What We Get

The words we use every day have a profound influence on our emotions and thoughts. They have the power to shape our perspective and how we perceive the world around us.

Someone mentioned this concept a few weeks ago, and it’s stayed with me ever since. I just couldn’t get it out of my head. The idea followed me for a few weeks before I started truly understanding.

The potential of this concept is actually quite impressive. By simply changing ‘have to’ to ‘get to,’ you can unlock a more positive and grateful mindset, leading to a more enjoyable life.

Now, I’ll admit, my initial reaction was to roll my eyes the first time I heard this. It sounded silly. I usually don’t buy into a lot of the motivational hype. In most cases, I find it over the top, and most likely, they’re trying to sell you something. But the more I thought about it, the more I really understood what they were talking about.

When you say, “I have to,” it can make things feel like a chore. It’s like you’re being forced to do something you don’t really want to do. For example, saying, “I have to go to work” can feel like a burden, something you’re stuck with.

But if you change that to “I get to,” everything shifts. Saying “I get to go to work” helps you see it as an opportunity, not just an obligation. It reminds you that having a job is something to be thankful for, even if it’s not perfect. It’s a chance to earn money, learn new things, and connect with others. What’s not to love about that?

This change from “have to” to “get to” can make everyday tasks feel lighter. Instead of thinking, “I have to do the dishes,” try saying, “I get to do the dishes.” Similarly, instead of saying, “I have to exercise, “say, “I get to exercise.” It might seem silly at first, but this slight shift can help you appreciate the fact that you have food to eat, a place to live, and the ability to keep yourself healthy.

Changing your words can also reduce stress. Focusing on what you “get to” do makes it easier to feel grateful and less overwhelmed. You might even enjoy things more because you’re not seeing them as a drag.

And remember, not everybody has the opportunity to say “get to.” But you do. You have the power to choose how you see the world. Count yourself lucky because it’s really up to you how you see the world. It’s not about denying the challenges or difficulties but about choosing to focus on the opportunities and blessings that come with them.

So, I encourage you to start paying attention to the language you use every day. When you find yourself saying, ‘I have to, ‘try switching to ‘I get to.’ See how it affects your mood. This small change can lead to a more positive and happy way of thinking, motivate you and lead to a healthier way of living.