The Daily Stoic for July 3rd. Turn ‘Have To’ into ‘Get To’

The task of a philosopher: we should bring our will into harmony with whatever happens, so that nothing happens against our will and nothing that we wish for fails to happen

—ECPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.14.7

This topic is a good one and I am really excited to share this to everyone.
When practiced and used properly, I really think that this mindset change can change one’s life. I believe that this can help you and me become a better person. 
 
Imagine that it is a Monday morning, and it’s cold and raining outside. And you realize that you have a lot to do today for work, let alone for the week.
 
For me, I would feel lazy going to work. Realizing all the things that I have to do will make me lazier.  “I have to do this task for work”, “I have to take care of my child again”, are some of the things that come into mind.
 
Reframe your mind into thinking that these tasks are actually opportunities and privileges that not everyone gets to do. Be thankful and show gratitude that you ‘get to’ do something. I’m sure there a lots of people wishing to be in the same shoes as you are.
 

“I have to do this task for work”  -> “I get To Do This Task For Work”

We think of work as something ‘we have to do’, but before the promotion or getting the job, we were so happy that we ‘go to’ have this career. We were so thankful to our boss who promoted us, or to the person that hired us. We take our work for granted (which is understandable) at times, but by practicing this change of mindset, I hope that this will help you get through your days.
 
In my case, there are really lots of things to do. But when I think about it, I am really thankful and grateful that I ‘get to’ do the things I do for my work. 
 

“I Have To Take Care Of My Child Again” 

For all the parents out there, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve gone through a time wherein we were so tired that at that point in time, that taking care of our child felt like a chore. But if you do think about it, it really is a privilege and blessing that you ‘get to’ take care of them and not other people. In this day and age of the pandemic, I am really thankful that I get to work from home, and I get to be with him everyday. 

When taking care of your children feels like a chore, try to step back and be grateful that at the present moment. Other people that do not have children would definitely want to be in your shoes.

You can even apply this same mindset with other events. Stuck in traffic? Make the most out of it since you get to sit and relax. Need to walk home because your car broke down? Nice, some needed exercise!  Kidding only.
 
So let’s start looking at every moment and opportunity with a positive mindset. This change of mindset may not seem to make a big difference in your life, but believe me, there would be a big difference. Life changing even. Being grateful everyday and everytime will help you towards being the person you are destined to be.