Shift from a “Should” Mindset to a “Could” Mindset

We’re officially in the 2nd half of 2025 - how’s your year going so far? Before you panic about those January goals you haven’t hit yet, take a breath. There’s still time, especially if you start shifting from thinking about what you should do to what you could do.  

Tanya Jones, our Director of Talent Acquisition, recently had the opportunity to hear Dan Pink give a keynote address on shifting perspectives and staying focused where there is so much negative news happening around the world. One of Pink’s points focused on the “could” mindset - keeping an open mind about the possibilities around you, instead of being mired down by all the things society says you should be doing. 

We’ve talked before about using SMART goals to ensure your goals are clear and attainable. But what happens when your goals stall or need to shift with changing priorities? It’s easy to get stuck in the “should” mindset - I should be working on that, I should be focused over there. Add in a constant barrage of media images of who we should be and what we should care about, and it’s easy to lose sight of all that you could accomplish. When you’re stuck in the cycle of a “should” mindset, goals often feel like pass-or-fail tests of your worth. 

A “could” mindset - or what some call a growth mindset - reframes goals as opportunities for learning, experimentation, and progress rather than proof of your value. How can you make the shift toward Could versus Should? 

1. Catch and reframe your internal language. When you notice yourself saying, “I should be better at public speaking,” rephrase it to “I could become a better public speaker with practice.” That small word change opens possibility and reduces the intimidation of the goal.

2. Identify your roadblocks. When you look back at each day, identify ways you are wasting time or are distracted from your goals. Make a list on a sticky note that’s prominently visible in your area, focusing on eliminating one of those distractions each day from your routine. A well-placed reminder can get you back on track when you are getting stuck.

3. Set task-focused goals alongside outcome goals. Motivation comes from making progress in meaningful work, so checking off smaller tasks will build confidence through measurable progress and decrease fear of failure because reaching your goal isn’t tied to a single outcome.

4. Be open to trying. Commit to testing small changes: attend one networking event, take a 30-minute online class, or ask for feedback on one presentation. These experiments remove pressure, create quick wins, and train your brain to view goals as areas of curiosity and growth rather than judgment.

When you shift from a “should” mindset to a “could” mindset, your goals become stepping stones, not stumbling blocks, and your confidence grows with every attempt. Remember: you are not defined by where you start, but by your willingness to learn, adapt, and keep going. Habits take time and consistency to develop - and each person develops habits at a different speed. Be gentle with yourself if you slip back to “should” - the more consistently you practice, the easier “could” will seem. 

What’s one “should” you’re ready to reframe into a “could” today?