When we talk about our goals, we use the word “should” a lot. Most of us think it’s just an innocent word that helps us get out of boring conversations and confrontations about our bad habits. However, the word “should” poisons our speech and ambitions by inferring that what we’re doing isn’t good enough, and that we would be better off doing something else.
When you say you “should” do something, what are you really saying?
1. It’s an obligation that you’re not fond of.
We don’t talk about how we “should” do things that we don’t feel obligated to do. If we are excited about eating cake, we don’t say, “I “should” eat cake.” We just do it! However, if we feel obligated to eat celery, it becomes a “should.” If making cookies for the bake sale is a “should,” it’s an obligation. If it were a fun activity, it would be easy for you to just do it.
2. You’re not going to do it and you have an excuse as to why.
“I “should” ________________,” is usually followed by, “but...