The “Should Detox”: A Shift in Perspective, Possibility, and Power

How often do you catch yourself saying the words: “I should…”

For many of us, those two little words show up everywhere:

I should exercise more.

I should stop procrastinating.

I should pay down my debt faster.

I should reach out to friends more often.

I should downsize.

I should be further ahead in life by now.

These aren’t just tasks or goals - they are expectations. Instead of motivating us, they often create pressure, guilt, and a constant sense that we are falling behind.

When I hear myself say “I should,” I feel it in my body: the tension, the heaviness, the quiet shame that I’m not doing, being, or achieving enough. It’s a loop that keeps me stuck thinking about what I should be doing instead of meeting myself where I actually am.

That’s where a Should Detox comes in - a simple but powerful process that moves you through the core pillars of my coaching approach:

Perspective

Possibility

Power

Let’s walk through how this works.

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1. Perspective: Releasing the Weight of “Should”

Perspective is where awareness begins.

When you become conscious of the language you use - especially the automatic “I should” - you start to understand how it shapes your emotions and behaviour.

“Should” usually comes from external expectations, old patterns, or internalized pressure about who you think you are supposed to be.

So instead of “I should,” try shifting to: “I could…”

I could exercise more.

I could reach out to friends.

I could pay closer attention to my finances.

Notice how this feels different.

“I could” creates space.

It softens judgment.

It opens a window of curiosity rather than criticism.

This is the first step: a shift in perspective - one that lightens the load.

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2. Possibility: Moving From “Could” to “Can”

Once you create that space, you can start imagining what is actually possible for you.

Try moving from “I could” to: “I can…”

I can exercise more.

I can take small steps to reduce my debt.

I can reconnect with people I care about.

Feel the difference?

“I can” taps into capability.

It acknowledges your strength.

It reminds you that you have options, choices, and agency.

This is where possibility opens up - gently, realistically, and with compassion.

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3. Power: Choosing With Intention and Meaning

Power isn’t force. It’s intention.

It’s the energy that comes when you choose actions aligned with what matters most to you.

Once you’ve moved through “I could” and “I can,” try shifting to: “I’m excited to…”

I’m excited to exercise more.

I’m excited to pay down my debt.

I’m excited to reconnect with people who I care about.

And then add the most important part: “…so that…”

I’m excited to exercise more so that I feel strong and confident in my body.

I’m excited to manage my finances differently so that I can create more freedom and security.

I’m excited to reach out to friends so that I feel more connected, supported, and alive.

This final step roots your action in purpose and your values - the heart of true power.

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Why This Detox Works

Because language matters.

A Should Detox turns:

- pressure into perspective,

- possibility into choice, and

- intention into personal power.

It softens the inner critic and strengthens the voice that believes in you - the voice that sees potential, not problems.

And from that place, momentum naturally begins.

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Try Your Own Should Detox Today

Pick one “should” you’ve been carrying.

Walk it through the progression:

I should → I could → I can → I’m excited to… → so that…

Notice how each shift feels in your mind, your body, and your energy.

Small changes in language create big changes in how you show up for yourself.

This is where reflection meets direction.

This is where Perspective → Possibility → Power begins.

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A Note of Acknowledgment

This idea was first introduced to me during my coaching training at the Canada Coach Academy, and it became one of the most impactful early tools in my own growth. What I’ve shared here is my personal interpretation and the way I now integrate it into my work with clients and my own life.

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Where reflection meets direction.

Ready to explore your own shift from “should” to possibility and power?

If you’re looking for clarity, confidence, or a fresh perspective for the next chapter of your life, I’d love to support you.

You can book a free, no-pressure Discovery Call to see how coaching can help you move forward with intention and self-trust.

👉 Click here to book your Discovery Call.