avatarTheo Rose

Summary

The article suggests that removing the word "should" from one's vocabulary can help combat entitlement and encourage personal growth and potential.

Abstract

The author of the article confesses to having acted entitled in the past, a trait commonly associated with Millennials. They identify "should" as a codeword for entitlement and argue that this mindset hinders personal development. By replacing "should" with "could," the author suggests individuals can take more responsibility for their actions and achievements. The article encourages readers to reflect on their use of the word "should" to uncover any underlying entitlement and to focus on actions rather than expectations.

Opinions

  • The author acknowledges the stereotype of Millennials as entitled and admits to exhibiting such behavior.
  • "Should" is seen as indicative of a sense of entitlement, implying that things are owed or expected without effort.
  • Entitlement is presented as an obstacle to reaching one's full potential.
  • The article advocates for personal accountability by using "could" instead of "should," emphasizing the power of individual agency.
  • The author believes that changing one's language can lead to a shift in mindset and behavior, fostering a more proactive approach to life.
  • The article quotes Yoda's famous line "Do or do not. There is no try," to reinforce the idea of taking definitive action rather than passively expecting things to happen based on what one thinks "should" occur.

Remove this Word from Your Vocabulary Right Now— It Will Only Help

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I have a confession to make.

Some of you probably already figured this out — I haven’t exactly been secretive about it. But on the other hand, I haven’t been loud and proud either.

Are you ready?

Okay, here it goes:

I’m a Millennial.

To the Zoomers out there that means I’m cringe and out of touch. To the Boomers out there that means I’m entitled. And you know what? I can admit it.

The so-called “Millennials” seem to think they are entitled to everything, right now, for doing nothing. — Dan Kennedy

I have done many things that, looking back, are cringe-worthy. But even worse, I have acted entitled. I’ve put in a tiny bit of work expecting to be an overnight success. I’ve wondered why friends weren’t inviting me places when I never thought to invite them.

“I exist; shouldn’t the world revolve around me?”

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

So what word am I talking about?

**Drumroll please**

“Should.”

I’m a Ph.D so I should be respected. I’m a writer so people should read (and clap). I’m gifted and talented and awesome and the world should recognize it.

“Should” is the codeword for entitlement.

Now I know there are legitimate reasons to use “should” in everyday conversation and in those cases you *should* use it. But pay attention to what you say. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Is there entitlement in you?

This isn’t to hate on you. And it’s not only Millennials who are entitled. And this isn’t about your reputation or caring what others think.

This is about what’s holding you back.

Because entitlement keeps you from reaching your full potential. Replace “should” with “could.” At the end of the day, we all have to make our dreams real.

As Yoda once said, “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Here’s my version: “Do or do not. There is no should.”

Photo by Nikhil Mistry on Unsplash

If you’d like to read more of my writing, check out this short and sweet piece I wrote about making memories:

Illumination
Millennials
Entitled
Potential
Self Improvement
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