I love this definition for the word ‘standards’ by Collins Dictionary: Those morals, ethics, habits, etc., established by authority, custom, or an individual as acceptable.
When a person refers to standards, they usually refer to the principles of propriety, honesty, and integrity.
When I refer to ‘my standards,’ I usually refer to the principles I try to live by. Honesty, transparency, integrity, high moral ethics of right and wrong, and a place for everything with everything
in its place. However, I also believe that some personal standards are not etched in stone and can be
fluid as a person travels through life. Standards should be regularly evaluated and tested like any other
life purpose and meaning. I can certainly say that the standards I held myself to in my 20s are not the
same standards I hold myself to as I creep up to 50.
By the same token, I also believe that there are standards that are etched in stone (literally) and are
immovable.

Personal Standards to Live By

For me, the Ten Commandments are the top-tier standards that I am called to live by.

I. “You shall have no other gods before me."

II. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on earth.
beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord, your
God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

III. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who
misuses his name.

The Ten Commandments

IV. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord, your God. On it, you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days, the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

V. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

VI. “You shall not murder.

VII. “You shall not commit adultery.

VIII. “You shall not steal.

IX. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

X. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

A tall order and I honestly admit that I have failed to keep all the commandments at various times in my
life; thus, I admit to falling below my own standards.

Personal Standards: Etymology

I want to talk a little about where the idea of standards came from and how it is used in modern
vernacular. I researched and found an online etymology dictionary that gave a pretty concise
historical background on the usage.
In the mid-12th century, a standard was used in the military as a rallying point. It was usually a noticeable
flag or ornate object that was easily recognizable. The word itself is derived from the Frankish to mean
stand hard. The word evolved over time, but in the 15th century, the term king’s standard was the
official royal ordinance that set weights and measures. It was in 1560 that the meaning evolved to “rule,
principal or means of judgment”. This time period coincided with important treaty signings, like the
Treaty of Edinburgh (where French and English military forces were ousted from Scotland) and the
Treaty of Berwick (where peace was established between Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI). This was
also the same time period that the Roman Catholic Church was overthrown and Protestantism was
established as the national religion in Scotland.
In our modern vernacular, we really started seeing the term ‘standards’ first being used in the early
1900s with the establishment of organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
Note: The organization was originally ISA) in 1921, and ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
existing since 1918 Standardized testing in education started in 1901, according to the National
Education Association. In the early 1980s, during the Reagan era, standards underwent an overhaul where there were more stringent regulations put on standards in education, government, and the financial
industries. Nowadays, everything seems to be standardized.

Personal Standards a Model

The term ‘standard’ seems to warrant authority. In manufacturing, if someone says that the standard
method to accomplish something is such-and-such, there is often little argument since a standard is
meant to be the top elevation that a function can achieve. In religion, we have religious standards that
are the accepted authority for religious belief. There are even cooking standards that are beat into the
heads of culinary newbies. In many ways, we trust standards to be the optimal achievement level for the
various functions of our daily lives.
But why do we consider standards as something important in our daily lives? Are standards even
relevant for today? There is a country song by Aaron Tippin that goes, “You’ve got to stand for
something, or you’ll fall for anything”. The premise behind his song is that if you live a life without
standards, you will be compromising in your decisions. This can have unwanted consequences and
seems like a bad idea.

Personal Standards in Daily Life

I think that standards are important in our daily lives because they are the map by which we make decisions. If you own a store and have a standard of honesty, you won’t be likely to cheat your customers. The people in your life will have confidence in you because they can rely on you if you have the standard of faithfulness. If you have a standard of excellence in your work, your company can trust that your output will be reliable and generally error-free. Standards drive every
decision we make and impact the people we interact with every day.
Standards are absolutely relevant to our lives today. In an age where we see a new scandal hit the news
every day, we have to call back a life of standards to impact our world. But we need to talk about the
difference between low standards and high standards. Low standards can be best described as lower
expectations we put on ourselves. Generally, when we have low standards on something in our lives, it
is because we don’t care about it. We may have lowered standards for everyday items in our lives that

don’t really impact our quality of life. But we have to be careful because our lowered standards and
expectations can creep into the things that do make a significant impact on our lives before we know it.

Personal Standards in Education

High standards are the elevated expectations that we have for the people and things in our lives. We expect our spouse or significant other to meet certain criteria for our happiness. We expect the
appliances we have to operate at max efficiency. We expect our children to put stuff away when they
finished using it. Our standards are an expression of our care. It is the communication of how we value
what is in our lives.
In my life, I believe that my standards and resulting actions are an expression of love for those around me.
Whether that be in my family life, my work, or my leisure, I am constantly expressing the level of
love I have for those around me by the standards I live by. I think of it this way: because I care about
you, I will not lie to you. Because I care about you, I will not steal from you. Because I care about you, I
will not purposely hurt you. And the list goes on. I hold myself to a high standard because I equate
standards to care and I want others to know at all times that I am there if they need me.

Personal Standards Applied

I encourage you to consider the meaning of standards in your life. Part of the Educate Our Self journey is
to challenge our standards and learn why we have them and how they impact our lives. I also encourage
you to evaluate areas of your life where your standards can be improved. I know there are areas in my
life where my standards are not where I want them, and as I grow in personal knowledge, I know these
areas will improve.

See Standards for Lifelong Learning for more insights on this topic.

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In one such conversation, a friend and I were recapping topics that are rampant in the news. School shootings are on the rise. So are other mass shootings and random acts of violence. Social media serves up videos of people doing all kinds of things. Activities that wouldn’t have been considered acceptable just a few short years ago. We started talking about what was causing the seeming global change in how people operate in their lives. This brought us to a discussion of what can bring about change that would benefit society as a whole.

I believe the answer lies not in influencing the masses but in promoting personal change within individuals. As Albert Einstein put it, ‘The measure of intelligence is the ability to change’. There are some building blocks that can change a person’s life for the better. If individuals work to change themselves, a positive effect on society will be inevitable. On the list of building blocks for individual change are Standards. Each individual must establish, standards for themselves. Nurture and apply them in their personal lives and develop themselves into well-rounded, well-educated, contributing adult members of society.

Standards Make Change Possible

In my musings on the topic of “standards”, I recalled my school days. I remembered that as a child, my class levels between kindergarten and high school were called standards rather than grades. Rather than Grades one through twelve, I attended Standards one through five. At the end of this, I took an entrance exam to qualify for my acceptance into high school. That memory made me wonder what "standards" are and why European countries (and other education systems around the world) use "standard" instead of "grade" to name their elementary school levels.

Well, then, what are standards? I’m glad you asked. I asked the same question, and Merriam-Webster supplied four main ways standard as a noun is defined. One: a figure used as an emblem by an organized body of people. Two: the personal flag of the ruler of a state. Three: something set up by authority, or by general consent, as a rule for measuring, or as a model. Four: a structure that serves as a support. 

Standards in Education

In the context of education, "standards" typically refer to a set of clear and specific learning objectives. Benchmarks that students are expected to know and be able to do at specific stages of their education. No “teaching to the test” here. Instead, standards are designed to ensure consistency and quality in education across schools, districts, and even countries.

Well-developed standards help guide the development of curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments. They provide a common and consistent framework for defining the learning objectives and content that students should achieve at each level and empower educators to plan their lessons and assess students' progress. This makes it easier to compare educational outcomes across different schools, systems, regions, and even countries.

Standards allow for flexibility in designing and adapting the curriculum to meet the specific needs of students. They allow educators to tailor their teaching methods and materials while still working towards the same overarching learning goals.  Standards play a vital role in shaping the educational experience and ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. An education that prepares them for success in their academic journey and beyond.

