I consider “should” a four letter word. When you say that you should do something or should like something, it is said with an assumed duty. When you make a decision using the word should, you are placing the opinions of others over your own. A perfect example of this is a client of mine who was dating a girl that he “should” like. She was perfect on paper, tall, good looking, smart, funny but there wasn’t a spark, only a “should.” I can also speak for myself that for too many years I stayed in a career that I thought I “should” like because I was paid well and got to do a lot of seemingly cool things. How many of us are “shoulding” all over ourselves? (Say that quickly and get the double meaning.)
There are times in life when doing something you should do is the right thing to do. Like, “I should send them a nice thank you note.” Yes, you should. Cases such as those are usually related to manners. But what about in the rest of your life? What are you doing that you think you should do and not what you want to do?
Do you agree with what I’ve said above? Disagree? Have a great example of this? Comment below, I’d love to hear your should stories!
