How Negative Language Negatively Affects Your Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyles

If You Notice You Say 'Could've,' 'Should've,' or 'I Want To,' You Might Need To Change How You Live Your Life

Do you notice you say these phrases more than five times a day?

173
If You Notice You Say 'Could've,' 'Should've,' or 'I Want To,' You Might Need To Change How You Live Your Life

If that answer was a yes! Then you might "want to" read this!

Since being in college I have noticed and picked up on myself saying these phrases often over the course of my week. Generally, it usually the suspects of this thinking come from my social and academic life either in the past, present, and future.

In the past, I regret doing a lot of things in my life from not being involved enough in high school, not going out for activities and hobbies that I was interested in, not making enough money, and not using my time usefully. Academically I and everyone else wishes that they tried harder, take more AP and dual enrollment classes so time here at college could have been a little less stressful.

Currently, you might be angry about the way the previous semester went with your GPA, maybe you didn't do as well on your test because you decided to hang out with your friends, or you contemplate going to an SI session even though you know it would be good for you but you have other homework to work on.

Looking into the future you maybe were wishing to hang out with your friends, or you are obligated to go to something while another event was going on that you actually wanted to go to, or finally not getting invited to something and feeling really bad about yourself.

Yes, there is hope for these problems!

What has happened in the past has happened and you can not regret those decisions. You see perspective is the biggest thing in these situations it is the way you look at things that will determine how you feel about them. Now, that you know you can't change the past and only learn from the past, do their mistakes change your perspectives? However, there should be no excuses when it comes to the present and resurfacing those mistakes you made in the past that are coming up again.

(Sorry if that came off rude, but it's the truth.)

If you admittedly have made those mistakes in the past, don't bring them into your current life, leave them behind you. Finally, actively make a decision in the future that is maybe different and out of your comfort zone, or something you have always wanted to do. No more "what if's" or "I want to" by planning ahead of time you finally get to dictate and be happy :)

With a different perspective, everything can change!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

557408
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

443187
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments