Life’s stage hosts two characters, “Shoulds” and “Wants”. “Wants” is the loud protagonist, seeking satisfaction on the whim. It’s the extra scoop of ice cream, the thrill of the new gadget, the lure of laziness. Alluring and vibrant, it tugs at your heart.

Meanwhile, “Shoulds” is the disciplined soldier, marching quietly in the background. It’s the biting cold run, the experience-rich unpaid internship, the fulfilling volunteer work. Grit, resilience, and high-road journeys are its essence.

“Wants” colors your life, while “Shoulds” etches depth into your character. The path of “Shoulds” isn’t easy; it’s a steady uphill climb. But it’s this journey that molds you, lifts you, transforming you into an inspiring protagonist.

This grand drama requires a balance. Lean too far one way, you risk losing sight of the other. Yet, in that subtle shift towards “Shoulds”, you craft resilience and empathy, refining you into a better person.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.