Have you ever felt stuck, like you’re running on a hamster wheel but not getting anywhere? You’re not alone. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking we need to have something before we can do or be what we want. But what if I told you there’s a mindset shift that could change everything? Enter the Be-Do-Have mindset. It’s time to flip the script and step into a life of abundance.
This powerful approach isn’t about waiting for success to come to you; it’s about becoming the person who attracts success. Ready to transform your life? Let’s dive in and explore how the Be-Do-Have mindset can work for you.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Be-Do-Have Mindset
The Be-Do-Have mindset is a powerful framework that can transform your approach to achieving success and abundance in life. Unlike the conventional Have-Do-Be approach, this mindset flips the script, encouraging you to first embody the person you want to become.
“Be” the Person You Want to Become: Start by visualizing your ideal self. What qualities and mindset does this person possess? 1Confidence? Discipline? Focus? Embody these traits now, rather than waiting for external circumstances to change. By adopting this “as it” mentality, you’re setting the stage for profound personal growth.
“Do” the Actions Aligned with Your Vision: Once you’ve embraced your ideal identity, it’s time to take aligned action. What habits and behaviors would the person you want to engage in? Create a clear plan, breaking down your big vision into smaller, actionable steps.
Remember, success often disguises itself as hard work—enjoy the challenge!
“Have” the Results You Desire: The results will naturally follow as you consistently embody your ideal self and take aligned actions. This approach creates a sustainable path to success, allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. By focusing on personal growth and intentional action, you’re setting yourself up for lasting abundance in all areas of life.
The Power of Focusing on “Be” First—Becoming the Right Person
When it comes to achieving abundance in life, it’s crucial to start with the “be” in the Be-Do-Have mindset. This means focusing on shaping your identity and mindset before anything else. By becoming the right person first, you set the foundation for everything that follows.
Focusing on what you want in life rather than what you don’t want can powerfully impact your thoughts, choices, and experiences. When you ask yourself, “Who do I need to be to achieve my goals?” you’re directing your energy towards positive, abundant outcomes.
One effective way to shape your identity is through self-exploration. The power of focusing, as described in Ann Weiser Cornell’s book, teaches a gentle yet powerful skill for self-discovery. By tapping into your body’s wisdom, you can make positive changes in your life and become the person you need to be to achieve abundance.
Remember, focusing on “being” isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth, self-awareness, and aligning your identity with your goals. By prioritizing who you are becoming, you’ll naturally start doing the right things and having the results you desire.
How the “Be” aspect helps
The “Be” aspect is the foundation of the Be-Do-Have mindset. It’s about cultivating the mindset, identity, and belief system of the person you want to become. This inner work lays the groundwork for taking aligned action and ultimately achieving your desired outcomes.
When you embody the “be” aspect, you shift your focus from external circumstances to internal growth. You begin to see yourself as already possessing the qualities and characteristics of your successful future self. This mindset shift is powerful because it shapes your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
For example, if you want to be a confident public speaker, you might start by embodying the confidence, poise, and presence of a skilled orator. This could involve practices like positive self-talk, visualization exercises, and adopting the body language of a confident speaker. As you align your inner state with your desired identity, you’ll naturally begin to take actions that reflect that identity, such as seeking out public speaking opportunities or joining a Toastmasters club.
The “be” aspect also helps you cultivate the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and setbacks. When you truly embody the mindset of a successful person, you’re less likely to be derailed by challenges or temporary failures. Instead, you’ll view them as opportunities for growth and learning, maintaining an unwavering commitment to your goals.
Ultimately, the “be” aspect serves as a powerful foundation for personal transformation. By aligning your mindset and identity with your desired outcomes, you create a strong internal drive that propels you forward, making the “do” and “have” aspects more achievable and sustainable. You get over fear, doubt, and resistance.
When you adopt a “be” mindset, you’re cultivating a growth mentality that views challenges as opportunities. Instead of seeing your abilities as fixed, you recognize that you can develop and improve through effort and learning. This shift in perspective helps you overcome fear and doubt by reframing failures as stepping stones to success.
“Focus on the process, not just the outcome.”
By embodying the “Be” aspect, you learn to value the journey as much as the destination. Concentrating on skill development and execution rather than fixating solely on results reduces pressure and anxiety. This approach allows you to embrace the learning process, making it easier to push through resistance and self-doubt.
