Replace shoulds with wants. “I should” is external and determined by society, while “I want” is internal and driven by your heart..
Have you ever found yourself tangled in a web of "shoulds"? You know, those societal expectations and obligations that seem to dictate every aspect of our lives? "I should do this," or "I should be that." But pause for a moment and consider this: what if we swapped those "shoulds" for "wants"? What if, instead of living by external standards, we listened to the whispers of our own hearts?
Imagine your life as a painting, each stroke a decision, each color representing a choice. The "shoulds" are like an artist painting by numbers, following a predetermined path set by someone else. It's safe, predictable, but lacks the soul-stirring beauty of a masterpiece crafted from passion and desire. On the other hand, embracing the "wants" is like taking hold of the paintbrush yourself, allowing your innermost desires to guide each stroke. The result? A canvas that reflects your true essence, bursting with vibrancy and authenticity.
Think about it this way: life is a journey, and each decision we make is a step along the path. When we constantly succumb to the pressure of "shoulds," we relinquish control of our own narrative, allowing society to dictate the direction of our journey. But when we dare to replace those "shoulds" with "wants," we reclaim our power to shape our own destinies. It's like steering a ship through uncharted waters, navigating by the light of our own desires rather than following the well-worn routes laid out by others.
Consider the classic dilemma of choosing a career path. Society bombards us with endless "shoulds" – we should pursue a stable job, we should prioritize financial security, we should follow in the footsteps of our parents or peers. But what if your heart whispers a different tune? What if your true passion lies in art, music, or entrepreneurship? By daring to listen to your wants, you open the door to a world of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the confines of societal expectations.
Picture yourself standing at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could alter the course of your life. The "should" path stretches out before you, well-trodden and familiar, but tinged with the dull ache of missed opportunities and unrealized dreams. Meanwhile, the path of "wants" beckons, shrouded in uncertainty yet pulsating with the promise of adventure and self-discovery. In that moment, remember this: true growth and fulfillment lie not in following the prescribed path, but in forging your own trail, guided by the whispers of your heart.
It's important to acknowledge that embracing your wants isn't always easy. Society's expectations can weigh heavily upon us, casting doubt upon our deepest desires and fueling fears of judgment and failure. But here's the thing: true freedom isn't found in conforming to society's standards, but in liberating yourself from the shackles of "should." It's about daring to defy expectations, to dance to the rhythm of your own heartbeat, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.
So, the next time you catch yourself uttering those two words – "I should" – pause and ask yourself: Is this truly what I want? Listen closely to the whispers of your heart, for therein lies the key to unlocking a life of passion, purpose, and authenticity.
And now, dear reader, I leave you with a question to ponder: In what area of your life can you replace "shoulds" with "wants," and how might that shift change your journey?
* If you're looking for more inspiration to help you on your personal development journey, you may want to check out my extensive list of SMART goals. This page is packed with thousands of different goal ideas that can help you set new aspirations and reach higher heights in your life. Personally, this page helped me to create my own 100 life goals list, which I pursued for over a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
