@neil.chapman1 #selflove ♬ original sound - Neil Chapman

The Art of Non-Negotiable Standards: A Tool for Self-Improvement

I don't know who the guy in this video is. I don't know where he is. What I do know, in a very short speech, is he found the words that sum up a topic that I've been percolating on for some time. Take a moment to watch the video 👆then let's talk about how setting non-negotiable standards is a powerful tool in our own odyssey for self-improvement.

Confront Discomfort.

Why does anyone start their day with something they despise? Here's the secret: Our guy from the post isn't running because he loves it; he's doing it because it makes him confront discomfort. 

Take a moment to reflect. Isn't that where most people stagnate? By NOT dealing with uncomfortable obstacles in their way? Most people know what they need to do; they just don't want to do it. This is the essence of setting non-negotiable standards. It's about choosing to do something, love it or hate it, for the greater good of your personal evolution. 

Hate getting up early and exercising? Time to join Jocko's 04:30 club. Despise meditation? Sit your ass down and use the HeadSpace app to meditate on why. Alcohol too fun to give up? You know what you need to do.

Routine, Rhythm & Tempo.

Routine is the rhythm of your life. By setting a non-negotiable standard, like waking up early, you're not just starting your day; you're setting the tempo for how you roll through the rest of it. This isn't about perfection; it's about consistency, and consistency creates progress. When you commit to a morning run, you're not just running; you're setting a precedent for how you'll tackle challenges all day long.

The Power of 'No'

In a world where everyone says "yes" to every procrastination, saying "no" to your own excuses is revolutionary. Non-negotiable standards mean no exceptions, no excuses. If you've decided to write for an hour every morning, then you write, even if your colleagues are emailing you, your friends are messaging you, and your favorite TV show is on. The power of "no" isn't about spending more energy focusing; it's about removing distractions. It builds mental toughness and makes your focus less likely to crumble when the world is hammering you for attention.

Dietary Discipline

Your diet isn't just about what you eat; it's about how disciplined you are with your choices. If you decide that no sugary snacks after 7 PM is your standard, stick to it. Want to run that marathon? Better start treating your body like a temple, not a landfill. This isn't about deprivation; it's about alignment. Alignment with your goals, alignment with the vision of the future you.

Fitness For Life

Whilst a better body is one thing you can't buy, fitness isn't just about physique; it's about mental and spiritual fortitude too. Whether it's running, lifting, or yoga, make it a part of your non-negotiable routine. When you commit to moving your body regularly, the payoff is finding yourself in a physical, mental, and spiritual place where you believe you can move the mountains in your life.

Mental Wellbeing

Your Mental Operating System (or MentalOS as I call it) is the unsung hero of self-improvement. Set a standard for mental downtime - whether it's reading, walking in nature, or simply doing nothing. In our digital age, where we're always on, disconnecting from distractions is an act of rebellion against the norm. It's about giving your mind the space to breathe, not just to survive, but to thrive.

Work and Productivity

Work isn't just where you earn your bread; it's where you apply your standards. Set non-negotiable work hours, focus times, or a daily task list. By doing this, you're not just working; you're working with intent. Watch your productivity boom.

Wrapping It Up

Creating a better version of you starts with saving yourself from the comfort of mediocrity. Non-negotiable standards are your weapon against the entropy of life. They're the silent agreement you make with yourself to be a better person and through that, a better partner, parent, and friend. They're one small, often uncomfortable, yet profoundly important step at a time. 

So, start now, set your standard, and watch as you evolve into the person you've always needed to be.