Are you “Should-ing” on Yourself?

When was the last time you thought to yourself, “I wish I would have done X differently…”?

Ten years ago…

Last year…

An hour ago…

Just now???

All of us have these “I should have…” moments (obviously). I don't know who first coined the phrase "should-ing on yourself", but it fits!

These moments can be stressful and energy-sucking or they can be enlightening and energy-creating… your thoughts - your choice.

I was reading an article released by McKinsey today about how “90% (of CEOs) confess that they wish they had managed their transition (to CEO) differently.”

That statistic stopped me in my tracks and I began thinking about my “I wish I hads…” (my "shoulds"). A great example:

Early in my career, I was promoted to lead the team of which I was a part. Tough situation as now my peers were my subordinates and I was NOT as humbled as I should have been. I threw my ego around and ignored their feelings because I was afraid to face them. I was so blessed, however, to have colleagues who were patient with my overblown ego and who set about teaching me how to be a great leader. Thanks Team CBS – you know who you are!

That was an “I should have…” moment for sure!

But I learned over time that “should-ing” on yourself and wishing you’d done something differently in the past just wastes time and energy.

What makes more sense, if you want to dwell on one of these situations, is to look for the JOY. Look for the opportunities that opened up or the things that you learned because you acted as you did.

You are where you are RIGHT NOW because you did what you did and nothing can change the past.

If you are “should-ing” on yourself and can’t find the positive outcomes from a past situation – if you’re stuck and can’t move on, book a discovery call with me and let’s see what we can do together!

https://www.jnoonanconsulting.com/consultation