why you shouldn’t v. why you should

It seems there’s always some excuse as to why we shouldn’t do what we know we need to be doing.

For example, anytime I miss a few days publishing my “daily” email newsletter, it’s really difficult to sit at the computer and type something out.

“Your subscribers are disappointed in you. You keep making commitments and then fail to keep them. You’ve already missed a few days; what’s one more?”

But these are simply reasons to get back on the horse and GSD (get stuff done). Yes, I made a commitment to do a daily email newsletter. It’s true I missed a few days, and I’m not happy with myself for it, but I’ve got to get back on track because a commitment is a commitment.

In our journey through life, we are often confronted with situations that can be perceived as either obstacles or stepping stones. The way we choose to view these situations significantly impacts our path to success or failure. This dichotomy of ‘why you shouldn’t’ versus ‘why you should’ is more than just a matter of choice; it’s a reflection of our mindset and its profound influence on our lives.

The ‘why you shouldn’t’ mindset is inherently negative. It’s rooted in fear, doubt, and a focus on limitations rather than possibilities. This way of thinking is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, if you believe that starting a business is risky and bound to fail, your actions (or lack thereof) will likely lead to that outcome.

This mindset also keeps us firmly within our comfort zones. While staying in a familiar space feels safe, it inhibits growth. The fear of failure often looms large, overshadowing the potential for learning and progress. Adopting a ‘why you shouldn’t’ attitude not only hinders personal and professional growth but also affects mental health. It breeds a sense of helplessness and can lead to missed opportunities, regret, and stagnation.

Conversely, the ‘why you should’ mindset is characterized by positivity and a growth-oriented approach. It views challenges as opportunities for learning and development. This mindset encourages risk-taking (albeit calculated) and stepping out of the comfort zone.

A key component of the ‘why you should’ mindset is resilience. It’s about viewing failure as a temporary setback rather than a permanent state.

When you’re open to possibilities, you naturally become more innovative and creative. This mindset is not afraid of the unknown but is curious about what could be achieved. It leads to exploration, discovery, and ultimately, breakthroughs.

The first step in shifting your mindset is to become aware of your thought patterns. Reflect on how your current mindset may be limiting you and consciously decide to adopt a more positive outlook. Set goals that are both challenging and achievable. This balance encourages you to push your boundaries while also providing a sense of accomplishment upon achieving them.

Instead of fearing failure, learn from it. Analyze what went wrong and use these insights to improve. Remember, every successful person has faced and overcome numerous failures.

The people around you can significantly influence your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who encourage your growth and share your vision of success.

The choice between ‘why you shouldn’t’ and ‘why you should’ is more than a matter of perspective; it’s a mindset that sets us on course for our ultimate destination in life.

By choosing the latter, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, growth, and ultimate success. Embracing this mindset is not always easy, but it’s a transformation that can profoundly impact every aspect of our lives, propelling us towards our goals and dreams.