What is the "Should" Monster? It's the voice inside telling us how we should or should not be living our lives. "I should go for that promotion." "I should not leave the stability of this job." "I really should work out more and should not eat that second piece of cake." I don't know about you, but that last one is always tricky for me...

What makes the "Should" Monster a monster? Because often this voice has very little to do with what we actually want and more to do with the expectations and judgement we feel are placed upon us by ourselves or by others. This saboteur distracts us and prevents us from connecting with what we really want. Now, this isn't always the case. Sometimes that "should" actually is something that we want, but are afraid we aren't able to accomplish or would risk failure if we tried. (Sound familiar for any diets or workout plans out there you've tried???) What we need to determine is when that "Should" Monster is a friend or foe and, most importantly, not let it stop us from going after what we really want!

How can you tell if that "should" is a friend or foe? Try replacing the should in the sentence with "want" or "will".

I WILL go for that promotion.

I WANT the stability of this job.

I WILL work out more and I do NOT WANT that second piece of cake. 

What is the physical and emotional reaction you get when you replace should with more powerful, action-oriented language? Do you cringe at the thought? Then it's probably not what you really want. Does it inspire you to want to move forward? That's a good indicator that should is a friend! 

Over the next couple days, take note of how many times the "Should" Monster shows up in your language. Begin replacing that should with "will" or "want" and see what reaction it evokes. Expectations, judgement, and fear have no place in your journey to discovering your Why and true purpose in life!