Change Your Have-Tos Into Get-Tos

Here’s a lifehack that will provide you with more joy than you can imagine. Change your “have-tos” into “get-tos.” This simple strategic change in thinking is empowering and refreshing. Whenever you find yourself thinking that you “have to” do something, remind yourself that you “get to” do it.

I have employed this tactic for the last several years and I am having more peace, fun, and joy than ever before. I see my life as a gift and the things I get to do each day are a blessing instead of a burden.

I get to wake up in the morning, because I get to experience another day. Thank God for another sunrise. I get to use the restroom, because my body is working properly. Thank God for the body He gave me. I get to have breakfast, because I have food in my house. Thank God for His provision. I get to brush my teeth, shower, and put on clean clothes, because I have access to good hygiene. Thank God for clean water. I get to feed the dogs, because I share my life with furry companions. Thank God for His creation. I get to go to work, because I have a job and source of income. Thank God for the gift of meaningful work.

I am convinced that there are no have-tos in my life. I could decide not to do anything, but my reality is that I want to do all these things. That is what happens when you change your have-tos into get-tos…you find out that you really want to. I want relationships with people even though there are challenges, heartache, and pain. I want to be a part of the society I live in even though it is broken, often hopeless, and lost. I want to be the Church where I live, work, and play even though I am sometimes lonely, rejected, and exhausted. I want every bit of this life that God has placed me into. I do not want to miss out on a single thing He calls me to.

Every day matters. Every day is an opportunity. Every day is a blessing. When my have-tos become get-tos the curse of death is broken, because I am free to step into living. I am way more likely to be a blessing to my family when I want to be with them. I am way more likely to be a blessing at work when I want to be there. I am way more likely to be a blessing in my world when I am excited about engaging with my world.

Think about something as simple as picking up your child from school. It would be common to say, “I have to pick up my child.” Change that have-to into a get-to. “I GET to pick up my child.” There is a massive difference in attitude and attitude has a massive impact on behavior. If you pick up your child with a have-to mindset, you are more likely to be grouchy, dismissive, irritated, and distracted. A get-to mindset changes all of that. You will be eager to see your child, look for opportunities for connection, attempt to be a blessing, and enjoy the time together.

I get to go to the doctor. I get to run an errand. I get to make a phone call. I get to go to a funeral. In every one of your have-tos you can find a whole bunch of better get-tos. Just remember…you don’t HAVE TO change your “have-tos” into “get-tos,” but you do GET TO change your “have-tos” into “get-tos.” It is a wonderful way to live.