Turn Your Shoulds Into Musts

For the last several months, I’ve been really focused on changing daily habits in order to reach my personal goals and raise my standards.  I figure, if I change a part of my routine, then after a while it becomes the new normal.  And then, I won’t even think twice about the routine (or life) change that originally seemed so drastic.

I came across this Tony Robbins video, and it just spoke to me.

There are so many things over the years that I’ve wanted to do, but told myself I would do it one day.  You know, when I had more time, more money, or the support of a significant other.  The thing is, more than 15 years later, many of the things on my Should List are the same.  And, I find that to be rather depressing.

Mr. Robbins says that if something is important to us, then we do it.  But, we consider those “shoulds” in our lives to be “nice to haves.”  Meaning, we don’t put much effort into reaching our goal, whatever that may be, because it’s not all that important to us.  If you want to reach a goal, and knock down that Should List, we need to start turning our “shoulds” into “musts.” 

So, taking Mr. Robbins advice, every time I hear myself say “You know… I should really start doing that.”  I immediately start making a plan to incorporate that very thing into my daily life.

But, what if you don't have any shoulds?  

We all have a vision of the ideal woman (or man).  Think of all the things your ideal woman will do, say, how she dresses, looks, and behaves. 

Now, make that your standard. 

Over the last several weeks, I’ve made a lot of routine changes including doing arm exercises to alleviate my bat wings, going to church weekly, reading more and watching less TV, not looking at social media when I talk on the phone, making home cooked meals, and meditating.  The simple act of just changing my daily habits has been super rewarding.  I feel more in control of my life.  It probably sounds so silly, but it feels so good to know that I am capable of change.  And, that in itself, is really motivating.