Demand Higher Standards – We will not be able to make a difference on our own, but with the help of everyone else. We must learn to let go of our fears soon and not be afraid to demand that others meet higher standards if they want to march with us in the future. It is imperative that we expect more of the people around us than what is expected of us if we are to inspire real change and progress. In terms of this subject matter, we are not in new territory here.
We have a long line of hardworking and honorable men and women who have led us on the path to greatness, and who gave us the freedoms we have today as a result of their hard work and honor. How did these people succeed in achieving great things and inspiring others to do the same? What were their secret ingredients to success? There was an unwavering commitment to action and excellence on the part of these people.

In the same way, the impact we will have on this world as a result of our legacy is largely determined by how much we are willing to demand from people. Leaders should not shy away from insisting on what they need, even if they may feel they are being too pushy or commanding. The ability to demand means setting expectations, expressing yourself honestly, and consistently holding people accountable by incentivizing those who are willing to rise to the challenge while at the same time challenging and coaching those who are not.
In today’s overly tolerant environment where people want to be friends and not leaders, and where people do not like the concept of reprimanding their peers, we need to reconsider the concept of reprimanding each other because many are uncomfortable with it. Without good people willing to speak out against evil or low standards, society is doomed to devolve into darkness and mediocrity if there aren’t any good people willing to speak out.
People need to be told when they are doing something wrong. In such a case, standards will slump. To prevent an entire generation of selfish and cruel adults, it is imperative that teenagers who hurt others stop, without apology. There is no point in allowing a nation to be run by liars if our politicians are lying to us.
If we want our workplace to be free of cheaters and schemers, we should talk to the coworker who cuts corners. People who are candid and willing to hold high standards for themselves and others are the essences of a virtuous world. So that everyone is moving forward toward meaningful goals, we need to learn to challenge and shape the beliefs and behaviors of others.
