Should is a word commonly used. I hear this daily with clients and call them out right away.
I should go to the gym.
I should do Yoga.
I should exercise more.
I should eat more vegetables.
I should make more money.
I should get a different job.
I should go back to school.
I should like this or that.
I should…. Fill in the blank.
Should is a very dangerous word. When used it actually means “Wrong”. Using the word should constantly reinforces that you were wrong, are wrong, or will be wrong.
Instead of using the word should, replace it with could, or would.
A client had told me that she should apply for a position at work. When I asked her to use would instead of should, she became honest with herself about the reason.
“I would apply for the position…but I’m scared.” She covered her mouth with her hand and then said, “I didn’t realize that’s how I was feeling.”
How often are we masking what we are truly feeling or needing by using the word “should”?
Catch yourself when using that dangerous word and switch it up to could or would instead and explore what you are feeling.
To change and grow takes courage and it takes courage to create confidence. ; )