You’ve probably heard the saying:
Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
It seems pretty self-explanatory. Be about something. Have a backbone. A guiding light. Otherwise, you’ll fall prey to other folks’ designs.
The same concept applies to what we receive, chiefly to what we allow others to do to us. Most people call this Having Boundaries, aka: standards, self respect, or self esteem.
Boundaries are a measure of self-esteem. They set the limits for acceptable behavior from those around you, determining whether they feel able to put you down, make fun, or take advantage of your good nature.
Setting clear personal boundaries is the key to ensuring relationships are mutually respectful, supportive and caring. Weak boundaries leave you vulnerable and likely to be taken for granted or even damaged by others.
But, boundaries also apply to what we’ll allow ourselves to engage in. In this sense, you’ve probably heard it called having standards.
Standards reflect values. They also play a direct role in success.
If you show you value yourself, your time, your future, etc. by having a sense of quality control about all of it, you’ll see inprovements across all areas of your life. Not allowing people to belittle you is just the same as you not allowing yourself to fall into bad habits.
It all speaks to what you will allow into your life’s makeup. Remember: You Define You
Self-respect permeates.
[Note: having high standards and high expectations are different, but that’s another post for another time.]