http://vitals.lifehacker.com/focus-on-what-you-can-do-not-what-you-should-do-1720078724
You know those moments when you’ve gobbled up an entire pizza and you mutter, with sauce still dribbling down your lips, “I shoulda ate only one slice?” But you didn’t, and the regret of bygone decisions only further undermines your drive to achieve your health goals. Here’s how you can pick yourself up, stop worrying about what you should’ve done, and focus on what you can do.
Stop Playing the "Should Game"
The "should game" is the habit of dwelling on past actions with regret. It's the voice in your head that says, "I should have gone to the gym," or "I should have eaten a salad instead of a burger." This mindset is counterproductive because it focuses on what you can't change, leading to a negative mental state that undermines your motivation.
Start Playing the "Can Game"
Instead of focusing on what you "should" have done, the article advises shifting your focus to what you "can do" right now. The "can game" is about taking positive, forward-looking action, no matter how small. For example, instead of beating yourself up about skipping a workout, you can say, "I can go for a walk right now," or "I can make a healthy choice for my next meal." This empowers you to make progress and stay on track with your goals.
Accept Imperfection and Practice Self-Awareness
It's important to accept that you won't always make perfect choices. Being human means you will sometimes slip up. The key is to develop self-awareness to recognize when you're playing the "should game" and consciously switch to the "can game." This allows you to acknowledge your choices without letting them derail your progress. This principle can be applied not just to health and fitness, but to many areas of life.