Awesome stuff. This post NAILS the concept of social conditioning.

Observe the people and the environment you interact with – you’ll most likely go ‘wow – that’s some messed up stuff’. People do stuff and don’t even know why they are doing it.

Interestingly I think people only hide behind ‘have to’ when they know what they’re doing is bad for them or others.

Love the exercise. I’ll remember that in my next workshop! Thanks for dropping by, Chris.

A few years ago, I did however choose to downsize the house and car so I could change jobs.
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Ian’s reply:

Ah yes, the John Deere. Personally I find it important to focus myself on the things I gain by doing those things that are not so much fun. It helps to see the value on the choice I make.

I changed my life a few years ago and really couldn’t go back to being employed. I just couldn’t take the huge amount of day to day ‘have to’s’ imposed by the organisation. I salute all those who can take it!

I really liked this post and it made me think a great deal about those things we have to do and those we choose to do and when to call a spade a spade.
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Ian’s reply:

Hi Kim. I quite often sit down and list out all the things I think I ‘have to’ do and use a simple process to transform them into things I choose to do.

But I’m going to leave you in suspense and leave that until another post! I can be quite cruel at times! lol

A lot of excuses get made around events in life and those excuses are simple a reflection of not knowing or understanding one’s ability to choose. Becoming conscious and willing to accept every choice, absolutely makes your life and actions more meaningful and enjoyable.
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Ian’s reply:

Thanks Mike for the comment and the link to your own post on the subject (which I highly recommend!).

I’d not thought about it before, but I think you’re right that excuses are our inability to see the choices we have. I appreciate the inspiration!

@ Nadia – brilliant comment!

“I have to” often means the task becomes a chore, even when the task is not a chore. A bit like “I must” or “I should”.

“I choose to” on the other hand gives the doing far more meaning and a sense of responsibility and control – one word change leads to an empowering state of mind.

A great question to ask is “Why?” – if you keep asking it, it often dissolves what was seen as a problem or considered a must do action.

Ian – Thanks for choosing to create this post.
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Ian’s reply:

Thanks Paul. I’m often amazed myself at the power of words, even those that remain unspoken. Change one word and change your life. It often really is as simple as that!