What are Personal Standards? 60 Examples & How to Define Them

Having clearly defined expectations, otherwise known as “personal standards” for ourselves is crucial for achievement and experiencing a deep sense of fulfillment. These standards can help you stay focussed on your goals, which gives you a sense of pride and satisfaction when you live up to your own expectations and progress towards your life aspirations. By taking a comprehensive strengths assessment like the HIGH5 test, you can gain invaluable self-knowledge to help set authentic standards that allow you to lean into your unique talents.

Standards grounded in your innate strengths are not only essential for reaching meaningful goals but also for attaining a high quality of life and cultivating strong, resonant relationships. If you want to have a healthy and happy life, standards will be essential. In this article, we will address how to define and apply your personal standards.

What are personal standards?

Personal standards refer to an individual establishing expectations and goals for themselves [1]. Standards can be used in numerous ways. Standards reflect in your habits and actions and help individuals outline which behaviors are acceptable, and which are not. They are also essential for having a strong self-identity and understanding your goals [1].

Personal standards are a form of perfectionism and they can be adaptive (healthy, appropriate, strengths-based) or maladaptive (overly critical, unrealistic). Having high personal standards can be a healthy facet of perfectionism and is linked with increased self-efficacy (self-belief), being goal-oriented, and experiencing positive affect or mood. Adaptive personal standards help individuals to set high standards, maintain motivation, and put effort into their goals and they are more likely to see their faults as opportunities grow and learn [2].

In general, your personal standards are a catalog of activities, thoughts, and behaviors that you accept or deem to be helpful. Values and goals are tied to your standards as well. The standards you set for yourself can help provide a guide, rules, or code that you set and follow in your life.

Importance and benefits of having personal standards

If you want to understand yourself better, develop a list of your personal standards. They will reveal immense amounts of knowledge about your values, and ideas of success, and can help you structure your goals. Research indicates that those with high personal standards tend to have more positive relationships, higher self-esteem, perceived satisfaction, increased life meaning and achieve their goals more often [3].

Understanding which behaviors align with your standards and which do not is crucial for identifying areas for growth and positive change. Taking a comprehensive strengths-based assessment like the HIGH5 test can provide invaluable insights into your unique talents and potential blindspots, empowering you to align your actions with your personal standards more effectively. However, self-awareness is just one of the many benefits of embracing a strengths perspective – it can also boost your self-esteem, goal achievement, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being [3].

Pro Tip From HIGH5

After taking the HIGH5 test, review your top strengths and consider how you can apply them more intentionally to uphold your personal standards across different life domains. For example, if one of your strengths is “Achiever,” you could set a standard to consistently work towards specific goals that are meaningful to you.

Where do my standards come from?

Standards and values are thought to be influenced by a number of unique factors, including genetics (a predisposition for certain traits), and most typically through our early experiences such as culture, religion, education, society, and life experiences [4]. These experiences shape your standards and subsequently influence your goals, purpose, motivation, virtues, and vices. Each of these elements contributes to your standards being unique. No other individual has the same standards as you. Do not feel the pressure to conform to someone else’s ideals if they do not align with yours.

Purpose

Your personal sense of purpose is a key driver of behaviors. Each act you take either contributes to your overall goals, or it does not. When you reflect on your standards, consider how they may affect your overall purpose. If you set high standards that align with your purpose, you may find your goals easier to achieve. If you set your standards too low, however, they may cause you to lose sight of your mission.

Core values

Everyone has values, whether you are aware of them or not. Core values help you understand which behaviors are helpful, and which are harmful. Consider what your values are. It could be empathy, leadership, honesty, responsibility, or some other value [4]. Then, when recording or reflecting on your standards, consider whether a behavior upholds these values. If you value integrity, offering constructive criticism could be your standard.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

Reflect on your core values and how they intersect with your unique strengths profile from the HIGH5 assessment. Then, design personal standards that allow you to live in alignment with both – leveraging your talents in service of what truly matters to you.

