It is important for me to set high standards for myself. Looking back, those mentors who had the greatest effect on me were the ones who held me to a high standard. I still remember the language in Jankowski's syllabus:
The expectations and standards imposed in this class will be "high."
Of course, Dwight also held me to a high standard. If you set a high standard, oftentimes people will rise to meet it. If you set a low standard, some people will exceed it, but some will just do the bare minimum.
I will be a nice teacher, but also a demanding one. I will cultivate a fun atmosphere, but I will also impose high standards. In the classroom and in the lab. On others and on myself.
This is related to minimalism. Minimalism is a form of imposing high standards. It is the recognition that not everything deserves to be in your life. Not all words deserve to be said.
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