Many of the great books available today provide insight. The majority of these books tell us how to improve our lives by doing what we “should”.   Most of the self-help books include positive thinking; focusing on what you want, and tell us to be less resistant.  Others suggest how to set goals, eliminate negative thinking, and affirm or change our beliefs.  There is a growing number of Life Coaches and Motivational Speakers that receive pay to tell us what we “should” do to boost our productivity.  While many are telling us, what we “should” do, just as many are telling us what we “shouldn’t” do.  The recurring theme throughout the books and videos seems to be; cut out the use of the words, I should; I must; I have to.  I have read hundreds of books and concluded that they are all presenting the same idea – the meaning is, “Do what you should.”

Foremost is thinking positive.  While, it is essential to think positive, many have pointed out that it is possible to think positive about what you don’t want.    This is one of the reasons that self-help Gurus and Life Coaches advocate focusing on what you want; it takes positive focus in the right direction.

The technique to setting a goal, they tell us, is to believe that you can achieve. Countless confirm the importance of setting goals and hint at how to reach our objective.  "Take actions, follow through, and do what you have to do or are compelled to do, and you will achieve your goal.  Accordingly, do what think you should do?

Most books and speakers parrot the same ideas; eliminate negative thinking and affirm what you want.  By doing this, they suggest that your beliefs about the world will change. I too believe this is true; we can reprogram our subconscious mind with the use of awareness. However, as many have clearly stated, self-help methods and motivational seminars are short lived. In other words, we try something for a time, and quickly lose interest. This happens, I believe, because we need to see results from the method, quickly – we need to know it works.

How do we get the results that the Motivational Speakers and Life Coaches are selling? These experts profit from telling us what we should and should not do. Some Gurus subscribe to the theory that we should stop using the words, I must; I have to; I should. Many tell us that these words place pressure, guilt, and resentment in us. They claim that these words promote failure and increase procrastination. If we ignore the word "should" we are literally tossing, what they are selling out the window "set goals" "follow through" "just do it”.

So what is it that the Guru and Life Coaches are telling us? "Think positive about what you want, because your thoughts have power."  "Conscious thinking, programs our subconscious mind, which, governs our life." "The conscious mind or ego tries to control outcomes."  Finally, with careful observance you will notice that they are telling us to do what we think we “should”.

It requires courage and determination to risk change – to set goals and take necessary steps. Each time that you do what you “should” you are one-step closer to your objective. For instance, say, you need new glasses, and you think; I “should” set up an appointment.  If you ignore this idea, – this “should” – procrastination takes hold.  However, if you go with the idea, you are less resistant, and you get results.  In conclusion, the Gurus do indeed suggest that by doing what we think we “should” we will see the results that we are after.  We will succeed and accomplish our heart’s desire. The law of attraction does work, if you understand how.

One final note; everything that you have achieved or ever will accomplish, can be contributed to; doing what you “should”. What is the harm in listening for what you think you "should" do and taking action?  Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.  Give yourself some credit!

Sandra Hendricks

Sandra Hendricks plunged herself into self-help in the early 90's. She developed her passion for learning and understanding, over the last 17 years. She helps people, whenever she can. “I enjoy offering people insight and helping them to create options.” She says, “It is my firm belief that you can help those who want to help themselves.” Sandra is always willing to lend an ear and a hand. Her favorite questions begin with the word “why”. Visit her at Sandra Hendricks.

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