The Code: A Guide to Health and Human Performance

210. From “Have To” to “Get To”: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything | Chris Cullen

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A simple shift from “I have to” to “I get to” can change how you experience everything from daily obligations to long-term endurance in life and health.

 

Dr. Andrew Fix sits down with mindset coach and author Chris Cullen to explore how the words you use shape your mindset and influence the perspective you bring to everyday demands. What begins as a subtle language change opens into a broader conversation about choice, presence, and how people respond when life feels heavy or relentless. Chris shares how “I get to” emerged during some of his most challenging physical and mental moments and why it became a practical way to keep moving forward when motivation disappeared.

 

The discussion also unpacks why this shift can feel surprisingly difficult. Our brains are wired to scan for threat and rush ahead, which makes presence an intentional practice rather than a default. How often do you move through the day without noticing it? What changes when you pause long enough to choose a second thought that creates space for gratitude rather than frustration? Andrew ties these ideas to health, training, parenting, and recovery, where consistency, awareness, and perspective matter more than intensity or quick wins.

 

Chris is clear that this approach is not a universal solution. Grief still needs space. Toxic situations often require decisive action. Yet when used with care, “I get to” offers a way to reclaim ownership of your time, energy, and attention. The episode leaves listeners with a question worth sitting with: how might your days shift if you approached them with greater choice, perspective, and gratitude instead of obligation?

 

 

Quotes

  • “If we don't follow our highest calling or our highest values, we will regret it. And that's the decision you have to make no matter how” (06:58 | Chris Cullen)
  • “When we control the little moments, the mundane stuff that we don’t really want to do, that’s where I think “I get to” makes its biggest impact.” (18:46 | Chris Cullen)
  • “If you want to experience a better life, you have to choose to experience time better.”(25:25 | Chris Cullen)
  • “Our natural instincts are not meant to find opportunity. They're meant to scan for threats and keep us safe.” (27:10 | Chris Cullen)
  • "I get to doesn’t take away the grief.” (40:45 | Chris Cullen)



    • Connect with Chris Cullen:

    https://www.instagram.com/chriscullen_c3/?hl=en 

    https://chriscullen.com/ 

    https://chriscullen.com/new-page

     

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    The Code: A Guide to Health and Human PerformanceBy Dr. Andrew Fix