Reason why

Your “reason why” is intimately tied to your purpose or mission in life. By taking the time to understand why you pursue certain goals and what you truly want to accomplish, you can uncover your intrinsic motivations and the strengths that drive you. The HIGH5 strengths assessment is designed to provide this deeper self-knowledge, helping you identify your core talents and how to leverage them authentically in pursuit of your “reason why.”

With this clarity, you can then set personal standards that are aligned with your values and vision for a fulfilling life. Who or what do you want to leave an impact on, and why? Once you understand this, create a list of behaviors that lead to making this impact. Ask the individuals you want to leave an impact on: what can I help you with? Although many personal standards are innate, you can leverage this information about yourself to set intentional standards as well.

Vices

Vices are the exact opposite of virtues. These are bad habits, weaknesses or ultimately actions that you do not want to perform. When you understand your vices, you can better understand your standards as well. For instance, you could understand that unhealthy eating is your vice. Then, when you try to set a health standard, list an action that is the opposite of a bad habit. This could be consistently having one of three healthy breakfasts. Or, you could try limiting your cheat meals to one time weekly.

60 examples of personal standards

Standards can be applied to multiple avenues in your life. They can benefit your relationships, financial life, well-being, intelligence, career success, and so much more. The nature of standards is that they can be applied in more than one way. Below are a few examples of standards you can set.

Wealth

1. Save up for a child’s college fund within 6 years.
2. Save 20% of your income towards retirement or investing.
3. Pay off your college debt within the next 3 years.
4. Limit your luxury expenses to $100 a month.
5. Attend one networking event monthly.
6. Invest 25% of your income in real estate.
7. Graduate college debt-free by having a job.
8. Boost your productivity to boost your wealth.
9. Save up for a business.
10. Put aside money and time each month to meet with startup owners so you can invest and learn.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

If “Strategist” is one of your top strengths according to the HIGH5 test, you could set a personal standard to regularly explore new investment opportunities that align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Health

1. Limit your cheat meals to once a week.
2. Commit to tracking your calories and steps.
3. Run 3 miles each morning.
4. Meal prep healthy meals every Sunday.
5. Only go grocery shopping with a list and when you are not hungry.
6. Wake up at 6 am every morning.
7. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash every morning after eating.
8. Eat a healthy breakfast every morning at home.
9. Create your own sugar-free coffee (instead of going to a coffee shop).
10. Drink at least 2 liters of water each day.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

Those with the “Time Keeper” strength, according to the HIGH5 test, tend to excel at following structured routines. You could set a personal health standard to meal prep for the entire week, capitalizing on this talent for consistency and planning.

Relationship

1. Spend time with people you love (at least an hour a day).
2. Call your parents at a set time daily/weekly/monthly (or at regular intervals).
3. Check-in on your spouse when they are traveling.
4. Have at least one date night each week.
5. Every week, buy your spouse a gift, such as candy or flowers, or do something special for them.
6. Have a video call with your family members.
7. Invite your old friends on a night out every month.
8. Spend time talking face-to-face with your spouse every day.
9. Invite coworkers on a night out each month so you can learn about them.
10. Leave a small note in your significant other’s lunch each day

Learning/Growth

1. Read at least 30 books every year.
2. Listen to one new science podcast every week.
3. Attend science or informational events in the community.
4. Meet up with individuals who are experienced in their field through networking.
5. Visit at least one low-income country annually to learn about your privilege and their culture.
6. Help your children with their homework every night.
7. Try doing yoga with peaceful music in the evening.
8. Go back to school to earn your degree within a set time frame.
9. Perform one activity outside of your comfort zone weekly.
10. Fact-check each of the opinions you hold before solidifying them.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

Leverage your “Philomath” strength by setting a personal standard to regularly assess your progress towards your goals and identify opportunities for growth. The HIGH5 assessment can provide fresh perspectives for adjusting your approach.

