“Should” Statements
“Must,” “ought” and “have tos” are similar offenders. “Should” statements that are directed against yourself lead to guilt and frustration.
“Should” statements that are directed against other people or the world in general, lead to anger, frustration and resentment.
Many people try to motivate themselves with should and shouldn't, as if they were delinquents who had to be punished before they could be expected to do anything. “I shouldn’t eat that birthday cake in a bikini on Waikiki Beach.”
This usually doesn’t work because all these should and must do is make you feel rebellious and give you the urge to do the opposite.
As you can see in the photo, I ate my amazing birthday cake in my bikini on Waikiki Beach celebrating my 53rd birthday!