Many times, people accept less than what they truly want or need in life because they’re tired, afraid, or unsure if they can do better. But settling often means giving up on our true potential. It’s like stopping halfway up a mountain just because the climb is hard, even though the best view is still ahead. When we settle, we send ourselves a message that we don’t believe we deserve more—and that’s not true. Every person has the right to dream bigger and aim higher.

For example, think of a student who wants to become a doctor but decides to stop studying after failing a few exams. Instead, they take a job they don’t enjoy just because it feels safer. That’s settling. But if that student decided to try again, get help, study harder, and push through the challenge, they’d be raising their standards and fighting for the future they really want. It takes strength and belief in oneself to do that.

Raising your standards doesn’t mean being perfect. It means knowing your worth and not accepting less just because it’s easier. Life rewards those who keep going, who demand more from themselves and their future. You deserve the best—don’t give up too soon.