Episode Summary: Becker Business – “I Get to Do This” vs. “I Have to Do This” (September 26, 2025)

Overview

In this episode of the Becker Business Podcast, host Scott Becker reflects on the power of perspective in work and life, emphasizing a shift from the mindset of “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” Drawing from a recent speaking engagement, he explores how gratitude and attitude transform challenges into privileges, sharing personal insights into motivation, preparation, and the value of opportunities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Mindset

• Scott opens by explaining the theme: reframing tasks—from feeling obligated (“have to”) to feeling privileged (“get to”).
  • “This is the reminder I give myself… that I have to be so thankful that I get to do it versus I have to do this.” [00:05]

Case in Point: The Iowa City Speaking Engagement

• Scott recounts his recent invitation to speak at a health symposium in Iowa City, highlighting both the effort required and the honor involved.

  • “I drove to Iowa City to give this speech…What a great privilege to be asked to do so.” [00:23]

• Details about the journey:

  • 250-mile drive each way
  • Staying at the Graduate Hotel in Iowa
  • Dinner with trusted colleagues

• Preparation and challenges:

  • Motivation can be a hurdle, especially for public speaking.
  • “For me, giving public speeches…requires a handful of cups of coffee and caffeine to make sure I’m able to be on that day and speak for the audience and not embarrass myself.” [00:41]
  • The trade-off: feeling drained the following day.

The Balancing Act: Work, Privilege, and Self-Talk

• Balances the hard work involved (travel, preparation, performance anxiety) with the opportunities and rewards.
  • “There’s pluses and minuses. But as I go to talk this morning… I have to again remind myself and almost pinch myself that people ask me to do this.” [01:18]
  • “Notwithstanding sort of the wear and tear on oneself…[there’s] the need to find the right mindset and attitude to do that public speaking.” [01:43]
• The “reminder to oneself” theme recurs: the act of reframing a demanding event as a privilege rather than a chore.

Enjoying the Moment & Expressing Gratitude

• Scott emphasizes savoring the reality that he’s entrusted to inform and engage with others.
  • “I end up speaking for an hour and 10, 15 minutes, took questions for 15, 30 minutes, met with some brilliant people, so thankful for the opportunity again that constant need to remind oneself—I get to do this first, I have to do this.” [01:58]
• He closes with gratitude both for the chance personally and for his audience.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mindset:
  “I have to be so thankful that I get to do it versus I have to do this.” – Scott Becker [00:05]
• On Preparation and Nerves:
  “For me giving public speeches…and you can’t understate this, is that requires a handful of cups of coffee and caffeine to make sure I’m able to be on that day and speak for the audience and not embarrass myself.” – Scott Becker [00:41]
• On Opportunity and Gratitude:
  “As I go to talk this morning and there’s 200 people listening… I have to again remind myself and almost pinch myself that people ask me to do this…” – Scott Becker [01:18]
• On Reframing Challenges:
  “It’s again my reminder to myself whenever I’m doing something a little hard…but that is such a privilege that I get to do this.” – Scott Becker [01:51]
• Closing Reflection:
  “So thankful for the opportunity again—that constant need to remind oneself, I get to do this first, I have to do this.” – Scott Becker [01:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:05] Main theme introduction: Shifting perspective from “have to” to “get to”
• [00:23] Story of the Iowa City speaking engagement
• [00:41] The preparation and nerves involved in public speaking
• [01:18] Benefits and challenges of the experience; meeting brilliant people
• [01:51] The personal mantra of gratitude amid hard work
• [01:58] Recap of the event and main takeaway

Tone and Closing

Scott Becker’s tone is reflective, humble, and practical, encouraging listeners to approach life’s professional demands with gratitude and perspective. The episode is concise, relatable, and underscores his appreciation for opportunities in his business career.

For listeners:
If you’re facing daunting tasks, consider Scott’s perspective—remind yourself what you “get to do,” and find gratitude in the challenge.