The “Be” mindset encourages you to build inner strength and confidence. By accepting that resistance is a natural part of growth, you can view fear as a sign of progress rather than a roadblock. This perspective shift empowers you to take consistent action, even in small steps, building trust in yourself and your abilities over time.
Remember, overcoming fear, doubt, and resistance is an ongoing process. By embracing the “Be” aspect, you’re equipping yourself with the tools to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger on the other side.
Examples of Personal Transformation
From Struggling Artist to Successful Entrepreneur: You’ve probably heard stories of overnight success, but real transformation often starts from within. Take Sarah, a struggling artist who dreamed of running her own gallery. Instead of waiting for success to find her, she decided to embody the mindset of a successful entrepreneur. She started networking like a pro, managing her finances meticulously, and treating her art as a business. Within two years, Sarah opened her gallery and now represents dozens of artists.
The Corporate Climber Who Became a Motivational Speaker: Consider Mark, a mid-level manager who felt stuck in his career. He realized that to achieve his dream of becoming a motivational speaker, he needed to shift his mindset first. Mark began by embodying the confidence and charisma of successful speakers. He volunteered to lead presentations at work and joined Toastmasters. As his skills and reputation grew, speaking opportunities followed. Today, Mark inspires thousands with his talks on personal growth.
A Weight Loss Journey That Started with Self-Love: Weight loss journeys often focus on doing and having, but Jenny’s story is different. She struggled with yo-yo dieting for years until she adopted a “be-do-Have” approach. Jenny began by treating herself with the love and respect she’d give to her ideal self. This mindset shift led to sustainable habits like joyful movement and nourishing meals. Jenny not only reached her goal weight but also maintained it, inspiring others with her transformation journey on TikTok.
The Importance of “Do”: Taking Aligned Action
What Does “Do” Mean? In the Be-Do-Have mindset, “Do” is all about taking aligned action. It’s not just about doing anything; it’s about doing the right things that align with your goals and the person you want to become. According to a study, businesses that adopt this proactive approach are 50% more likely to survive their first five years.
So, what does this look like in practice? It means identifying and consistently performing the daily habits, routines, and behaviors of your successful future self. For example, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you might
- Work consistently on your business, even when it’s challenging
- Seek out new opportunities and learn from failures
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your goals
Remember, knowing what to do is often straightforward, but the real challenge lies in consistently taking those actions. It’s about bridging the gap between who you are now and who you want to become.2
Taking aligned action is crucial because it puts your new mindset and identity into practice. It’s not enough to simply think about who you want to be; you need to act like that person, too. This consistency and commitment, even in the face of challenges, is what ultimately leads to achieving your goals.
As Theodore Roosevelt wisely said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” This approach shifts your focus from external conditions to internal growth, fostering a proactive approach. to life and business. By taking aligned action, you’re not just hoping for success—you’re actively creating it.
Examples of Action-Based Transformation
When it comes to personal growth, actions speak louder than words. Let’s explore how aligned actions can lead to real progress and momentum, rather than just spinning your wheels without clarity.
The Power of Showing Up: Sometimes, the most transformative action is simply showing up. Instead of trying to psych yourself up, just take that first step. Whether it’s hitting the gym, making an important phone call, or attending a networking event, physical action often precedes mental readiness. Remember, you don’t need to feel motivated to start—starting creates motivation.
Consistency Breeds Results: Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent, aligned actions over time. Establish a daily routine that reinforces your desired outcomes. This might include visualization exercises, skill-building activities, or working towards specific goals. By taking small, intentional steps each day, you build momentum and create lasting change.
Embracing Discomfort for Growth: True transformation often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Adopt a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, lean into them. Each time you face a fear or overcome an obstacle, you’re actively reshaping your mindset and capabilities.
Remember, transformation is a journey, not a destination. By focusing on aligned actions and embracing the process, you’ll create meaningful change in your life and step into a world of new possibilities.
Achieving “Have”: The Results You Desire
When it comes to achieving the results you desire, it’s all about aligning your actions with your aspirations. The “Be-Do-Have” principle suggests that instead of fixating on what you lack, focus on who you want to become and what you need to do to get there. By first engaging your deepest desires, you activate the part of your brain responsible for planning and executing the necessary actions.
The Power of Visualization: Imagine yourself as the person who already has the success you’re aiming for. How does that version of you feel? What are their values and behaviors? By visualizing this ideal self, you’re setting the stage for real transformation. This isn’t just daydreaming’s a powerful tool for reprogramming your mindset and aligning your beliefs with your desired identity.
