Have to v. Get to

Flip the Script: A Series

When we are working on “Flipping the Script” as we are exploring in this series, sometimes the question to ask is not whether what we’re saying is true, but whether it’s the most helpful. Is it true that as an adult we have to do a myriad of things for life to continue flowing as it is meant? Yes, of course. It is also true that if we spend all our days telling others and ourselves that we “have to” do x, y, and z, it is likely we will have a less positive attitude about those said things. 

What is also true is that many of the things we say we have to do, we actually have chosen to do as a part of our lifestyle that are important. Things such as working out, having our kids in extra curriculars, volunteering, cleaning/ organizing, following up on personal and family appointments, and scheduling friend/ family time are all things that are worth prioritizing.

If you have read any of my other posts you will likely have learned that I love Mondays. But Katie, what is there to love about Mondays? Well for me at least, I view Mondays as a reset day. A day to lay out all the necessary tasks of the week ahead and start checking them off. Finishing everything on Monday is not the point and most often does not happen. However, instead of dreading Mondays thinking about what I have to do, I look forward to gaining a sense of accomplishment early in the week about getting things done that need to be addressed.

There is another aspect of using the verbiage “get to” instead of “have to”. Many of the tasks or priorities we attend to in our lives are things that many people in our world, country, and even city don’t necessarily have the privilege of doing. Can you move your body in some way to exercise? Can you easily make a doctor’s appointment when someone needs medical attention? Do you have access to healthy food within 15 minutes of your house to provide for you and your family? Do you have an indoor bathroom? While most of us reading this would take these things for granted on a daily basis, they are actually things that aren’t available to all. 

There is an inherent sense of gratitude that takes place when we are able to say, “I get to move my body”, “I get to go to the grocery store”, “I get to clean the bathroom”, “I get to have access to medical help” - and the list goes on.

On the surface this may seem like a small shift, but I challenge you to pay close attention to the words you are using and how it affects your attitude. Take notice and see how it shifts your attitude over the next day, week, or month. If you are reading this series on “Flipping the Script” and want to learn more about how to implement this in your daily life I would love the opportunity to help you do just that! You can sign up for a Free Consult today.