"I get to" vs. "I have to"

The Power of Semantics: “I Get To” vs. “I Have To”

Words shape worlds.

Every sentence we speak is more than just a string of letters it’s a reflection of our mindset. The way we talk to ourselves creates the lens through which we see life. And often, it only takes a single word to shift the entire meaning of a moment.

One of the most powerful examples is the difference between:

“I have to” vs “I get to”

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much. Just one word, right? But that single word changes the energy, the emotion, and the way you experience your life.

When you say, “I have to,” you’re telling yourself the task is a burden. It feels heavy, like something being forced on you. It’s an obligation tied to stress and resistance.

But when you reframe it to “I get to,” everything shifts. It’s no longer a chore—it’s a choice, a privilege, an opportunity. Suddenly, the weight is lifted, and you see gratitude where you once saw pressure.

Think about it:

• “I have to go to work.”→ “I get to go to work. I get to earn, learn, and grow.”

• “I have to work out.”→ “I get to move my body and take care of my health.”

• “I have to make dinner.”→ “I get to nourish myself and my family with food on the table.”

• “I have to give a presentation.”→ “I get to share my ideas and influence others.”

It’s the same situation—but two completely different mindsets.

A Moment From My Own Journey

I’ll never forget a season early in my sales career when I was grinding day in and day out. Every morning, I’d look at my schedule, packed with cold calls, follow-ups, and meetings, and think, “I have to do all of this just to keep up.”

That language weighed me down. By the time I picked up the phone, my energy was already negative. I sounded stressed, rushed, and tired—and guess what? People could feel it. My results showed it too.

Then one day, a mentor challenged me: “What if instead of saying you have to, you say you get to?”

So I tried it. The next morning, instead of “I have to make 50 calls,” I told myself, “I get to make 50 calls today. I get to connect with people, I get to practice my craft, I get to create opportunities for my future.”

That one shift changed the way I showed up. My voice carried more energy. My posture lifted. I went from sounding like I was forcing conversations to sounding like I was inviting people into opportunities. And soon enough, the results shifted too.

That was the moment I realized semantics aren’t just words, they’re fuel. They can either drain you or drive you.

Why This Matters for You

Here’s the truth: how you frame your daily experiences determines how you show up in them.

When you approach life through “I have to,” you walk in with resistance. When you approach life through “I get to,” you walk in with gratitude. And gratitude is the fuel for growth, resilience, and success.

This isn’t about pretending everything is easy or perfect. It’s about perspective. Even in hard times, you can find empowerment in the words you choose. Instead of “I have to push through this challenge,” try “I get to grow stronger through this challenge.” One keeps you stuck, the other propels you forward.

So the next time you catch yourself saying “I have to,” pause. Replace it with “I get to.” Say it out loud. Feel how your shoulders drop, your chest opens, and your mindset realigns.

Semantics aren’t just words—they’re doorways to new realities.

You don’t have to live a better life. You get to. This distinction between obligation and opportunity is profound and transformative. Living a better life is not merely a duty imposed upon you by societal expectations, family pressures, or personal insecurities. Instead, it is a privilege, a choice that opens the door to countless possibilities. Every day presents a new canvas upon which you can paint your experiences, aspirations, and dreams. The journey toward a better life is filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and discover the depths of your potential. It invites you to embrace challenges not as burdens, but as stepping stones toward self-improvement and fulfillment. When you recognize that you get to live a better life, you shift your perspective from one of resignation to one of empowerment, allowing you to take control of your choices and pursue your passions with vigor and enthusiasm. In this light, every moment becomes an invitation to engage with life more fully, to seek joy, and to cultivate meaningful connections with others.