From 'Have To' to 'Get To'

It’s a small shift in words, but it changes everything: moving from “I have to” to “I get to.” When we say, “I have to run in the cold,” it feels like an obligation—a burden we’re forcing ourselves to carry. But when we say, “I get to run in the cold,” it becomes a privilege. That subtle change reminds us that not everyone has the opportunity to run, to push their limits, or to even feel the cold air on their skin.

Running in the cold isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable, and it tests your resolve. But it also teaches gratitude. Gratitude for a body that moves, for a heart that beats, and for the strength to endure when conditions aren’t ideal. Not everyone has the chance to lace up their shoes and go. Some are held back by injury, illness, or circumstances beyond their control. When you frame it as “I get to,” you’re not just running—you’re embracing an opportunity that others might only dream of.

This mindset shift doesn’t just apply to running; it applies to everything. Tasks we dread—going to work, preparing meals, tackling challenges—can all transform when we approach them with gratitude instead of obligation. It’s not about pretending something is easy or enjoyable when it isn’t; it’s about appreciating the chance to try, to grow, and to experience.

So, the next time you catch yourself saying, “I have to,” pause and reframe it. Remember that you “get to” show up, try, and take one more step forward. Because every run, every effort, is a privilege—and that’s something worth celebrating.