( An excerpt from The Power of Positive Habits, Habit #50 )
Who knew that two simple words could change your mindset, your perspective, and your approach to work and life? Just two words have the potential to enhance joy, productivity, and performance and transform a complaining voice into an appreciative heart.
So often we say things like “I HAVE TO take the kids to practice.” “I HAVE TO go to this meeting.” “I HAVE TO finish this project.” “I HAVE TO go to work today.” “I HAVE TO take care of this customer.” “I HAVE TO share this new information with my team.” “I HAVE TO see my family this weekend.”
We act as if we don’t have a choice, as if we’re imprisoned by a paycheck and the expectations of a world that forces us to do thing we don’t want to do. But in reality we do have a choice. We can choose our attitude and our actions. We can choose how we view our life and work. We can realize that every day is a gift. It’s not about what we have to do. It’s about what we GET TO do.
We GET TO live this life while so many others—like my mom, who passed away at 59—leave this world far too early. We GET TO drive in traffic while so many are too sick to drive a car or can’t afford one. We GET TO go to a job while so many are unemployed. We GET TO raise our children even if they drive us nuts at times! We GET TO interact with our employees and customers and make a difference in their life. We GET TO use our gifts and talents to make a product or provide a service. We GET TO eat three meals a day while millions of people are starving. We GET TO work on projects, answer phone calls, serve customers, participate in meetings, design, create, share, sell, lead, and suit up every day for the game of life.
When you make it a habit to focus on “GET TO” each day, you’ll feel grateful instead of stressed. The research shows we can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time, so when you’re feeling thankful and focusing on “GET TO,” you fuel up with the positive emotions that uplift you rather than the stress hormones that slowly drain you. People who do this report feeling more energized, productive, and engaged at work and at home.
Sure, there’ll be challenges and life isn’t easy, but if you approach each day with a “GET TO” mindset, you’ll live a more meaningful and powerful life. So today, join me in saying, “My life is a gift, not an obligation, and I GET TO make the most of it.”
-Jon
