Listen… this is meant to be funny, but I actually mean this. 👀
Before you’re out here trying to lead people, mentor women, teach confidence or tell someone else to know their worth… you better know yours.
And part of raising my standards was realizing that who I choose to do life with matters.
I’ve kissed a few frogs. 🤷🏼♀️I’ve accepted things I’d NEVER accept today. And I learned the hard way that knowing your value changes what you tolerate.
Jerry knows my worth. But more importantly, he shows me he knows it.
He works. He cooks. He cleans. He fixes literally everything. He carries the luggage. He is an incredible dad. He supports the big dreams, holds it down when life gets chaotic, celebrates my wins and never needs me to shrink so he can feel bigger.
And yes, he’ll also hop on a plane and enjoy the hell out of the life we’ve built together. 😍
That’s the part people miss when they talk about “standards.”
It’s not about finding someone perfect.
It’s about choosing someone who is actually a partner.
I raised my standards in love.
I raised them in friendships.
I raised them in business.
I raised them for the people I allow to lead me.
And now when I mentor other women, I’m going to remind them to do the same.
Know your value so well that anything that consistently treats you like a discount immediately feels overpriced. 💅🏼
Anyway… choose your mentors wisely.
And apparently check their man too. 💀
Raising your standards is truly a game-changer in many aspects of life. From my own experience, I realized that understanding and valuing myself first changed everything about my relationships and professional interactions. Like the author mentions, it's not about finding someone perfect but choosing a genuine partner who respects and supports you. I used to accept behavior and situations that diminished my self-worth until I consciously decided to stop settling for less. This process involves clear self-reflection — asking yourself, "Do the people I surround myself with uplift me? Do they share my values?" In friendships, this means seeking supportive and trustworthy friends who celebrate your successes without envy or judgment. In business, it means collaborating with leaders and colleagues who inspire and push you toward growth rather than holding you back. In romantic relationships, knowing your worth involves identifying qualities beyond superficial traits. Does your partner respect your ambitions? Do they contribute equally to the partnership—emotionally, practically, and intellectually? Like Jerry, described in the article, a true partner works alongside you, celebrates your wins, and supports your dreams without needing to diminish you. If you’re mentoring others, adopting this mindset is powerful. Encouraging others to recognize their value means inspiring them to live authentically and demand respect, which ultimately creates healthier communities and workplaces. One practical tip when raising standards is to write down what you believe you deserve in relationships and leadership roles. This list acts as a compass when interacting with others. When someone’s behavior repeatedly contradicts your standards, you realize quickly that such treatment is unacceptable—like paying full price for a discount. At the end of the day, raising standards isn’t about perfectionism but about respect, partnership, and self-love. It’s also about recognizing that the company you keep directly influences your growth and happiness. So next time you mentor or lead, remember to check in on your own value first—it sets a precedent for everything else in your life.