Problem Finding/Reassessing comparisons

—Compared to what?

We often want to become smarter, richer, braver, bolder, thinner, fitter, healthier, cooler, sexier, or funnier. Pause to ask “-er than what?” Carefully choose the standard or reference model used as basis for comparison. Before investing in such a goal, it is useful to ask, “Compared to what?”

There are many possible reference models we can chose as a basis for comparison or goal setting. A list is provided below. In any case it can be helpful to ask:

What standard or reference model was chosen?
How was that selected?
Why is that a pertinent reference standard?
What other standards were considered?
Why choose this reference model?
How much -er will be enough?

Candidate Reference Models

Historic performance,
Peer, exemplar, or benchmark performance,
Planning goals, stretch goals, aspirations, forecasts,
Deadlines,
Externally originating requests or imposed goals,
Improvement goals,
(Industry) standards, regulations, contracts, agreements, legal requirements,
Imposed by use of power (the boss wants this),
Following orders, respect for authority, demonstrating loyalty,
Pleasing others, social or cultural norms, tradition, habit, fitting in, impressing others, prestige,
Should (What standard is implied? Whose standard is implied?),
Fun,
Keeping promises, meeting obligations, meeting expectations (whose?),
Scientific models, reality, scientific findings,
Ideological models, dogma,
Worldviews, values (purity, patriotism, honesty, personal responsibility, piety…),
Beliefs, Misconceptions,
Moral reasoning,
Revenge, justice, fairness, caring, regret, shame, guilt,
Prevention, repair, remediation, reparations,
Hopes, dreams, aspirations, and fantasies,
Stories, the dominant narrative,
Survival constraints,
Safety,
Deception, chicanery,
Demonstrating team loyalty,
Comfort, convenience, stasis, egocentrism, pride, fear, hate, spite,
Aesthetics,
Whim