The "I Get To" Mindset: A Small Shift That Can Change Your Home, Work, and Life

Have you ever noticed how often we tell ourselves, "I have to..."?

I have to go to work.

I have to work out.

I have to clean the house.

I have to make dinner.

I have to wake up with the baby.

Most of us don't even realize we're saying it.

Lately, I've been trying to catch myself whenever those words come into my mind and replace them with something different.

"I get to."

It sounds almost too simple to matter.

But I've been surprised by how much it changes the way I feel.

Instead of I have to work today, it's I get to help someone through one of the biggest decisions of their life.

Instead of I have to work out, it's I get to move a healthy body.

Instead of I have to wake up with my baby in the middle of the night, it's I get to comfort someone who trusts me more than anyone else.

The responsibility hasn't changed.

The circumstances haven't changed.

Only the story I'm telling myself has.

The Psychology Behind Our Words

Our brains are constantly interpreting the language we use.

When we repeatedly tell ourselves, "I have to," our brains often interpret that as pressure, obligation, or even a lack of control.

When we say, "I get to," we're reminding ourselves that many of the things we call burdens are actually privileges.

It's a subtle shift from obligation to opportunity.

Psychologists often describe this as cognitive reframing—the practice of changing how we interpret a situation without changing the situation itself. It doesn't ignore challenges or pretend everything is easy. Instead, it helps us recognize that perspective shapes our experience.

Of course, there are real hardships in life, and this mindset isn't about minimizing them. It's about noticing the moments where we do have a choice in how we frame our day.

How This Shows Up in Real Estate

As a Minnesota Realtor and Minneapolis listing agent, I hear people say things like this all the time.

"I have to clean my house before we list it."

"I have to move."

"I have to start packing."

"I have to meet with a Realtor."

Preparing a home for sale can absolutely feel overwhelming.

But sometimes I encourage my clients to look at it a little differently.

You get to prepare your home for its next chapter.

You get to move closer to family.

You get to buy your first home.

You get to create a space that better fits the life you're building.

That doesn't mean moving isn't stressful. It absolutely can be. Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people will ever make.

But perspective matters.

One of my favorite parts of being a Twin Cities Realtor is watching families begin new chapters. Whether it's a first-time buyer getting their keys, a growing family finding more space, or someone downsizing into a home that better fits this season of life, every move tells a story.

I don't just see transactions.

I see fresh starts.

A Reminder I'm Trying to Live By

I'm writing this as much for myself as anyone else.

Some days are busy.

Some days are exhausting.

Balancing motherhood, business, marriage, friendships, and everything else life asks of us isn't always easy.

But when I catch myself thinking, "I have to..." I'm trying to pause and ask myself:

"What if I changed those words?"

Because maybe...

I don't have to build my business.

I get to.

I don't have to take care of my home.

I get to.

I don't have to help clients navigate buying or selling a home.

I get to be part of one of the most exciting milestones in their lives.

And that feels like a privilege.

So this month, I have a challenge for you.

Pay attention to your words.

Every time you catch yourself saying, "I have to," pause for just a moment and ask yourself:

What if I said, "I get to" instead?

You may be surprised how one small change in language can change the way you experience your day—and maybe even your life.

About Josie Johnson

I'm Josie Johnson, a Minnesota Realtor and Minneapolis listing agent with Keller Williams Realty Integrity Edina. I help buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities navigate real estate with confidence, while sharing insights on wellness, wealth, and intentional living through Aligned Living Collective. Whether you're preparing to buy, sell, or simply have questions about the market, I'd love to be a resource for you.