Being a “better person” can feel like a big goal. But the truth is, you can reach such a goal by setting goals and taking small steps. We have the power to change our habits and lifestyles to become a better person. First, you must define what being a better person means to you. There is no one-size-fits-all-all, no templates. This is a personal journey. You first need to identify your strengths, which could be anything from creativity to empathy, and build from this foundation.
Visualize the future you; who do you want to become? This is the person you will establish standards for, creating guidelines for your actions and reactions. Becoming a better person is a noble pursuit that involves self-reflection, growth, and intentional actions.
Personal Standards
Personal standards are the rules and guidelines we set for ourselves in various aspects of life. These standards help shape our behavior, decision-making, and interactions with others. Personal standards in our activities, thoughts, and behaviors that we consider helpful or acceptable. These standards reflect how we treat ourselves and how we interact with others. They also provide a guide for the people we allow into our lives.
“Surround yourself with positive people who will make you a better person.”
Roy T. Bennett
We define ourselves by the choices we make. Setting clearly defined social and personal life standards is crucial to finding life satisfaction and reaching our highest potential. Developing personal standards can contribute to a strong sense of self-identity, which is linked to achieving goals and having healthier relationships. Personal standards can contribute to mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Personal standards may also be known as a credo, which is a guiding belief or principle that strongly influences the way a person lives or works. The word credo originates from Latin, meaning “I believe.” A credo represents our core convictions and shapes our actions and decisions throughout life.
My Credo
- Face your demons
- Be Yourself – Always
- TAKE RESPONSIBILITY – ZERO EXCUSES
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
- Respect others
- Everyone has wonderful qualities – look for them in each person
- Stay on the side of the law
- Never Say Can’t – Always Try (lesson learned from sixth-grade teacher Mr. Price)
- It never hurts to ask
- Get as much education as you can – education cannot be taken away from you!
- Read every day
- Write every day
- Tell the people you love – that you love them
- Don’t keep secrets – don’t hide aspects of yourself
- Your attitude defines your day
- We define ourselves by the choices we make
- Qualities I seek in myself
Honesty – Integrity – Loyalty – Humility – Temperance (practicing self-control, moderation, and restraint) – Kindness – Compassion – Open-Mindedness – Wisdom – Creativity – Optimism – Tranquility
“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
James Allen
Virtues
Virtues are traits of excellence that encompass various aspects of our lives. These qualities can be moral, social, or intellectual. A good person often has certain habits and may be considerate, kind, and one who avoids harming others. This is not about how others define you, but how you define yourself. Others will see your virtues through your actions and behaviors.
Virtues are about moral excellence and our character. They emphasize living well by embracing virtuous qualities. We are not born with virtues; they are habits and mindsets that we cultivate through conscious effort. Since they are habits, we may have picked up our virtues by watching those around us, family, and friends. So, again, surrounding yourself with positive people will influence you and help make you a better person.
The opposite of a virtue is vice, which is habitual wrongdoing. We need to identify these vices, as this is where we need to work to improve ourselves. There are no standards for virtues; they are choices. Virtues are culturally relevant, meaning they can vary from culture to culture. What do you feel is important? Who do you want to be?
Virtues are developed through learning and practice. Knowing what’s right is not enough; just like any skill, being virtuous requires consistent effort. Aristotle believed self-discipline was key and that repeatedly practicing self-control strengthens our ability to resist temptation (vices) and make virtuous choices. Bad habits weaken our resolve and make it harder to act with integrity.
Balance is something we should strive for in establishing personal standards and virtues. If your standards are too high, they can become demotivating. However, if you set them too low, you will not be pushed to grow or improve. Also, focusing too much on one virtue can create an imbalance in your life. For example, being assertive is a virtue, but what happens to kindness if you are only assertive?
Balancing your standards and virtues is more sustainable in the long run. You will be less likely to burn out or feel overwhelmed. Life is messy, but balanced standards and virtues allow you to adapt to changing situations while staying true to your core values.
How Do We Set Goals to Become a Better Person?
A good starting place is to identify who you are and who you want to be. Then, identify your weaknesses. Building virtues takes dedication and perseverance. Set goals and make a plan.
Here are a few ideas:
Acts of kindness and altruism contribute to personal growth. Small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life. Express appreciation, say a kind word, or sit with them when they need your support. Compliment others, as this simple act can brighten their day.
Volunteering is a great way to give back.
Always be respectful.
“Show respect even to people who don’t even deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.”
Dave Wilis
Become a better listener.
Practice empathy and try to understand their feelings.
Think before you speak, consider the impact of your words before saying something to others, and try to see things from their perspective.
Become a role model.
Find a Role Model
In the last blog, I talked about role models and how some people set standards for how they live their lives. I want to revisit this topic.
We can find role models in many ways; the simple act of reading books can connect you to how others live their lives. Role models can be in your family or inner circle, a boss, a teacher, or a world leader.
Role models set standards of excellence that we can incorporate into our lives. Benjamin Franklin is one of my role models; 13 virtues were his standard: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.
Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues path to personal perfection, by David G. Allan
A few historic role models are Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, Leonardo da Vinci, Jesus Christ, and Rosa Parks. There are many others, but we know of these people’s stories; they set excellent standards for themselves. Read about their lives and their choices for inspiration.
Conclusion
On the journey of life, the pursuit of becoming a better person is a noble endeavor. It involves introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to continual growth. While the path may seem difficult at times, there are steps you can take to cultivate virtues, develop positive habits, and make meaningful contributions to the world around you. Personal standards serve as a compass, guiding your behavior and shaping your life.
Balance is a dynamic process. What works today might need adjustments in the future. The key is to be mindful, self-aware, and willing to adapt as you grow and learn. Change takes time and may not happen overnight. Make a plan and keep working on it until you become the person of your dreams.
By incorporating these ideas into your daily life, you will be on your way to becoming the best version of yourself. The journey of self-growth is rewarding, and every step you take brings you closer to a more fulfilling life.
We live in a complex jungle of modern civilization, where ideas and information are a Google away. However, virtue is a concept used by Stoics, who were members of the ancient philosophical school, a school of philosophical thought.
According to Wikipedia, the Stoics identified the path to achieving a life spent practicing virtues in everyday life: wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, justice, and living in accordance with nature. It was founded in the ancient Agora of Athens by Zeno of Citium, around 300 BC.
We show high moral standards when we do what is right.
Recommended Reading
The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories, by William J. Bennett
What Makes Us Morally Good: 80 Examples of Virtues, by Tatiana Azman
Inner Strength for Life – The 12 Master Virtues, by Giovanni, Live & Dare Blog
Personal Standards: Lists, 60 Examples & How to Define Them, by High 5 Test
101 Ways to Be a Better Person, by Celes
Citations
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
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