Tools
Making Your 'Shoulds' Non-Negotiable
April 22, 2024 / by Broadminded
In our lives, we all have things we think we should do. Whether it's improving our health, advancing our career, or fostering better relationships, these "shoulds" hover in the back of our minds, often unattended. Tony Robbins, a renowned life coach, introduces a powerful twist to this narrative: transforming these "shoulds" into "musts." But what does this really mean, and how can it change the way we approach our goals and dreams?
The Power of "Must"
When we label something as a “should,” it carries a hint of obligation and procrastination—it’s something we’ll eventually get to. However, when something becomes a “must,” it’s no longer a choice but a necessity. This shift from a passive wish to an active commitment is where true change begins. Tony Robbins emphasises, “We don’t get what we want. We get what we have to have.” This statement underscores the essence of turning our aspirations into non-negotiable parts of our lives.
Why Turn "Should" Into "Must"?
Imagine a life where you're not just dreaming of what you want but actually living it. The difference lies in our determination to see our "shoulds" as "musts." Here’s why:
- Clarity and Focus:
Declaring something as a must removes ambiguity and compels us to focus our efforts.
- Increased Motivation:
Musts come with increased urgency and drive, pushing us past hurdles and procrastination.
- Real Results:
Musts lead to action, and action leads to results. By reclassifying our goals, we're more likely to achieve them.
Making FOMO Work for You
The fear of missing out (FOMO) isn't just for social events or the latest tech gadget. It can be a motivational tool. What if you feared missing out on a fulfilled, purpose-driven life? By viewing our personal growth and achievements as must-haves, we harness the emotional energy of FOMO to fuel our pursuits.
- How to Start?
1) Identify Your Shoulds: Write down all the things you feel you should be doing but aren’t. These can range from personal health goals to professional aspirations.
2) Find Your Why: For each "should," ask yourself why it’s important to turn it into a "must." What will you lose if you don’t? What will you gain if you do?
3) Commit Publicly: One way to solidify a must is to commit to it publicly. Whether it's telling a friend or posting on social media, making a public commitment can significantly boost your accountability.
Try the "Should Into Must" Exercise
To truly integrate this concept into your life, we invite you to try the “Should Into Must” exercise available on our website. This interactive tool will guide you through the steps to transform your shoulds into musts, providing you with a structured way to ignite change and harness your full potential.
Turning "should" into "must" is more than a motivational strategy; it's a transformative process that shifts how we perceive and interact with our goals. By making our desires non-negotiable, we open the doors to a life filled with achievement and satisfaction.
Start your journey today by exploring how to make your aspirations indispensable. Remember, the life you want isn’t just a series of unfulfilled dreams—it's a series of musts waiting to be realised.
To download your "Should Into Must" exercise
References
Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!. Simon & Schuster.