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š§Why You Should Be Setting Standards over Rules
Rules tell you what to do - standards define who you are. We explain why successful people create standards to live by.

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Hereās where we are headed today:
Jay Bilas on the standardā”
Setting standards over rulesš„
Favorite posts I found this week š
Free mental fitness links š
This week on The Growth Compass Premium ā
Steven Kotler explaining how to get into a flow state (Saturday)
3 of the biggest trends in leadership for 2025 (Thursday)
It takes what it takes: Free Chapter from new book (Monday)
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Letās dive inā¦
Jay Bilas on the standard
"People think accountability means blame. It doesn't mean blame. Accountability means holding yourselves to the standard that you guys deem to be important."

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Setting standards over rules
Last week, Pat Kelsey called it "Standards over Circumstances."
Most people live on the Mountain of Average. The best refuse to settle there.
This applies to sports. It applies to business. And it applies to life.
Most people think theyāll rise to the occasion when the moment comes. They wonāt. Theyāll fall to the level of their preparation.
Thatās why successful people donāt rely on motivation. They rely on their standard and their habits. The best donāt wait for the perfect moment. They build a system that holds them accountable every day.
Thatās what separates greatness from average.
Why standards matter more than rules (or talent)
Rules are imposed and followed out of obligationāstandards are chosen and lived with intention.
Rules demand obedience - standards demand ownership.
The best donāt rely on external enforcement; they hold themselves accountable every day.
Thatās why the best teams, businesses, and organizations hold themselves to a higher level of accountability than anyone else.
But this isnāt just about teams or organizations - it starts with you.
If you donāt define what you want, someone else will define it for you. Your standard is your foundation. It reflects your ownership, your intention, and your commitment to action.
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Ownership ā You must take full responsibility for what you allow and what you expect from yourself.
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Intention ā Setting a standard is a conscious decisionāit doesnāt happen by accident.
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Action ā A standard isnāt just something you talk aboutāitās something you demonstrate every day.
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Consistency ā Your standard is only as strong as your ability to hold yourself to it, especially when no one is watching.
Your personal and professional growth depends on what you tolerate, what you reinforce, and what you refuse to accept. The common thread across all successful people is they hold themselves to a higher standard than anyone else.
Thatās the difference. Donāt just talk about standardsā reinforce them every single day.
Story time: Coach K and the Olympics

When Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) took over the U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, he knew something had to change. The team had talent but lacked cohesion, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Instead of imposing a list of rules, Coach K worked with the players to create 14 standards.
š« No rules. Only standards.
The team established principles like:
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Look each other in the eye.
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Tell the truth.
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Never make an excuse.
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Never have a bad practice.
Coach K didnāt dictate these principles. The team did. By making them part of the process, he created a culture where every player held themselves and each other accountable.
This wasnāt about following ordersāit was about owning the standard. And because of that, the team bought in, built trust, and dominated the competition.
The lesson? Great teams donāt rely on rulesāthey live by standards.
Standards you can set for yourself and your team
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Effort Over Excuses ā No matter how I feel, I give my best in everything I do.
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Discipline in the Details ā I commit to doing the little things right, even when no one is watching.
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Ownership in Actions ā I take full responsibility for my choices, my mindset, and my results.
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Growth Over Comfort ā I push myself to improve daily instead of settling for whatās easy.
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Character Always ā I stay true to my word, my values, and the commitments I make.
How to create and reinforce the standard
1ļøā£ Define the non-negotiables
High standards arenāt vague. Theyāre crystal clear.
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What are your non-negotiables?
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What are your non-negotiables for your team, organization, and family?
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Are they written down, communicated, and reinforced daily?
If not, your standard is just a suggestion.
2ļøā£ Donāt Talk - Live It
The best leaders donāt hold a motivational meeting every time the standard slips. They call it out. They correct it. They move forward.
Youāre not calling someone out, youāre calling some up.
3ļøā£ Hold yourself to the standard
Before you demand effort from others, ask yourself:
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Do I give 100% even when no one is watching?
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Do I live the standard I expect from others?
If not, why would anyone else?
4ļøā£ Make the standard automatic
Wire it into everything you do.
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Routines ā Every day, the same level of preparation.
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Self-accountability ā Players holding each other responsibleānot just coaches.
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Built-in expectations ā Effort is not optional. Itās expected.
The best teams donāt just have a standard. They become the standard.
5ļøā£ Reflect and adjust
Standards arenāt staticāthey evolve as the team grows. Great teams donāt cling to outdated rules. They adapt while maintaining their core principles.
How to apply this today and takeaways
If youāre a coach: Reinforce the standard dailyānot just when things go wrong.
If youāre a leader: Make the expectations so clear and consistent that they become automatic.
If youāre a parent: Set non-negotiables for effort, character, and accountability.
If youāre an athlete: Stop waiting for motivation. Create a standard and start holding yourself to it today.
Questions to ask yourself:
What are my non-negotiables for myself and my team?
Do I have a clear standard, or do I let circumstances dictate my actions?
Am I reinforcing the standard, or do I just talk about it?
When pressure hits, do I stick to the standard or make exceptions?
The best donāt adjust their standards to their emotions, pressure, or circumstances.
They reinforce themāevery day.
Because at the end of the day, the standard is the standard.
Favorite Posts I Found This Week
A great self-reflection question:
If the only things we knew about you were your daily routines and how you spend your time, what would we assume your priorities are?
ā Justin Su'a (@Justinsua)
9:42 PM ā¢ Mar 10, 2025
Rockefeller on focus:
ā David Senra (@FoundersPodcast)
12:26 PM ā¢ Mar 12, 2025
Free Mental Fitness Links š
For athletes and performers:
For coaches and leaders:
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