(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Remember the last time (maybe today?) you had the thought, “I’ve got to go do X.” Got To energy has a certain cost. It can drive you to accomplish wonderful things, but it is ultimately a costly way to execute life.

Get To energy is completely different. When you get to do things there is an eagerness, a desire, a pull.

Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to matter what the activity is. You can either shovel out the stables because you’ve got to or because you get to. “Wait a minute!” you might say, “Why would anyone want to shovel out a stable? That’s yucky work.” Maybe, maybe not. It depends on what they want. Maybe they’re going to use the results to fertilize their garden.

The point is, it’s not the activity, it’s your attitude about the activity. Many people live by the Got To model, going from one should to another, which is, basically, a victim mindset.

You can live by a different model. Get clear on what you desire, the benefits of the outcomes, and go create it. You’ll probably find yourself in Get To mode a lot.

 

Coaching Point: Does any part of you argue with not running the Got To model? What’s that about?

 

Copyright 2008Steve Straus. All rights reserved.