THE BEST VERSION OF YOU: STANDARDS AND TIME

"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves" - Sir Edmund Hillary.

For years, I thought my purpose lay in attaining an objective. I put everything on attaining it, in doing so, I lost track of my priorities but learned that true purpose lies within us. Since then, I have moved forward by focussing on what is within my control, while living in the present. This approach – to be the best version of myself in every given moment has brought me more reward than focussing on the objective.

---

When it comes down to it, becoming the best version of yourself is a matter of personal judgement. It is shaped by your values, your sense of right and wrong, and the standards you choose to live by.

This lesson was drilled into me during my training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and it has endured since:

“Do the right thing on a difficult day when no one is watching.”

Unfortunately, many today are more inclined to “do what’s right for me,” with little regard for the culture or community around them. There is a growing sense that service (contributing to something greater than ourselves) is in decline. In its place, we often see a tendency toward dopamine-driven gratification rather than long-term leadership and meaningful progress.

But it need not be. You set your own standards. Achieving progress and moving forward directly correlates with the standards you set yourself and how committed you are to them. The further you push yourself and the higher the standards, the more “luck” you tend to generate.

In modern society, we often view success as a measurable metric – more status, wealth, influence, beauty. People can spend a lifetime chasing these and never find fulfilment. Dangerously, this mindset has shaped our perceptions of social hierarchy and needs.

However, the metric should not be how high you climb, but how much meaning you build in your life along the way. Are you content with where you are? If you are not, then focus on what is within your control and do what you can to improve the situation. If it is not within your control to shape, then why let it affect your composure? Your perception of a problem is often exactly that – a perception.

A second aspect is time. Do not expect instantaneous results. The best things in life take time, work and discipline. If you are unwilling to put in the hard graft, you cannot expect the returns. The problem is that today, in an age of convenience, we expect everything to come instantly. So, if you want to change your circumstances, embrace the process.

---

Thanks for reading. If it added value, please like, share and subscribe.

Keep moving forward.

Toby