Flip your thinking: I get to do this

1st December 2025

[First published in The Probe October 2025]

Are you a glass half full or half empty sort of person? For me it depends on my mood to be honest. Sometimes I catch myself mid-moan and recognise it, other times it’s just how the day goes. It has made me consider exactly how prophetic it can be to feel negative, and how much of a ripple effect is caused from a negative approach. I read about the ‘flip it’ brigade. It’s nothing new to be honest – from the same field of thought as having ‘positive mental attitude’ and being a ‘can-do’ kind of person, but it’s quite powerful.

We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, the day ahead looms, and suddenly everything feels like one big chore. “I have to go to the gym.” “I have to make a load of calls.” “I have to plan for a presentation.” Sound familiar? So instead of shrinking away from the things that threaten to swamp my day, I swap that tiny little word ‘have’ for ‘get’ and it all sounds so much better. It might sound silly or cheesy, but it’s a powerful mindset shift: I get to do this. “I get to go to work.” “I get to enjoy being fitter.” “I get to share things with colleagues.”

Why words really matter

How we think or speak shapes our outlook more than we realise. When we say “I have to,” it feels like a burden, a demand, a weight on our shoulders. But “I get to” reframes the task as an opportunity or privilege. Think about it: “I have to go to work” becomes “I get to go to work” – meaning you have a career that (hopefully) you enjoy or brings satisfaction. “I have to exercise” becomes “I get to move my body” – and not everyone can.

Take something good from everyday chores

Take the washing-up/dishwasher duties. Most of us groan when we see that pile of dishes. But those dishes mean you shared a meal. Study? It means you have more to learn and the privilege of education. The school run? It means your kids are healthy enough to head to school. These little flips turn nagging tasks into quiet reminders of the good stuff we sometimes take for granted. Many repetitive tasks can be meditative: you’re being productive but you can also use the time to switch off, be quiet and reflective.

Challenges count too

It’s not just chores – the same trick works with bigger challenges. Anxious about a meeting? Try: “I get to share my thoughts.” Worried about a tough procedure? Think: “I get to practise what I have learned.” This doesn’t magically make stress vanish, but it helps tilt the perspective towards gratitude and possibility rather than worry.

How to start flipping the script

So, how do you do this without it feeling forced? It’s all about small swaps and gentle reminders. Here are a few easy ways to start:

Catch the “have to” moment. Notice when you say (or think) “I have to…” That tiny pause is your chance to flip it. Example: “I have to get up early” becomes “I get to start my day in good time, and I have that first coffee to enjoy.”
Anchor it to gratitude. Link the task to what it represents. “I get to pay bills” means you’ve got a home, electricity, a car, wi-fi, whatever you’re paying for
Say it out loud: “I get to”. This is obviously optional. I’m not one for vocal affirmations but you can change how you frame things out loud. Saying “I get to swim this evening” is better than “Ugh, I have to exercise later.”
Start small. Pick one or two regular moans (like commuting or studying) and practise flipping those first
Pair it with a ritual. Maybe jot one “I get to” thought in a notebook each morning, along with the rest of your day’s intentions/plans
Give yourself grace. Some days you won’t feel like flipping the script – and that’s okay. The goal is progress, not perfection – we’re only human!

The bottom line

Life is full of responsibilities, no doubt. But within those responsibilities are privileges, signs of connection, comfort and opportunity. Next time you feel the moan coming on, try being more of a flipper. Instead of “I have to”, remind yourself: “I get to”. I’m convinced it lightens the load.

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