Breaking free from the ‘Shoulds’

When I talk with people about their health, I often hear:

• “I should be going to the gym three times a week.”

• “I just need to get more sleep.”

• “I should really cut out coffee.”

These statements sound simple, but what I actually hear is: “I know what I need to do — but something’s in my way.”

Your body carries its own wisdom. If you pause and listen, it will tell you what it needs. The challenge is that in our noisy, modern world, it’s hard to hear it over everything else: the voices in our heads, influencers, ads tailored by algorithms, the blur of fact and fiction on social media. We fill every quiet moment with noise, often because silence makes us uncomfortable. Maybe we’re even afraid of what we’ll hear — or admit that we already know.

The truth can sting. But it can also set you free.

Behind every “should” or “I just need to” is a story — a personal narrative that often doesn’t serve you. These narratives can be some of the biggest barriers to change.

So ask yourself:

• How much is your health worth to you?

• What are you prepared to invest in it?

• Are you kicking the can down the road, waiting until crisis forces you to act?

What if, when that time came, it was too late? Would you regret not listening to your body when the early signs were there?

When we work together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you and redesign the narratives you’ve outgrown. We’ll turn “I should” into “I will.” And “I just need to” into “I do.”

What are your “should” statements? Share them in the comments — you won’t be alone.

And if you’d like support breaking down your barriers, let’s talk. Together we can spark your momentum, restore balance, so you can lead the healthy life you want to live.