Setting your own benchmark

Ashley D. Mwanza

THE fight to have your own values and standards should always be very high on your agenda.  Sometimes it is only you that is holding yourself back.

In today's competitive world, people often put too much pressure on themselves based on how others perceive them.  It's very easy to fall into the trap of trying to live up to the standards of other people.  Nonetheless, in order to reduce stress and maintain confidence, it is important for each person to find a benchmark that works for them. 

 

Sometimes, we knowingly allow fear to stand between us and our dreams. Sadly, if we do that long enough, chances are, we will eventually abandon our dreams and rationalize our choice with logical sounding excuses.

You don’t have to allow fear to hinder your actions and destroy your dreams! With a simple shift in perspective, you can learn to transform that fear energy into excitement and use that positive energy to your advantage. 

 

Do not let fear get in your way, however, remember, the only person with the power to hold you back, or move you forward, is YOU. At its core, courage is largely the determination to conquer any fear, hesitation or excuse that attempts to separate you from your dreams.

 

Courage is absolutely a choice, and fear does not have the power to rob you of your dreams, motivation, and strength unless you decide to let it.

First, do not deny the existence of things that seem to hinder and oppose you for, of course, there are circumstances which hinder your success and conditions which oppose your advancement. Second, do not attempt to plough through circumstances and conditions. Instead, overcome them.

“Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 331, 332).

As the nineteenth century Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde said, “Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” In work, in school and at home, either define your own values or accept a life defined by others. You will always live values, if not yours, someone else’s.

If you focus all of your energy on competing with everyone else, you will miss out as years swiftly pass by.

Be your best self. Set your own benchmark, without comparing yourself to others. Find a pace that works for you, and be proud of every page you finish. It gets much easier as the years go by, so if you ever feel discouraged, take a break and get back to centre. Love yourself first, and everything will be awesome.

Let no one or nothing hinder you!