Welcome back as Juanita Molano Parra and I explore the next question in our series, “Riding the Waves.” In this series, we are looking at several questions as a way to navigate big feelings, big situations, and big questions. We’re considering how to hold these big things lightly so that they are less overwhelming and scary… and more approachable. New things become accessible and possible when we hold the challenging things lightly, and it’s those new possibilities we hope to reveal. 

In the first of this two-part discussion on “What Should I Do,” we zoom in on all the work being done by the word “should.” Here are just a few our observations:

Where does “should” come from?

What gets in the way of purposeful “shoulds”? 

In many cases, “what should I do” is not defining the next step in a plan. Instead, “should” is used as an avoidance tactic.

“Should” can be rooted in perfectionism and control.

“What should I do?” is very different from “this is what I am going to do.”

What do I know to do? What am I ready to do? What do I want to do? And, how do those questions stack up next to:  What do I know? What am I ready for? What do I want? 

Thank you for listening!

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The one tool I recommend to all of my therapy clients is journaling. Getting your thoughts out of your head and down on the page is a simple act that can change your life. I made the Treasured Journal for anyone who wants to dig a little deeper but doesn’t know where to start. The questions, prompts, and sentence stems in the journal will help support you in exploring the big feelings in your life. Learn more about this specially designed journal and its companion Meditation Series at https://danielleireland.com/journal.

JUANITA MOLANO PARRA, MBA, PCC

Juanita is an engineer and MBA turned certified life and leadership coach. Originally from Colombia, she worked in multinational corporate finance and later started her own coaching business—training new coaches and partnering with organizations to transform culture and leadership from within. Her business, Jump Coaching, helps leaders live authentically, lead with purpose, and turn their dreams into reality. Juanita lives in Indianapolis with her husband, their daughter, and two cats.  

Jump Coaching - www.jumpcoaching.co

Jump Start newsletter - https://www.jumpcoaching.co/newsletter

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanitamp/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jumpcoaching.co/

Email - [email protected]

Phone - 317.969.7363

DANIELLE IRELAND, LCSW

Thank you for your support and engagement as part of the Don't Cut Your Own Bangs community. Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or anything you'd like to share. 

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