Monkey Mind Tamer

Twisted Thinking Series - 8 - Taming "Should-ing" on Yourself and Others!


Listen Later

In this hilarious and insightful episode of the "Monkey Mind Tamer podcast, Anana takes on the sneaky cognitive distortion of “should” statements. Join us as we swing through the jungle of our minds, learning why should-ing on ourselves and others is a recipe for disappointment and frustration. With humor and metaphors, Anana guides us towards a more flexible mindset, offering practical tools to replace those shoulds with self-compassion and acceptance. Get ready to untwist your thoughts and embrace the freedom of living without shoulds. Don't miss out on this wild adventure where you'll learn to tame your inner monkey mind and embody the messages of self-acceptance and curiosity. It's time to live a life in flow!

What is “Should-ing” on ourselves and others? The cognitive distortion of "should statements" is a type of thinking pattern in which we have rigid and inflexible beliefs about how things ought to be or how people should behave. These statements often involve words like "should," "must," or "ought to."


"Should statements" can be both self-directed and directed toward others. When we use them on ourselves, we set unrealistic expectations and place unnecessary pressure on ourselves. For example, saying "I should always be perfect" or "I must never make mistakes" sets an impossibly high standard, leading to feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and self-criticism.

When we use "should statements" towards others, we impose our own beliefs and expectations onto them, which can strain relationships and lead to frustration or disappointment when our expectations aren't met.

The problem with "should statements" is that they create a gap between how things are and how we think they should be. This can generate feelings of guilt, shame, or dissatisfaction, as well as contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.

How to Tame it: To address the negative impact of "should statements," it can be helpful to:

  • Challenge the "shoulds": Examine your beliefs and question whether they are realistic or fair. Consider alternative perspectives or possibilities.
    • Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Recognize that nobody is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes or have limitations.
      • Set realistic expectations: Focus on setting achievable goals and standards that align with your values and capabilities.
        • Foster flexibility: Embrace flexibility and adaptability in your thinking. Recognize that life is often unpredictable and that it's okay for things to deviate from your expectations.
          • Practice mindfulness: Stay present and non-judgmental, observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Mindfulness can help you become aware of "should statements" as they arise and enable you to let them go.

          • Remember, it takes time and effort to change cognitive patterns, so be patient and kind to yourself as you work on replacing "should statements" with more constructive and compassionate ways of thinking.

            Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical or psychological advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.





            ...more
            View all episodesView all episodes
            Download on the App Store

            Monkey Mind TamerBy icoachflow