Do you want to eat lima beans and broccoli or do you eat them because you think you should? Ditto on working out, getting your boss a Christmas gift, sending a thank you card, attending your wife’s best friend’s wedding, and oh so many more examples.

Whenever someone does something I unfortunately feel the need to critically evaluate their intent. Are they doing it because they want to do it, or are they doing it because they think they should do it. Obviously, I value want over should. I want you to want to do things instead of doing them because you think it’s the right thing to do. I want you to send that thank you card because you genuinely want to, not because you think you’re earning points, making a good impression or doing the “right” thing.

How much better, simpler and more genuine would the world be if people only did the things they want to do instead of doing the things they think they should do? Heck, even if we went to an 80/20 or 70/30 split between want and should; things would be better.

The irony is, I’m guilty of doing things I don’t want to do…Yes, I’m raising my hand and turning myself in. I’ve done things because I felt like I should. It’s frustrating and I kick myself in the ass right after I do it. It’s a tough habit to break because it’s become a natural part of everyday life. Society expects and demands a certain amount of “fakeness.” And that’s just tragic for a society that also demands honesty and transparency