High Standards, High Support · Grooves: Wellness Together

High Standards, High Support

Today I was listening to a podcast with Joe Liemandt, the founder of Alpha School.

Alpha School is built around the idea that students can learn traditional school subjects in about 2 hours a day through AI-led coursework, then spend the rest of their time developing real-world skills through projects, creativity, social interaction, fitness, and life experience. Sounds awesome.

One of the ideas that stuck with me most was his concept of high standards and high support.

Most people think there are only two options (because it's what we are used to seeing):

Low standards, high support:

You’re given endless tools, encouragement, and comfort, but nobody (including yourself) expects much from you.

High standards, low support:

You’re told to be exceptional, disciplined, and successful, but given no real process or guidance for how to get there.

But there’s a third option:

High standards and high support.

A clear vision for what you’re capable of, combined with systems, structure, tools, and people that actually help you get there.

I don't think this only applies to kids. It seems that most of us adults are also missing one of these.

Either:

1. Our standards are too low.

We've stopped imagining what our best life could actually look like.

Or:

2. Our support is too low.

We want to change without knowing how to change our environment, routines, systems, or accountability.

The combination of high standards and high support is how we close the gap between where we are and the life we actually want to live.

My struggle is often with standards. I'm good at following processes, but I often don't recognize what I could be capable of. To combat it, this week I am defining how I want my life to look when it comes to relationships, work, health, and fun. I'm keeping my standards HIGH as I do it 😄

Which side do you need to improve? Comment one specific way you’re going to raise either your standards or your support this week.

I Want to Increase My Standards 🏆

I Want to Increase My Supports 🫶

I'm Good 😎

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