Stop Should-ing on Yourself and Other Strategies to Stop Limiting Your Happiness

Have you ever felt weighed down by the 'shoulds', 'woulds' and 'coulds' of life?

Join me, Dai Manuel, as we break free from these invisible chains, transforming anxiety and hesitation into action and fulfillment. 

This episode is not just another pep talk; it's a hands-on guide to reshaping your internal dialogue. 

We'll untangle the hidden pressures of living by someone else's rulebook and reveal how swapping 'should' with 'I choose' can significantly ease the burden of expectations. 

It's about taking back control and living authentically, one empowering phrase at a time.

Together, we'll confront the fears that whisper 'would' and 'could' in our ears, preventing us from diving into new experiences and opportunities. 

By replacing regret with present-focused empowerment, we'll explore how to craft a personal narrative that champions 'I am,' 'I choose,' and 'I will.' 

This is your invitation to a lighter, more purposeful path forward. 

So tune in, lighten your load, and move 2% closer to the life you've always aspired to lead.

TEXT ME here - Have a question? Comment? Feedback? I’d love to hear from you.

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Hey there, you fantastic listener! 👋

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Love, laughs, and much gratitude,

Dai M.

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Episode Transcript

Dai Manuel (00:06):
Hey everyone, welcome back to the 2% solution,
where we explore small changesthat hugely impact our lives.
I'm Diamond Wall, your host onthis journey to breaking free
from the change we've put onourselves, and today we're
tackling a big one the tyrannyof should, would and could.
You know what I'm talking about.
Most times you tell yourself Ishould be doing more.

(00:29):
I would try that if I werebraver or I could have been
somewhere else in my life by now, let's dive into why these
statements are more than justharmless self-talk and how
they're actually holding youback, and, of course, we'll
cover how to shift your mindsetfor the better.
So let's start with the weightof should First.

(00:53):
This little word carries a tonof weight.
It's often a sign that we'reliving by someone else's
standards or expectations, notour.
When we say I should, weusually talk about obligations
we might not even believe in orcare about.
It's like carrying a backpackwith bricks labeled with
everything we think we should do.
Here's something you might notknow Research suggests that

(01:17):
using should too frequently canincrease feelings of anxiety and
depression.
It sets us up for failurebecause we aim for standards
that aren't aligned with ourtrue desires or values.
So every I should is likeadding another brick to the
backpack.
Next, discuss would I would dothis?

(01:40):
But oh, that dreaded.
But it's hesitation's bestfriend.
When we use would, we oftendesire to do something, but let
fear or uncertainty stop us.
It's like standing at the edgeof a diving board, wanting to
jump but not doing it.
But here's a kick.
Studies show that takingcalculated risks and stepping

(02:04):
out of our comfort zones canlead to significant personal
growth and satisfaction.
Yeah, it's scary, but theregret of not trying can weigh
heavier on us than the fear offailure.
So when you catch yourselfsaying, I would ask what's
really stopping me?
Lastly, let's tackle could.
This one's all about missedopportunities and looking back

(02:28):
with regret.
I could have been or I couldhave done.
It's easy to look back andimagine a different life if we
had made a different choice.
But here's the thing Dwellingon what could have been doesn't
change where we are now.
A study found that ruminatingon past decision increases
feelings of dissatisfaction andcan ultimately hinder our

(02:51):
ability to make positive choicespresent.
So maybe we should starttalking about how do we shift
the narrative, how do we shiftaway from should of, would, of,
could, of?
Here are a few actionable stepsto help.
Number one is awareness.
Start by noticing when you usethese words.
This is the first step tochange.

(03:13):
Second, reframing Instead of Ishould try, I choose to.
This small yet subtle changecan empower you to take actions
that align with your values.
Number three it's all about faceand fears.
When I would pops up, challengeyourself to face the fear or

(03:33):
obstacle.
What's the worst that couldhappen and how can you prepare
for it?
And number four focus on now.
Place I could have with I cannow Focus on what you can do in
the present to shape your future.
Remember, friends, you controlyour narrative.

(03:54):
By changing the way you talk toyourself, you can change the
way you experience life.
Let's drop the weight of should, move past the hesitation of
would and stop dwelling on theregret of could.
It's time to live in theempowering world of.
I am, I choose and I will.
Thanks for turning it into thisepisode of 2% solution.

(04:17):
As I said, I'm dying and well,reminding you that you can
change your life 2% at a time.
And until next time, keeppushing forward, choose and joy,
and remember you got this.