How Changing One Phrase Can Change Our Lives

It’s that time of the year when everything seems chaotic. Rushing to settle this, trying to complete that, yet there is still so much left to do. So many things to accomplish, but so little time before the new year looms.

At least, that’s how it feels for me.

More often than not, when we get weighed down by obligations or tasks entrusted to us and can't say no, such situations can lead to burnout and even spark anxiety.

Want some good news though?

Here it is: A simple phrase change and mindset shift can actually transform everything.

And the best part is.. it’s doable!

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The Transformation Agent

Sometime in Q3 this year, I came across a post by actress Reese Witherspoon that resonated with me.

She shared a quote by actor Steve Guttenberg, who, while waiting for the train, instead of grumbling “ I HAVE TO wait for the train”, chose to say, “I GET TO wait for the train”.

It automatically sounds positive, right? 😊

Steve also provided a few other examples of “I GET TO” phrases, which Reese found the reframing as a wonderful and powerful way to foster positivity and gratitude. Turning one’s dreary obligations into a more optimistic outlook in life.

Bravo! I couldn’t agree more.

Indeed, changing one phrase of our inner talk from “I HAVE TO” to “I GET TO” can make a world of difference in our lives. Instead of seeing our daily tasks as obligations or chores, we now view them as privileges, opportunities or blessings.

And this phrase change and mindset shift help us become positive individuals who enjoy the journey and feel optimistic about life.

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The Change

Just imagine how we can turn some event or routine activities into something inspiring.

Alright, see the photo I used above?

I took it during my journey home from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur. It was a real-life situation where the motorcycle rider has to endure the rain to reach where he is going. Drenched, he must have felt really cold.

At first, I felt sorry, thinking, "The rider HAS TO brave the rain to reach his destination.”

On second thought, what if I change my phrasing?

"The Rider GETS TO brave the rain to reach his destination!”

It somehow becomes more hopeful and positive, as he STILL HAS the opportunity to do so.

Yes, even though drenched and feeling cold to the bone, he still has the opportunity to reach his destination and meet his family or fulfill some other commitment.

Can see the DIFFERENCE, right?

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Now, let me share some common everyday examples:

• I HAVE TO start anew at Vocal.Media

↪ I GET TO start anew at Vocal.Media!

• I HAVE TO crack my head and write a new piece everyday

↪ I GET TO crack my head and write a new piece everyday

• I HAVE TO engage with followers

↪ I GET TO engage with followers

• I HAVE TO promote my work

↪ Alhamdulillah, I GET TO promote my work

It feels like a privilege and less burdensome — more power to us, right?

Remember, we don’t HAVE to do things; we GET to do them. And not everyone has these opportunities or privileges.

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Now Is The Best Time To Start

So, when can we start? Do we need to wait till the new year?

Nah. We can start now. Just begin with one, two or three “I HAVE TO” statements and consciously change them to “I GET TO” each day. List them down and start practicing.

InsyaAllah, by changing that one phrase and saying it until it becomes a habit, we can become more positive, grateful, optimistic and happier.

So, stop being depressed over mountainous tasks and obligations that we can't say no to. Try it out and start being the cool version of us today! ROARRR!! 🦁😎💪