I should have done that differently. I should do that tomorrow.
Ever notice how much “shoulds” there are in your life? When talking about the past, ‘shoulds’ are filled with regret (I should have done that differently), and take their toll. When thinking about the future, ‘shoulds’ hang over us like heavy clouds bursting with pressure, obligation and resentment.
The moment you hear yourself say ‘should,’ or even think it, pause, reflect and rephrase. Instead of ‘should’ try:
Next time I will…
I plan to…
I look forward to…
Make decisions based on what you want and according to your values, not self-imposed measures of how you should be spending your time and energy.
Stop ‘should-ing’ on yourself and others. I think of should as a four letter word, so banish it from your vocabulary.
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
I wish you all the best,
Dr. Samantha Boardman
