šŸ§­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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Hereā€™s where we are headed today:

  • Jay Bilas on the standardāš”

  • Setting standards over rulesšŸ„‡

  • Favorite posts I found this week šŸ†

  • Free mental fitness links šŸ‘‡

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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Letā€™s 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."

Jay Bilas
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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 theyā€™ll rise to the occasion when the moment comes. They wonā€™t. Theyā€™ll fall to the level of their preparation.

Thatā€™s why successful people donā€™t rely on motivation. They rely on their standard and their habits. The best donā€™t wait for the perfect moment. They build a system that holds them accountable every day.

Thatā€™s what separates greatness from average.

Why standards matter more than rules (or talent)

Rules are imposed and followed out of obligationā€”standards are chosen and lived with intention.

Rules demand obedience - standards demand ownership.

The best donā€™t rely on external enforcement; they hold themselves accountable every day.

Thatā€™s why the best teams, businesses, and organizations hold themselves to a higher level of accountability than anyone else.

But this isnā€™t just about teams or organizations - it starts with you.

If you donā€™t 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.

āœ… Ownership ā†’ You must take full responsibility for what you allow and what you expect from yourself.
āœ… Intention ā†’ Setting a standard is a conscious decisionā€”it doesnā€™t happen by accident.
āœ… Action ā†’ A standard isnā€™t just something you talk aboutā€”itā€™s something you demonstrate every day.
āœ… 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.

Thatā€™s the difference. Donā€™t 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.

šŸš« No rules. Only standards.

The team established principles like:
āœ… Look each other in the eye.
āœ… Tell the truth.
āœ… Never make an excuse.
āœ… Never have a bad practice.

Coach K didnā€™t 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 wasnā€™t about following ordersā€”it was about owning the standard. And because of that, the team bought in, built trust, and dominated the competition.

The lesson? Great teams donā€™t rely on rulesā€”they live by standards.

Standards you can set for yourself and your team

āœ…Effort Over Excuses ā†’ No matter how I feel, I give my best in everything I do.
āœ…Discipline in the Details ā†’ I commit to doing the little things right, even when no one is watching.
āœ…Ownership in Actions ā†’ I take full responsibility for my choices, my mindset, and my results.
āœ…Growth Over Comfort ā†’ I push myself to improve daily instead of settling for whatā€™s easy.
āœ…Character Always ā†’ I stay true to my word, my values, and the commitments I make.

How to create and reinforce the standard

1ļøāƒ£ Define the non-negotiables

High standards arenā€™t vague. Theyā€™re crystal clear.

āœ… What are your non-negotiables?
āœ… What are your non-negotiables for your team, organization, and family?
āœ… Are they written down, communicated, and reinforced daily?

If not, your standard is just a suggestion.

2ļøāƒ£ Donā€™t Talk - Live It

The best leaders donā€™t hold a motivational meeting every time the standard slips. They call it out. They correct it. They move forward.

Youā€™re not calling someone out, youā€™re calling some up.

3ļøāƒ£ Hold yourself to the standard

Before you demand effort from others, ask yourself:
āœ… Do I give 100% even when no one is watching?
āœ… Do I live the standard I expect from others?

If not, why would anyone else?

4ļøāƒ£ Make the standard automatic

Wire it into everything you do.

āœ… Routines ā†’ Every day, the same level of preparation.
āœ… Self-accountability ā†’ Players holding each other responsibleā€”not just coaches.
āœ… Built-in expectations ā†’ Effort is not optional. Itā€™s expected.

The best teams donā€™t just have a standard. They become the standard.

5ļøāƒ£ Reflect and adjust

Standards arenā€™t staticā€”they evolve as the team grows. Great teams donā€™t cling to outdated rules. They adapt while maintaining their core principles.

How to apply this today and takeaways

  • If youā€™re a coach: Reinforce the standard dailyā€”not just when things go wrong.

  • If youā€™re a leader: Make the expectations so clear and consistent that they become automatic.

  • If youā€™re a parent: Set non-negotiables for effort, character, and accountability.

  • If youā€™re 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 donā€™t adjust their standards to their emotions, pressure, or circumstances.

They reinforce themā€”every day.

Because at the end of the day, the standard is the standard.

Favorite Posts I Found This Week

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