New Mindset, Who Dis? 790 - Use this one word to actually change your life
Apr 2, 2026
A deep dive into how the tiny word you use can reshape motivation and choice. Contrast between obligation language and possibility language is explored with research-backed examples. Practical everyday swaps for work, health, and relationships are highlighted to restore agency and reduce pressure.
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Should Creates Obligation Not Motivation
- The word should encodes obligation and signals a correct behavior you're not doing.
- Case Kenny explains this creates pressure and a sense of deficiency that fosters avoidance and resistance in the brain.
Could Restores Agency And Lowers Resistance
- Could frames actions as possibilities and preserves autonomy, shifting motivation from controlled to self-determined.
- Case cites self-determination theory: choice reduces perceived constraints and lowers subconscious resistance like procrastination.
Swap Should For Could When Self Talking
- Replace should with could when talking to yourself to invite agency and evaluation.
- Case recommends asking Do I want to do this and Is this aligned with what I care about instead of Why am I not doing it.