Social

1. Maintain a zero-drama policy.
2. Commit to meeting with friends in growth-friendly zones, not bars or clubs.
3. Step outside of your comfort zone and commit to saying hello to five new people at the next networking event you attend
4. Ask others about their opinions when making decisions.
5. When spending time with people, ensure you spend just as much (if not more) time listening to them.
6. Before making a friend, ensure they have similar values.
7. Practice your active listening skills – make eye contact, nod or use non-verbal encouragers, reflect and summarize what people have shared with you
8. Try bonding with coworkers outside of work, such as over a meal, to discuss individual growth and goals. Proceed with relationship building if they have goals that align with yours.
9. Reevaluate your relationships and boundaries whenever someone lies to you.
10. Remain in regular contact with the friends you care about.

Play

1. Perform one fun activity every week.
2. Learn to cook a new recipe.
3. Commit to learning a new sport.
4. Listen to music every day on the way to work.
5. Perform one self-care act for yourself every day.
6. Avoid distracting okay, such as social media, if you are not fulfilled by it.
7. Buy yourself clothing if you truly want it.
8. Save up for a vacation you wish to go on.
9. Schedule an hour a day to watch your favorite show.
10. Bond with your spouse or coworkers by eating out weekly.

How to measure and review personal standards?

When you are trying to address how well you are following your standards, look at your behavior. Firstly, create a list of the personal standards that you want to work towards or deeply value. Then, create a list of the major actions you took throughout the day. When you look at these actions, ask yourself if they align with your standards. Particularly, look for acts that are the exact opposite of the standards you set for yourself.

Note how many acts are in alignment, are questionable, and which are completely contradictory to your standards. When reviewing your standards, consider your actions once again. Ask yourself: are your compliant actions increasing, decreasing, or staying the same? This will help you determine how well you are adhering to your standards.

How do you stick to your standards?

Sticking to your personal standards requires consistent effort and self-awareness. Here is a concise guide to help you maintain and uphold your personal standards [1,2,3]:

1. Clearly define your standards
2. Regular self-reflection
3. Set achievable goals
4. Create a routine
5. Seek accountability
6. Use reminders
7. Celebrate small wins
8. Be patient and persistent
9. Adjust when necessary
10. Reflect on your “why”

Clearly define your standards

Ensure that your standards are specific, measurable, and aligned with your values and goals. Write them down to make them concrete and refer to them regularly.

Regular self-reflection

Take time to regularly reflect on your actions and behaviors. Assess whether they align with your standards and identify areas for improvement. It can be effective to journal or track your thoughts and progress to tangible change.

Set achievable goals

Break down your standards into smaller, actionable steps. Set realistic goals that you can achieve on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Having progress on the way towards a larger goal can help maintain motivation.

Create a routine

Incorporate your standards into your daily routine. Consistency is key to making your standards a habitual part of your life.

Seek accountability

Share your standards with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach. Having someone hold you accountable can provide motivation and support.

Use reminders

Use reminders, such as phone alerts or sticky notes somewhere visible, to keep your standards top of mind throughout the day. If you have followed the previous step and have an accountability buddy, its a great strategy to check in on each other’s progress and give progress updates to serve as a regular reminder to stay on track.

Celebrate small wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost your motivation to stick to your standards.

Be patient and persistent

Understand that sticking to personal standards is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and stay persistent, even when faced with setbacks. It’s normal to feel frustrated (at times) with a lack of progress, so try to keep track of what roadblocks are in your way, or what is impacting on your progress and use this to help further define or revisit your standards (or goals) and tweak them, or tweak your progress markers to keep up the momentum.

Adjust when necessary

Life circumstances change, and so might your standards. Be flexible and willing to adjust your standards as needed to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.

Reflect on your “Why”

Regularly remind yourself of the reasons behind your standards. Understanding the deeper purpose and benefits can strengthen your commitment. By following these steps, you can effectively stick to your personal standards and lead a more fulfilled and purpose-driven life.

