As Coco Chanel once said, “keep your head, heels, and standards high.” This quote could not be more accurate in today’s age for women who are searching for the confidence to achieve their goals and dreams. In fact, Coco Chanel held high standards and goals when it came to the fashion industry. Chanel was credited as the first person to see style as both classic and casual. She also revolutionized the way women wore clothes from a “corseted silhouette” to more sporty, casual look that proved to be a trend in the fashion world.
How important are high standards and confidence in today’s world? Is there a correlation with high standards and happiness? Seline Shenoy, author of Big Dreams, makes the case for just that. Shenoy mentions five advantages of women holding themselves to higher standards: a more authentic life, more respect from others, higher likelihood of reaching your potential, easier decision-making, and a stronger identity. When a girl has high standards, she views challenges openly and is ready to succeed in whatever realm she is passionate about.
One of my pet-peeves is when I hear people say, “your standards are too high.” This bothers me because it comes across as someone telling me to strive for mediocrity. The bottom line is that high standards attract success. For women, this is most important when trying to find a significant other without being trapped with someone who does not believe in the same standards as they do. All too often, it seems girls are in relationships with guys who do not understand the importance of their standards and, therefore, the goals of the relationship end up becoming entirely different.
As aforementioned, the five points devised by Shenoy have merit in relationships. When girls know more about themselves and their goals, they know at the start what they are looking for in a guy. They understand the road to attaining their goals and how to find someone who supports their passions and dreams for the future. The importance of following your heart and mind cannot be underestimated.
It is important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all version of high standards. Each woman possesses standards unique to her, but it is important that she acquires standards that bring her true satisfaction and happiness. If Coco Chanel did not have the high expectations and confidence that she carried throughout her profession, the fashion industry as we know it would be nonexistent. Never forget to keep your standards close to your heart and know that they will bring exceptional ideas and accomplishments.
Lucy E
FFL Contributor
When I am not eating Jif Peanut Butter or talking to others about politics you can find me with my nose in a good book or trying to finish One Tree Hill. America is the best country in the world and red, white, and blue is one of the best color combos known to (wo)man.
