Between Passion and Obligation: The Crossroads of ‘Should’ and ‘Must

Throughout our lives, we are constantly confronted with decisions. Some of these are relatively straightforward, like choosing what to have for breakfast. Others are more complex, involving profound implications for our life’s trajectory. One such momentous decision is the choice between ‘Should’ and ‘Must’ – the crossroads we all stand at, often without even realizing it.

‘Should’ is the realm of obligations, duties, societal expectations, and external influences. It’s the job we keep because it provides financial security, the path we tread because it’s familiar, the decision we make because it pleases others. ‘Should’ isn’t inherently bad. It often keeps us grounded and supports us to maintain stability and order in our lives. However, when ‘Should’ is the sole driver of our decisions, we risk losing touch with our true selves and passions.

On the other hand, ‘Must’ is the realm of passion, intuition, and inner calling. It’s what we yearn to do when no one’s watching, the dreams we dare to dream when we let our guards down, the path that beckons us despite its uncertainty. ‘Must’ is often challenging and demands courage, but it also brings deep fulfillment and authenticity.

The crossroads of ‘Should’ and ‘Must’ is a critical juncture in our journey of personal development. Choosing ‘Should’ might lead to a life that appears successful on the outside but feels hollow on the inside. Opting for ‘Must’, however, requires us to confront our fears and uncertainties, but promises a life that aligns with our deepest desires and aspirations.

The key to navigating this crossroads is not to demonize ‘Should’ or romanticize ‘Must’. Instead, it’s about balancing these forces in a way that resonates with our unique circumstances, values, and goals. It’s about consciously acknowledging the ‘Shoulds’ that govern our lives and determining if they align with our ‘Musts’. 

This introspection is an essential step towards leading a life that is authentic and fulfilling. It involves a deep dive into self-awareness, recognizing our innermost passions, and having the courage to follow them. Moreover, it’s about embracing the fact that choosing ‘Must’ might sometimes mean breaking free from the expectations and conventions that cage us.

We all have ‘Shoulds’ and ‘Musts’ in our lives. The question is, which one are we letting steer our decisions? The road of ‘Must’ isn’t easy. It’s often laden with risks, challenges, and doubts. However, the reward at the end is a life that is true to who we are, a life that lights us up, a life that we can call our own.

Navigating the crossroads of ‘Should’ and ‘Must’ is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and authenticity. It’s a path that leads us not only towards achieving our dreams but also towards becoming more aligned with our true selves.

So, as we conclude this reflection, here’s a question for you: When was the last time you chose ‘Must’ over ‘Should’, and how did it make you feel?