Three Factors For A Good Life

Came across this idea in a blog post on Farnam Street.

Big ambitions, low expectations, and high standards are a powerful combination for living your best life. 

Ambitions pull you forward when it’s hard. They connect you to something larger. One of my most important ambitions is to create value in whatever activity I undertake. Contribute so that something improves after coming into contact with me. Another is to be a good father and partner. I can’t have a meaningful life without a connection to something larger than myself.

Reality minus expectations = happiness. You will never be happy unless your expectations are exceeded. Also, if you think the world owes you something, you will undoubtedly end up disappointed. The world doesn’t owe anything to anyone. I don’t wait for the world to come and hand me what I think I deserve. If I want something to happen, I have to take action. So, I always go positive and go first. 

High standards – When it gets hard, do not lower your standards. I may not always be at my best, but I always give my best. I hold myself to a high bar. I don’t always meet it, but I won’t lower the bar to feel better about myself.