Standards Applied

The focus on standards underscores the importance of learning outcomes and mastery of specific skills and knowledge. Rather than a strict emphasis on grading and ranking students. Standards-based systems typically outline a clear progression of skills and knowledge from one level to the next. They ensure a smooth transition and continuous development throughout a student's educational journey. Clear expectations for what students should learn are laid out in the standards. They aim to promote consistency, equity, and accountability in the education system. Standards-based education encourages a more comprehensive assessment approach. Students' progress is evaluated based on their mastery of specific skills. Their understanding of essential concepts rather than simply assigning a grade based on a single exam or test. They also facilitate communication among educators, parents, and students about educational goals and achievements. Everyone involved can understand what is expected at each learning level.

What does this discussion of standards in education have to do with individual personal change, you ask? Again, I’m glad you’re paying attention. In life, there is no ‘teaching to the test either’. Life happens as it happens, and we have to deal with it. How then can we equip ourselves to navigate our own vehicle on this journey of life? I contend that a “standards-based” approach to our own individual growth and education is key to this journey of life. Personal education, growth, and development are essential for becoming a well-rounded, well-educated adult who contributes meaningfully to society. 

Standards, Personal Goals, and Creating Your Own Curriculum

An effective educational system would use standards to guide and assess students' progress. Individuals too can benefit from establishing, nurturing, and applying their own set of standards. By doing so, they create a roadmap for continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the pursuit of knowledge. 

Each person can set personal standards and shape themselves into informed, adaptable, and contributing members of society.

One of the primary advantages of establishing personal standards is the ability to set clear and achievable goals. Similar to educational standards that outline learning objectives, individuals can define their own objectives, whether academic, professional, or personal. Create your own personalized curriculum for improving yourself. Especially with the internet, there is unlimited access to information. You can identify subjects or areas of interest to you, and you can explore them. You may choose to watch cat videos, other people’s foible videos, or reels. Or you can design a structured path (rigid or flexible) toward your own growth and education.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Lifelong Development:

Adopting the principles of educational standards for personal growth can encourage individuals to embrace lifelong learning. Schooling may have conditioned you to believe that in order to learn, you need a teacher, lecturer, or professor. However, education does not stop after formal schooling. As a self-directed learner, you can be your own teacher and take your learning to new heights. Make a commitment to learning continuously. You will ensure that you are adaptable and equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Self-Assessment, Reflection, and Holistic Development

Establishing personal standards necessitates self-assessment and reflection. Evaluate your progress regularly. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and acknowledge your achievements. These data points are vital aspects of your self-directed educational and personal growth. Honest self-reflection allows you to recognize areas for improvement. As you evaluate your progress, you can adjust your approach, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal accountability.

Aim for a holistic approach to your self-education. Focus on making gains in more than one area of personal growth. For example, financial education, losing weight, or learning how to (“fill in the blank). Your personal standards should promote development on many fronts. As you pursue academic excellence, you must also prioritize your emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and overall well-being. Balancing growth in more than just one area nurtures a more empathetic, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent you. A you who can positively impact your immediate sphere of influence as well as the broader community.

Standards, Support, and Collaboration

Find or build your tribe. Becoming a self-directed learner does not mean going it alone. You would be wise to seek guidance, mentorship, and support from others. Building a network of mentors, teachers, peers, and like-minded individuals enhances personal growth and contributes to a sense of community.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Periodically, review and update your standards to adapt to changing circumstances. Your personal standards should allow for flexibility and adaptation. As you encounter new people, experiences, and challenges, be open to modifying your goals and approach to learning. By so doing, you would stay relevant and resilient.

Contributing to Society

By nurturing your personal standards, you will develop into a well-educated individual ready to contribute positively to society. Growth in empathy and adaptability will empower you. You may address social issues, participate in community initiatives, and engage in meaningful dialogue. You will be more interested in the world around you. Others may be more interested in you too.

