Going From “Have to” to “Get to”

There are quite a few things we feel we have to do in life—various responsibilities, commitments, and goals we set for ourselves. You might say “I have to” do this or that, or at least think it consciously or subconsciously.

“I have to exercise”, “I have to eat healthy”, “I have to go to work”, “I have to volunteer”, “I have to do chores”, “I have to run errands”. The list goes on.

But what if we replace the words “have to” with “get to” for all these things? What if we reimagine them with all the opportunities and possibilities they possess? What if we’re grateful to even have the ability to perform these tasks?

For instance, you don’t have to exercise–You get to. You have the ability to do so and you have the opportunity to improve your health, fitness, and longevity.

You don’t have to go to work–You get to. It’s your opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, be challenged and grow, pay your bills, and provide financial security for your family.

You don’t have to do chores–You get to. You get to live in a cleaner environment and not have as many things weighing on your mind.

Whatever your have-tos are, the moment you change them to get-tos the sooner you’ll be able to approach those responsibilities, commitments, and goals with less dread and more empowerment and optimism.