If we’re not careful we can just do things we think we *should* do and lose sight of what we really want.
Here’s a small example. I caught myself just before hopping on a Zoom networking event on my calendar, and realized it was actually just a “should” and not a true choice from my heart and energy. So I didn’t go!
It would have been fine, in a way, but doing “shoulds” is not the life I want. Ya know? That’s draining. It adds up to a lot of energy drain and then I’m no good to anyone.
I DO believe in taking on good growthful challenges, Yes. But draining things that don’t feel true? No, that’s a sticky trap that leads backwards.
Then this happened… Cool!
Once I opted out of the “should”, I then noticed the freeing energy to focus on something that I actually wanted to do, and that moved me forward on my goals!
So I got to feel more free AND more productive. Cool combo! 🤗
Once again proving that the body knows the way, if I will just listen. It feels radical, and yet so simple.
I’ve been applying this in more ways and letting go of other “shoulds” too. My brain and body are liking this!
After trying to live by societal “shoulds” for so many years, I eventually ignored a lot of “shoulds” in my life, including in my career choice, and how I run my business. It hasn’t always been easy, for sure.
When I look back, I’ve always been glad when I took a fresh look from my own inner knowing. More me, more progress.
Honoring the Body. Honoring Nature.
Another way I’m listening to my body lately is to roll with the darkness of this time of year and allow more downtime and a renewed commitment to letting go of all kinds of “shoulds”.
Our bodies know that it makes sense to work with the seasons instead of pushing against it. I started allowing this alignment with the seasons last winter and I felt so much better than winters in the past.
I used to hate the darkness of winter and now it’s just a sign for me to be more still, which I enjoy. My mindset shift has made a huge difference.
This is all an example of living true to my introverted, highly sensitive self. Life is just better for me when I align things with my true nature, and all of nature. Even on a work day.
I stumbled into reading, and enjoying, a book from the library, Digital Minimalism. It’s soul nourishing, and has led me to take 30+ days off social media and other digital outlets.
The break is already feeling great, and just right for winter’s inward time.
Update 2 months later:
One thing I’ve managed to do in the dark days of winter is to slowly and lovingly finish updating my Career Clarity Course for Introverts and HSPs. That accomplishment feels great.
Feeling Stuck in the Shoulds of Your Work?
Are you feeling stuck in the “shoulds”
of a draining job,
maybe the wrong career,
or draining parts of your business?
When financial security is involved, that “should” voice can get very intense:
“I should just try harder.”
“I should just hold on until retirement.”
I address all the practical concerns like that in my career clarity course.
There’s a way to live true to you, and still earn a living.
It’s worth uncovering some options at least.
Career Clarity Course:
Simple Steps to Uncover the Best Use of You Now
