Last week I caught myself using a big bad word. In fact, it’s one of my least favorite words in the entire dictionary — SHOULD.
Here’s how it went down. I should be reading something more productive.
Seems innocent enough, right?
Wrong.
Saying should tends to make us feel bad. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of guilt and shame.
- I should be losing weight faster.
- I should do the laundry.
- I should have a boyfriend.
- I should go to the gym.
- I should eat more veggies.
Try this – replace should with could and notice how the tone of each statement changes. Notice if it creates a different emotion for you.
- I could be losing weight faster.
- I could do the laundry.
- I could have a boyfriend.
- I could go to the gym.
- I could eat more veggies.
Could means choice, and that we don’t have to do it. Hooray!
When I revisit my example and swap should for could, I suddenly have options and the power to make my own decision. I no longer feel like a 6 year old being reprimanded.
I could be reading something more productive feels so much better.
And after considering my choices, I decided to keep reading my frivolous, fun, fantasy fiction novel – The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. I simply wasn’t in the mood for a serious read that day.
Now “should” up!
Robyn Spurr is a Certified Health Coach, Weight Loss Coach, Personal Trainer and founder of Chickadee Weight Loss. She helps women reach their healthy, natural weight and stay there without all the diet craziness.
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