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The “Should” Police Are Here to Arrest You For Stifling Your Self-Worth #selfworth

The “Should” Police Are Here to Arrest You For Stifling Your Self-Worth #selfworth

By Monica Brown

Ever feel like you’re constantly under arrest? Not by the actual police, mind you, but by the oh-so-present “Should” Police? These internal enforcers patrol your thoughts, barking orders about what you “should” be doing, “should” have done, or “should” be achieving.

But hold on, Unspoken Truth fam, because there’s a truth bomb about to explode: the “Should” Police are after your self-worth, and it’s time to fight back!

The “Should” Police: Public Enemy Number One for Self-Esteem

Societal expectations can be sneaky. They creep in from everywhere – family, friends, social media, bombarding us with messages about what we “should” be doing with our lives. “Should” get married by 30. “Should” have a high-powered career. “Should” look a certain way. These relentless “shoulds” create a prison of self-doubt, chipping away at our sense of self-worth and leaving us feeling like failures for not conforming.

How the “Should” Police Steal Your Joy

The problem with “shoulds” is that they’re based on other people’s expectations, not your own dreams and aspirations. Chasing someone else’s definition of success is a recipe for misery. It leaves you constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re falling short. This constant state of “shoulding” on yourself steals your joy and stifles your potential.

Overcoming the Tyranny of Should

Breaking Free from the “Should” Prison

The good news? You don’t have to be a prisoner of the “Should” Police! Here’s how to fight back and reclaim your self-worth:

  • Silence the Inner Critic: Notice those nagging “shoulds” in your head. Challenge them! Ask yourself, “Whose expectation is this, really?”
  • Define Your Own Success: What truly matters to you? What does success look like on YOUR terms? Write down your own definition of success and focus on achieving that.
  • Embrace Your Uniqueness: You are not a carbon copy of anyone else. Your passions, talents, and experiences are what make you special. Embrace your individuality and celebrate what makes you, you!
  • Focus on Your “Wants” Not “Shoulds”: Shift your focus from what you think you “should” do to what you truly WANT to do in life. Pursue your passions and create a life that excites you.

Understanding the ‘Want’ vs. ’Should’ Decision

Final Thoughts

The Unspoken Truth? You are worthy, not because of what you achieve according to societal expectations, but because of who you are at your core. Ditch the “shoulds,” grab the megaphone of self-worth, and shout your authentic self to the world!

Call to Action

Let’s dismantle the “Should” Police together! Share your experiences with breaking free from societal expectations and embracing your self-worth in the comments below. What are your tips for silencing the inner critic and living a life true to yourself? Together, let’s create a world where self-worth thrives and individuality is celebrated! (#selfworth)

Monica Brown, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur, CRW NEWS Freelance Columnist

Article Reproduced with Permission from Monica Brown

To view the original article by Monica Brown on LinkedIn visit here

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