Becker Business Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Shifting from “I Have To” to “I Get To”
Host: Scott Becker
Date: August 21, 2025

Overview of Main Theme

In this succinct solo episode, Scott Becker explores the mindset shift from seeing daily responsibilities and obligations as things one “has to” do, to opportunities one is “lucky to get to” do. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, Scott advocates for reframing even mundane or challenging tasks as privileges, emphasizing gratitude and positive perspective in business and life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The “I Get To” Mindset

• Framing Responsibilities:
  Scott opens with the essential idea: viewing obligations as privileges.

  “Everything should be ‘I get to do this.’” (00:06)

• Business Example:
  As he prepares to deliver a keynote on ambulatory surgery center trends—a field he began his career in over 35 years ago—Scott underscores that longevity in any field, and continued opportunities to contribute, should be met with gratitude.

  “I am lucky to get to do this, versus ‘I have to do this.’ … 36 years into the career, I have to look at it as so thankful that people want me to speak and to be here.” (00:44)

2. Application in Personal Life

• Scott illustrates the mindset beyond business:

  “I get to take care of six children, not I have to take care of six children.” (01:08)

• He humorously applies it even to daily health routines:

  “I’ll try and go as far as to say I get to drink 80 ounces a day to keep myself healthy. I’m not sure if I can get there, but I’m going to try versus I have to.” (01:22)

3. Daily Reminder and Reframing

• The episode serves as a nudge to flip daily language from obligation to privilege.
• Scott acknowledges not everything is easy to reframe, but encouragement and gratitude go a long way toward satisfaction and fulfillment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On opportunity vs. obligation:

  “That’s today’s reminder: that everything ought to be framed as much as possible as ‘I get to do this’ versus ‘I have to do this.’" (01:01)

• Humor in healthy habits:

  “I’ll try and go as far as to say I get to drink 80 ounces of day to keep myself healthy. I’m not sure if I could get there… but I’m going to try versus I have to.” (01:22)

• Parting words of gratitude:

  “Thank you for listening to the Becker Business Podcast, the Becker Private Equity Podcast. We are so thrilled to be here. Thank you, very, very much.” (01:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06 – Introduction and theme: “I get to” vs. “I have to”
• 00:35 – Personal example: keynote at surgery center event
• 01:01 – General philosophy: reframing all obligations
• 01:08 – Application to family life: raising children
• 01:22 – Application to health: staying hydrated
• 01:39 – Closing gratitude

Overall Tone

The episode is candid, personal, and lightly humorous, with Scott’s characteristic warmth and practicality. His message is clear: gratitude transforms perspective, whether in business or at home.

For listeners looking for a quick jolt of motivation, or a reminder to appreciate rather than simply endure daily duties, this episode offers a straightforward and uplifting approach.