I love this Daily Stoic post; it reminds us to frame things properly. This little trick has helped me so much by changing my mindset from obligation—” I have to”—to gratitude—“I get to.”
I first learned this from my preacher. He taught me to look at everyday tasks in a new light. Instead of dreading taking out the trash, say to yourself, “I get to take out the trash because I have a family, and it’s my job to do things for them.” Or when Monday rolls around, think, “I get to go to work because I’m lucky to have people who trust me to do my job, and others depend on me.” Isn’t this approach so much more positive than dreading Mondays?
Suddenly, “I get to” transform mundane situations into privileges! We become the fortunate ones doing the everyday business of life – the very same things we often put off, procrastinate over, or look to others for praise for just doing what is part of our jobs.
By adopting this mindset, people acknowledge and recognize us for showing up – which is what we wanted all along, right? It’s paradoxical! Try it for a month and see if you don’t become happier, receive more compliments, and start enjoying the things you once disliked.
A friend read something similar from a personal trainer a few months ago and realized she gets to work out because she “IS” healthy and strong rather than because she “HAS” to work out. This realization really changed her mindset about exercise, especially on harder days (we’ve all been there).
These big shifts all happen in the six inches between our ears! This simple change in perspective can make a world of difference in how we approach our daily lives and responsibilities.
I’d love to hear from you in a few weeks. Let me know if it works for you!
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