Conclusion

Establishing, nurturing, and applying personal standards in your own life plays a pivotal role in your life. You are on your journey toward becoming a well-rounded, well-educated individual and a contributing member of society. Embracing life-altering principles, such as goal-setting, continuous learning, self-assessment, and holistic development, empowers you to shape your personal growth intentionally. By doing so, you equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate life's challenges. You may impact your own life, the lives of your family, and your community. You will be an asset as you contribute to a better, more enlightened society.

Well, then, here is my definition of a personal standard. A Personal Standard is an emblem (moto, mantra, mission statement, quote, etc.) established by an individual as a rule to model their own life upon and measure their progress against, to support them on their adulting journey, and to stand as that individual’s personal flag as the ruler of the state of themselves.

Call to Action

As you work towards improving yourself, it's important to set standards that are flexible and allow for self-directed learning. Your focus should be on long-term progress, covering a wide variety of areas in your life. Remember to take a holistic approach to learning, growth, improvement, and self-assessment. Additionally, don't forget to leverage your community to promote change within yourself. Continue to be open and transparent in your contribution to your sphere of influence.

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If you think over the last few days, months, or years, how often have you come across an idea or some bit of information that you were only slightly aware of before that point, or you were completely unaware of? This happens to all of us. Our access to technology has opened our lives up to ideas and information unlike ever before in history.
We are challenged to think beyond the local level to think on a global scale. Now, more than ever, we need a resource that helps us to navigate how we process information and grow in personal knowledge.
This is why the Educate Our Self Method was created. The goal of the method is to power personal education.

Flexible Topics of Your Choice

At EOS we don't prescribe specific topics list, so your interest drives your personal education. That opens you up to endless opportunities to learn and it doesn’t stop there. Personal education without a goal is limited and can lead to an unwillingness to continue. The Educate Our Self method moves beyond building a vast range of knowledge that is just personally housed but challenges you to share your knowledge with others.
The Educate Our Self method comprises six parts of a complete personal knowledge journey. These parts include:

• Exposure
• History
• Relevance
• Reference
• Personal Application
• Share

Stage 1: Exposure

The exposure stage is the first step in the EOS method because you need to understand what sparked your interest in a topic to drive education. In the exposure stage, you will investigate your first experience with the topic and what you may already know. When you record your first experience with the topic, be specific e.g. I was in the grocery store, and I saw a jar of pesto on the shelf. I realized I knew nothing about pesto or how to use it. Now your topic can be anything, but this is a simple example of analyzing that first experience with a topic. Your exposure may come from an online search that popped up with something you were previously unaware of. Or it may be a new aspect of something that you already knew. When you record your exposure, you are making a historical record of how your interest was developed.
You also want to record what you may already know about the topic. In our pesto example, you may already know that pesto is used in certain dishes, or you may already know that it is a blended mixture of basil, garlic, and other stuff. This is your opportunity to discover your knowledge base and what sparks your interests. You might ask, what if I don’t know anything about the topic? That is perfectly okay. Record that! In the exposure stage, it is crucial to understand what you know and want to know.
But what if what I think I know is wrong, or I am unsure about it? This is a valuable aspect of the exposure stage. There is nothing wrong about being wrong. It is when we stay stagnant in our wrong-ness that the problem exists. Part of learning is identifying those areas where we have misinformation and correcting that aspect of our understanding. Of course, we cannot change misconceptions we are unaware of.

During the exposure stage, recording what we know will be a resource we can return to that will solidify our new relationship with and understanding of the topic. It will also create confidence in our learning as we are exposed to correct understanding.
Now, depending on your current level of exposure to a topic, you may already have a good understanding of a topic. The EOS method is not limited to new ideas but can be a catalyst for building extensive knowledge of various ideas. If you already have a base-level understanding of a topic, remember that the exposure stage is where you will record what you know and why you want to know more. There are ideas in our life that we are constantly revisiting because our interests keep pointing us in that direction. A subject matter expert has investigated all aspects of an idea or topic and has a well-rounded or complete understanding of that idea or topic. The EOS method will aid you in becoming that subject-matter expert as you build on your interest or understanding.

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