to in those areas.
Some of mine are below – this is deeply personal work, and you will find documenting these standards will enable you to live them and stay accountable to them. If not, you will lower the standard when things get hard and rob yourself of an opportunity to grow.
Family:
- I will not raise my voice with my children. (This standard is pushing at the edge of my capability)
Community:
- I will lend a helping hand to those in need when I am able, even if inconvenient.
Work:
- I will be principled and clear in my approach to problem solving.
- I will never assume I know everything but will seek to understand through different perspectives.
