Stop “Should-ing” yourself. It’s gross.
Even after being in the fitness space for several years, I still always find myself slipping into toxic thought patterns using the word: should.
I should sleep more.
I should drink more water.
I should walk more.
I should!
But, did you?
Look, we all know what we should be doing. The question isn’t “what should” you do. The better question is,
“What will it take for you to finally show up?
Look, I don’t want to sound to red-pill-bro about it, but sometimes it is that simple. The more we say should, the less action we are actually taking. Most of us know the basics. We should be sleeping more, getting enough fiber and protein, and getting enough water. We should be trying to be more active and outside, less screen time, blah, blah. We all know this stuff. It’s what we "should” be doing. What we most struggle with is actually showing up and doing what we should be doing!
So, where do you go when you know what you should be doing but you still aren’t doing it?
Here’s an incredibly non-exhaustive list of tips and tricks to stop should-ing yourself.
Decide if you really even “should” be doing this new habit or if you’ve just been influenced to believe so.
I’m going to be frank: There’s a lot of bullshit out there in the fitness space of the internet, especially with Instagram and Tik Tok influencers parading as fitness and health professionals without the proper credentials. Make sure whatever habit you are adding you actually should be doing.
Start small, BE REALISTIC, use the snowball method!
By this I mean, add one-two new habits or additions to your daily routine at a time, add in new ones gradually until you stop should-ing. Keep in mind it truly takes a few months for a habit to become a new part of your routine so be patient!
Remove roadblocks to make your new habits easier to maintain.
If a new habit is drinking more water, make sure you have a water bottle you will remember to use. If you want to start working out after work, prep your gym bag the night before so you can go right from work to the gym, cutting out additional commute time from work to home and back out again.
Finally, hiring a coach!
Investing in your training is a great way to kickstart your commitment to building new, good habits. Whether that’s a personal trainer, coach, nutritionist, dietician, whatever. Hiring someone knowledgeable in the area you want to improve will increase your accountability and adherence to the change in behavior! Or, more simply, putting your money where your mouth is does, in fact, pay off.
So, stop should-ing yourself. It’s gross.
Take action and make the change.
