How Turning Your To-Do List Into a “Get To” List Can Change Your Life This October
Most of us wake up with a mental scroll of everything we have to do: laundry, emails, errands, work, family responsibilities. Just the words to-do list can feel heavy – like carrying a weight before the day even begins.
But here’s the good news: one small shift can instantly lighten that load.
It’s as simple as turning your to-do list into a get-to list.
Why This Works
Language matters.
- Saying “I have to” signals to your brain that a task is a burden.
- Saying “I get to” reframes it as an opportunity or privilege.
Examples:
- “I have to make dinner” → “I get to nourish myself (and my family).”
- “I have to answer emails” → “I get to connect with people who value my work.”
- “I have to go to work” → “I get to provide for myself and grow my skills.”
This simple shift activates gratitude – and gratitude fuels motivation. Suddenly, tasks feel lighter, more meaningful, and less like chores.
The Ripple Effect
When you practice the get-to mindset every day, small changes add up:
- Less stress and resentment about responsibilities
- More positive energy flowing through your day
- A deeper appreciation for what’s already in your life
- Greater resilience when challenges appear
It’s not about pretending life is easy. It’s about meeting your responsibilities with a new kind of energy – one rooted in gratitude instead of pressure.
How to Start This October
- Write your tasks down as you normally would.
- Replace “have to” with “get to.”
- Say them out loud if you can – hearing it makes the shift real.
- Notice how your body responds. Do you feel lighter? More motivated? More thankful?
Final Thought
October is the season of letting go.
This month, let go of the heavy “have to” energy – and embrace the lighter, more empowering “get to” perspective.
It’s a subtle change, but it can transform the way you show up for yourself, your work, and your life.