When I look back at my journey—from a young athlete growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, to a 12-year career as an NFL punter, and now as a speaker, broadcaster, and author—I realize that success has never been about simply setting goals. Don’t get me wrong: goals matter. But if you want to achieve something truly great, to leave a legacy of excellence, you must focus on setting and maintaining high standards.
The Difference Between Goals and Standards
Goals are targets. They’re markers on the road, milestones that say, “You made it this far.” But standards? Standards are the rules of the road—how you show up every day, the effort you bring, the way you treat others, and the values you refuse to compromise. Goals can be achieved and then forgotten. Standards, when embedded in your character, shape every action you take, every decision you make.
As I write in my book, PUNT – Flip the Field, the difference between goals and standards can be the difference between momentary achievement and lasting impact. Goals are about reaching; standards are about becoming.
Goals Get You Started—Standards Keep You Going
When I first entered the NFL, my dream was to become a starting punter. That was my goal. But the league is filled with talented athletes, all chasing similar dreams. What separated me from the rest wasn’t just my ability to kick a football—it was the standards I set for my preparation, my work ethic, and my integrity.
There were days when the easy thing would have been to coast. Maybe I’d already hit my goal for the day, or felt tired, or didn’t feel like practicing. But my standards wouldn’t let me settle. I refused to cut corners. I demanded more of myself than any coach ever could. That’s what kept me in the league for over a decade, and it’s what drove me to break barriers as one of the first African American punters in NFL history.
Standards Shape Your Character
Goals are external. They’re numbers on a scoreboard, promotions at work, miles run, or pounds lost. But standards are internal. They’re about who you are when no one is watching. They’re about the promises you make to yourself and whether you keep them.
High standards of character and integrity are what carry you through adversity. When you face setbacks—and you will—your standards are what keep you moving forward with your head held high. When you’re tempted to take shortcuts, your standards remind you that your reputation and your word mean more than any fleeting success.
How to Set High Standards
- Identify Your Core Values: What truly matters to you? Is it honesty, perseverance, excellence, or compassion? Let these values guide your standards.
- Make Standards Non-Negotiable: Don’t let circumstances or emotions dictate your actions. Standards are what you do, even on your worst day.
- Hold Yourself Accountable: It’s easy to let things slide when no one’s watching. But the highest achievers are those who demand the most from themselves, regardless of who’s in the room.
- Surround Yourself with High-Standard People: Your standards will rise or fall to the level of those around you. Choose wisely.
Flip Your Field—Focus on Standards
In PUNT – Flip the Field, I share stories and strategies for shifting your mindset from chasing goals to living by standards. When you commit to high standards, you don’t just win games—you win in life. You become someone who is respected, trusted, and remembered for all the right reasons.
If you want to change your trajectory, don’t just set another goal. Raise your standards. Make them your foundation. When you do, every goal you set becomes possible—and every setback becomes a setup for a greater comeback.
Ready to flip your field?
I invite you to read PUNT – Flip the Field and discover how setting and living by standards can transform your life, your career, and your legacy. Visit gregcoleman8.com to learn more, and let’s raise the standard—together.
