This quote teaches us the importance of setting strong personal standards. The choices we make daily, and the behaviors we accept from others, shape the kind of life we live in the future. If we constantly accept disrespect, laziness, or poor habits—whether in ourselves or from those around us—we start seeing them as “normal.” Over time, this becomes a pattern, and without even realizing it, we begin living a life far below our potential. So, raising your standards means deciding that you deserve better and are willing to demand better—from yourself and from others.

Take a simple example: If someone regularly interrupts you or speaks rudely and you let it slide each time, they’ll think it’s okay to continue. Slowly, you’ll begin to expect that kind of behavior and stop speaking up. Now imagine doing this for months or years—it becomes part of your daily life. But if you speak up the first time, calmly and firmly, you show that you won’t accept such behavior. This is how change begins.

The same idea applies to your own habits too. If you let yourself skip goals, waste time, or avoid responsibilities, it becomes a routine. But if you decide to raise your bar—wake up early, respect your time, choose healthy habits—you start building a better lifestyle. What you tolerate today silently shapes your tomorrow, so choose to expect more from yourself and your surroundings. That’s where true growth begins.