“Have to” or “Get to”
June 23rd, 2008 Posted in Newsletter, No Complaining Rule, TeamworkWho knew that two simple words could change one’s mindset, perspective and approach to work and life? Just two words have the potential to enhance joy, productivity, performance and change a complaining voice to an appreciative heart.
So often we say things like, “I have to take the kids to practice.” “I have to go to this meeting.” “I have to finish this project.” “I have to go to work today.” “I have to take care of this customer.” “I have to share this new information with my team.” “I have to see my family this weekend.”
We act as if we don’t have a choice. As if we are imprisoned by a paycheck and the expectations of a world that forces us to do thing we don’t want to do. But in reality we do have a choice. We can choose our attitude and our actions. We can choose how we view our life and work. We can realize that every day is a gift. It’s not about what we have to do. It’s about what we get to do.
We get to live this life while so many like Tim Russert and my Mom have left this world far too early. We get to drive in traffic while so many are too sick to drive a car. We get to go to a job while so many are unemployed. We get to raise our children even if they drive us nuts at times. 
We get to interact with our employees and customers and make a difference in their life. We get to use our gifts and talents to make a product or provide a service. We get to eat three meals a day while millions of people are starving. We get to work on projects, answer phone calls, serve customers, participate in meetings, design, create, share, sell, lead and suit up every day for the game of life.
Yes there will be challenges and life isn’t easy but each day we wake up we get another opportunity to make today better than yesterday and tomorrow better than today. We get to uplift, inspire, encourage, and impact others. We get to live this life. Let’s make the most of it by remembering that life is a gift not an obligation.
To read more about “Get to” or “Have to,” read The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work.
Join the conversation and share your “Have to” or “Get to” thoughts here.
Stay Positive!
-Jon
8 Responses to ““Have to” or “Get to””
By Dean Mercado on Jun 23, 2008
From one positive person to another… thank you! Your latest blog post really resonated with me. In fact I will approach this week with an attitude of gratitude focused on what I “get to” do rather than what I “have to” do. It’s so simple… yet so powerful!
By Cathy VanderPloeg on Jun 23, 2008
Thank you, Jon. I was just running through my “to dos” when your email came in. What a difference it made in my attitude for the day. It’s very much like the difference in our should’s and could’s isn’t it. “I could be more positive today,” rather than “I should be more positive.” What a difference in energy. It gives us back our power in a sense.
By Teri on Jun 23, 2008
I wanted my boss to print this message at work. I work for one of the Big Three (auto companies) and with everything going on - this is a perfect attitude for everyone to have.
Thanks for Sharing.
By V Enters on Jun 23, 2008
Hey Jon,
I absolutely agree that we “get to” instead of “have to”. A little bit of thankfulness can take you far! My boss brought back the energy bus book from the Leadership Conference she attended at Universal, Orlando and has been reading it at the manager’s meetings. I ordered one myself, handed out the bus tickets, printed out the TEAM poster and used a stick pin to attach all the tickets right under the poster near the time clock. This week was my first time alone as the manager in charge of my department and I know that your book made a difference. I once heard that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” so I had a plan and your book sitting on top of my work area,with a little bus to look at as well. Everyone is on the bus and heading in the same direction. When someone grumbles I now smile and say, “oh, we have an energy vampire! time to fix that!!” Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
V Enters
By Sushi on Jun 24, 2008
I am divorced and this summer my children are spending five weeks with their dad. While it is a good thing for their dad to be involved I miss them terribly. It really makes me realize how lucky I am to “get to” do all the things with them, especially the small things like cook dinner, go for walks, say our prayers at night. I am trying to do somethings for myself right now but am looking forward to July 10 when I “get to” take care of them again.
By Peggie Arvidson on Jun 24, 2008
Thanks for the reminder Jon. Mindset is everything and it’s what sets the successful apart. You know, I love that I get to get up and walk my dogs in the morning — all that unconditional love, all that exercise, all that exuberance for another day!
I get to meet amazing men and women each day in my palmistry and coaching practice (even if I “get” to ride the bus in triple digit heat to my office).
I get to solve problems, expand my knowledge base and grow as a person whenever challenges pop up. I am a really happy gal!
Thanks for your work!
Peggie Arvidson
By Eneida Garcia-Hernandez on Jun 25, 2008
Thank you Jon. I didn’t realize that the word “Have to” is an obligation to do. Everyday is a blessing and a gift. Thank you for the words of wisdow you give us were ever you go.
Sincerly
Eneida Garcia-Hernandez
By Gina Gaudio-Graves on Jul 5, 2008
Hi Jon:
As my grandma used to say, there are only 2 things we “have to” do — pay taxes and die. Everything else is an option!
I know first hand what horrible effects negativity can have in your life. I literally almost died from all the negativity I allowed into my life in SPITE of having a positive mental attitude. It wasn’t until a wise massage therapist pointed this out to me that I was able to experience a miraculous transformation and not only overcome the death sentence my doctors had given me, but to become completely well and even get out of a wheelchair I had spent 10 years in (even though to this day I have no feeling in my legs and feet!). (You’ll find my whole story at http://www.AbundantPositivity.com .)
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help 1 million people learn to live the life of their dreams by making a choice. The choice I guide them through is that of starting their own business so that they can truly experience freedom, independence, and happiness at a whole new level.
I’d love to have you as a guest on a teleconference! My subscribers and students would love to hear from someone else on this subject for a change! Let me know if you’d be interested!
Gina Gaudio-Graves
Author & “The JV Queen”