The One More Standard
Build exceptional self-trust by exceeding each kept promise once
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time to result
- ~weeks to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 99%
The One More Standard begins with the familiar idea that self-confidence grows when you keep promises to yourself, then adds a controlled over-delivery. Define the promised minimum, complete it, and add exactly one more useful unit: one repetition, one minute, one contact, or one expression of care. The extra unit is deliberately small, making it repeatable rather than heroic. Over time, your internal reputation shifts from someone who merely intends to someone who reliably follows through and slightly exceeds the commitment. Ed distinguishes goals from standards: ambitious goals may be missed, but recurring standards shape what you eventually accept and produce. The method should raise consistency, not invite injury, burnout, or compulsive escalation; the extra action remains bounded by sound limits.
Origin
Ed extends a self-confidence lesson he has taught for decades—keep promises to yourself—by making 'one more' the standard after the original promise is fulfilled.
Core principles
- 01Standards drive recurring outcomes
- 02Keeping promises builds a reputation with yourself
- 03A small over-delivery changes the standard
- 04Consistency matters more than dramatic excess
How to run it
- 1
Set the promise
Define a specific minimum action that can be clearly kept or missed.
Pro tip Make the unit observable, such as ten contacts or thirty minutes.
Watch out Do not set a minimum that already exceeds safe capacity.
- 2
Keep it first
Complete the original commitment before thinking about the extra action.
Watch out One extra unit does not compensate for skipping the promised minimum.
- 3
Add one
Perform one additional repetition, minute, contact, or caring action.
Pro tip Keep the increment deliberately modest.
Watch out Respect technical, medical, and relational boundaries.
- 4
Bank the evidence
Acknowledge that you kept and exceeded the promise so your reputation with yourself has concrete evidence.
Pro tip Track streaks, not grand claims about identity.
- 5
Repeat the standard
Apply the same pattern consistently across the chosen behaviour.
Pro tip Use it on a few meaningful commitments rather than every task.
Watch out Trying to exceed everything can create unsustainable overload.
In the wild
A salesperson promises to make ten relevant contacts. After completing all ten, she makes one additional thoughtful contact, logs the work, and ends the session rather than expanding the target without limit.
→ She reinforces both promise-keeping and a repeatable standard of modest over-delivery.
A parent keeps a daily promise to tell his daughter he loves her, then finds one more sincere moment to say or show it that day.
→ The standard strengthens a valued relationship as well as self-trust.
Common mistakes
Adding before completing
The method depends on first keeping the original promise; random extra effort does not repair an unmet commitment.
Turning one into endless more
Unbounded escalation destroys the method's repeatability and can create burnout or injury.
Is it for you?
Best for
People who can keep a basic commitment and want to strengthen discipline without relying on dramatic motivation.
Not ideal for
Recovery, medical, financial, or workload limits where doing more would be unsafe or counterproductive.
From the transcript
“if you don't have any self-confidence it's because you have a reputation with yourself of keeping the you don't keep the promises you make”
“I'm going to do do the 10 context keep the promise and my standard is one more”
From the episode
Ed Mylett: The Power of One More
Ed Mylett