How do you promote standards of excellence?

As a leader, you must inspire your team to have high standards. To do this, you must show a true interest in your team’s standards [5]. Whenever a team member shows they consistently have high standards, show this individual as an example to the team. People feel valued when they are seen and their efforts acknowledged, so ensure you specifically outline the progress or transformation that you see and get specific! Tell them in detail what change or growth you have noticed and clearly articulate the impact of their hard work. Reward doesn’t always have to be monetary, or material, but consider any reward systems within your organization and consider wider acknowledgment of their progress.

In addition, you must clearly outline these standards yourself [5]. Openly demonstrate adherence to your own high standards. This could inspire your employees to use similar standards or see what authenticity and commitment to one’s values look like. When you need to recruit a new employee, ensure the interviewer asks specific questions about standards. Ask the candidate about their standards and how they use them.

Pro Tip From HIGH5

As a leader, take the HIGH5 team assessment to understand the collective strengths profile of your organization. You can then design initiatives that allow individuals and teams to apply their unique talents in pursuit of excellence.

Personal standards FAQ

What are personal standards for happiness?

Every individual has their own standards because there are many differences between people. The same is true with their happiness standards. However, many individuals share similar standards. Some commit to having a date night weekly to keep themselves happy. Others will ensure the people they are friends with are truly friends. They try to limit drama.

Additional standards that help develop happiness could include things like; traveling to broaden your horizon or gain new knowledge/perspectives,, self-care time, listening to music daily, learning something new, reading books weekly, or trying out a new sport or hobby.

What are personal standards at work?

Personal standards can also be applied at work. If you are a leader, one way to show personal standards is by asking for constructive criticism (and taking on board and actioning relevant feedback). You can also commit to the decisions you make as a leader. Another common employee standard is arriving early to work each morning and finishing work on time. Being consistent or reliable, honest and transparent are also aligned with work standards.

What are personal standards of justice?

One’s feelings and ideas related to justice are rooted in standards. One standard that is applied to justice is the notion that everyone should be treated equally. Justice standards could also include: asking for someone else’s opinion, reviewing your actions before making a choice, or asking for an expert’s opinion before making a judgment or decision. Additionally, not judging individuals based on arbitrary parameters is an example of a justice standard.

What are personal standards of excellence?

Standards of excellence refer to standards that show the best in you. Excellence is pursuing your own passions and fulfilling your needs. In addition, it also relates to ethical and emotional fulfillment.
Personal standards of excellence include committing to having a growth mindset, being transparent and honest with others, keeping your vision clear, working diligently to achieve a goal, and other actions.

What are self-standards?

Self-standards are the behaviors, values, and actions you set for yourself as acceptable and desirable. They guide how you act towards yourself and others, shaping your self-identity and goals.

References

1. Dunkley, D. M., Blankstein, K. R., Masheb, R. M., & Grilo, C. M. (2006). Personal standards and evaluative concerns dimensions of “clinical” perfectionism: a reply to Shafran et al. (2002, 2003) and Hewitt et al. (2003). Behaviour research and therapy, 44(1), 63–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2004.12.004.
2. Koutra, K., Mouatsou, C., & Psoma, S. (2023). The Influence of Positive and Negative Aspects of Perfectionism on Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood: Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion. Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 13(11), 932. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110932.
3. Park H.J., Jeong D.Y. Psychological Well-Being, Life Satisfaction, and Self-Esteem among Adaptive Perfectionists, Maladaptive Perfectionists, and Nonperfectionists. Science Direct. 2015;72:165–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.08.031.
4. Matthews, B., Lietz, P. & Darmawan, I.G.N. Values and learning approaches of students at an international university. Soc Psychol Educ 10, 247–275 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-007-9019-x.
5. Steinmann, B., Klug, H. J. P., & Maier, G. W. (2018). The Path Is the Goal: How Transformational Leaders Enhance Followers’ Job Attitudes and Proactive Behavior. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 2338. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02338.