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Should Or Should Not: The Power Of Words
One of the most common mistakes I see as a coach is people using the wrong words.
For example, one ‘Red-flag’ word for yourself is the word “should”.
Whenever we say we “should” do something we are saying that we do not want to do it or feel intrinsically motivated to do it, but still have some outside reason for why we are going to do it.
By doing this, however, we are not admitting to our own feelings and make a rather passive choice that often leads to regret.
We either end up not doing what we “should” do, which makes us feel terrible for skipping out on it, or we end up doing what we “should” do, which makes us feel like we are not in control of our lives and just following other people’s advices.
All in all: a lose-lose situation.
Every time you utter the word “should” you need to be aware of it and change it.
Instead of using “should” just say it as it is. For example, if you say “I should go jogging tomorrow” change that into “I do not want to go jogging tomorrow. But I will anyway.”
Not only will that be much closer to the truth, but you will also feel a lot better because you are making the choice! It will not feel as though the choice is being made for you.