GigiYou ever feel like you’re doing everything right… and still feel off?
You’ve got the vision board. You’re journaling like a champ. You’ve said “I am worthy” to your mirror enough to make your partner worry.
But still — something’s… not it.
Let me float a theory:
It’s not that you’re broken. It’s that your choices are coming from the wrong voice.
The “Should” Layer
There’s a voice that’s been riding shotgun your whole life — and spoiler alert: it’s not your intuition.
It’s the “good girl.” The hustler. The helper.
It’s the inner narrator that whispers:
“You should say yes.”
“You should look busy.”
“You should be further along by now.”
“You should be grateful — even if you’re exhausted.”
Let’s be clear — that voice isn’t you. It’s a collage of every expectation, unspoken rule, and survival strategy you picked up along the way.
Where Did the “Shoulds” Even Come From?
They came from…
- A parent who loved you, but also needed you to be easy.
- A culture that told women to be small, but also perfect.
- That one school moment you still think about (yes, that one).
- A whole algorithm of diet tips, hustle hacks, and Pinterest-perfect morning routines.
You built a personality that kept you safe, lovable, successful.
It worked — until it didn’t.
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
— Roy T. Bennett
Symptoms of a “Should”-Driven Life
- You wake up tired, even if you slept.
- You say “I don’t know” a lot — but you do know. You just don’t trust it.
- Your to-do list is full, but your soul feels empty.
- You scroll social media and feel like you’re behind (behind what exactly? Unclear.)
If that’s you, you’re not lazy. You’re layered.
And that’s actually great news — because what’s layered can be unlayered.
The First Step Isn’t a Hustle. It’s a Pause.
Let’s not pile another productivity hack on top.
The first move is way softer than that:
Notice the “should.” Then question it.
Ask yourself:
- Who says I should do this?
- What happens if I don’t?
- Who might I disappoint? (And do I actually care?)
You’ll be surprised how many “shoulds” melt just from being seen.
Try This Tiny Ritual (Takes 5 Minutes Max)
This is your Should Detox Starter Pack
- Name It: Write down the loudest “should” in your head today. Be honest. “I should post on Instagram.” “I should be more productive.” “I should text her back even though I’m drained.”
- Feel It: Close your eyes and notice where that should lives in your body. Tight jaw? Knotted stomach? Racing thoughts?
- Question It: Whose voice is that? Is it helping or hijacking?
- Replace It: What do you want to do instead? Write that down too — even if it feels rebellious or silly.
- Breathe. Drop Your Shoulders. Keep Going.
You don’t have to delete every “should” overnight.
But dropping one? That’s a rebellion.
And rebellion is sacred work.
So, What Happens When You Drop the Shoulds?
- You feel lighter — not because life is easier, but because you’re finally with yourself.
- You make decisions faster — because you’re not waiting for 17 opinions.
- You wake up excited — not because you’ve hacked mornings, but because they’re yours now.
- You start building a life that fits you — not the one you thought you had to settle for.
You’re Not Lost. You’re Layered.
And once you peel back the “shoulds,” what’s underneath is gorgeous.
She’s bold. Clear. A little weird (in the best way).
She’s the You you’ve been waiting to remember.
Ready to meet her?
Try the True Self Daily Routine — it’s not just another ritual. It’s how you get back to you.
