change one word

As adults, we spend a lot of time talking about all of the things that we have to do.

You have to wake up early for work. You have to make another sales call for your business. You have to work out today. You have to write an article. You have to make dinner for your family. You have to go to your son’s game.

Now, imagine changing just one word in the sentences above.

You don’t “have” to. You “get” to.

You get to wake up early for work. You get to make another sales call for your business. You get to cook dinner for your family. By simply changing one word, you shift the way you view each event. You transition from seeing these behaviors as burdens and turn them into opportunities.

The key point is that both versions of reality are true. You have to do those things, and you also get to do them. We can find evidence for whatever mind-set we choose.

I once heard a story about a man who uses a wheelchair. When asked if it was difficult being confined, he responded, “I’m not confined to my wheelchair—I am liberated by it. If it wasn’t for my wheelchair, I would be bed-bound and never able to leave my house.”1 This shift in perspective completely transformed how he lived each day.

I think it’s important to remind yourself that the things you do each day are not burdens, they are opportunities. So often, the things we view as work are actually the reward.

Embrace your constraints. Fall in love with boredom. Do the work.

You don’t have to. You get to.

-- James Clear / This article is an excerpt from Chapter 10 of my New York Times bestselling book Atomic Habits. Read more here. 

Every day

Handle things with gentleness, optimism

1. Every day is a blessing from God. Do not waste it. Do something positive; not just for yourself but for others, too.

2. Love is the glue that keeps a relationship together. If it is removed, the relationship starts falling apart.

3. Kindness is a gift we all possess. It becomes powerful when we use it.

4. Always handle things with gentleness. This way, fragile things like friendships won’t be damaged or broken.

5. Anger is a human reaction. It usually happens when we don’t have our way.

6. Forgiveness is a godly trait. It shows grace, mercy, and compassion.

7. We all make mistakes. This is how we learn.

8. Look ahead to life with optimism. Do not dwell in the past, but learn from it.

Clarence Chun

Kalihi

-- Star Advertiser, 12/23/18