Taking Consistent Action: Now that you’ve envisioned your ideal self, it’s time to take action. Identify the habits and behaviors of the person you want to become, and start incorporating them into your daily life. This might mean stepping out of your comfort zone, but remember, growth often lies just beyond that threshold.
Overcoming Obstacles: On your journey to “having,” you’ll likely encounter internal obstacles like self-limiting beliefs and fears. Acknowledge these challenges, but don’t let them derail you. Instead, use them as opportunities for growth and reflection. With each obstacle you overcome, you’re one step closer to manifesting the life you desire.
What to Expect After Implementing the Be-Do-Have Mindset
Increased Self-Awareness and Empowerment: When you adopt the Be-Do-Have mindset, you’ll likely experience a surge in self-awareness. This newfound clarity will help you align your actions with your core values, leading to more intentional decision-making. You’ll feel empowered to set meaningful goals that truly resonate with who you are, rather than chasing after what you think you should want.
Improved Resilience and Problem Solving: As you embrace this mindset, you’ll notice a shift in how you approach challenges. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, you’ll view them as opportunities for growth and learning. This resilience will serve you well in all areas of life, helping you bounce back stronger from any obstacles you encounter.
Sustainable Progress and Achievement: One of the most exciting outcomes of the Be-Do-Have mindset is the sustainable progress you’ll make towards your goals. By focusing on who you need to be to achieve your desires rather than just what you need to do, you’ll create lasting change. You’ll find yourself naturally taking actions that align with your vision, making your journey towards success feel more effortless and enjoyable.
Like-Positive Ripple Effect: As you transform your mindset, you’ll likely notice a positive impact on those around you. Your newfound clarity and purpose can be infectious, inspiring others to adopt a similar approach. This ripple effect can lead to improved relationships, both personal and professional, as you attract like-minded individuals who share your growth-oriented outlook.
How the Be-Do-Have Mindset Differs from Have-Do-Be
The traditional Have-Do-Be mindset has long been the go-to approach for many people seeking success and fulfillment. This perspective emphasizes external achievements or possessions as the key to becoming a certain type of person. You might think, “Once I have that promotion, I’ll be able to do more important work, and then I’ll be a successful professional.”
But here’s the thing: this approach often leads to frustration and burnout. Why? Because you’re constantly chasing external validation, waiting for the right circumstances to align before you can take action or feel fulfilled.
The Limitations of Have-Do-Be
- It puts your success in the hands of external factors
- It can lead to a constant state of “not enough.”
- It may cause you to delay taking meaningful action
According to Eagle Training, the Have-Do-Be mindset assumes that if you first “have” the material goods or external achievements, then you can “do” the necessary actions, and only then will you “be” the person you want to be. This approach can leave you feeling powerless and stuck in a cycle of waiting for the right conditions.
In contrast, the Be-Do-Have mindset flips the script. It suggests that you first need to be the person you want to become, and then you’ll naturally do the actions that align with that identity, which will allow you to have the desired outcomes. This approach is more empowering because it focuses on personal transformation and proactive behavior rather than waiting for external circumstances to change.
By adopting this mindset, you’re taking control of your journey and setting yourself up for lasting success and fulfillment.
Mindset Blocks and How to Break Through Them
Implementing the Be-Do-Have mindset can be challenging due to several common mindset blocks. These blocks often stem from societal conditioning, self-limiting beliefs, or fear of change. Below are some of the most common mindset blocks and the psychological theories and personal development principles behind them:
1. Belief in the “Have-Do-Be” Model
Many individuals are conditioned to believe that they must have something before they can do something, and only then will they become the person they wish to be. This is the traditional mindset ingrained in most people by societal expectations and external reward systems (referenced in books like The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle or Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill).
- Overcoming It: The Be-Do-Have model encourages starting with the Be—adopting the mindset of the person you want to become first. Once this is achieved, aligned actions (the Do) will naturally follow, and success (the Have) will manifest. This shift is discussed in numerous works on personal development and mindfulness, such as The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
2. Fear of Inadequacy or Imposter Syndrome
Fear of not being “enough” to step into the identity you desire can create significant barriers. This is known as Imposter Syndrome, which was popularized by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in their 1978 research (Clance & Imes, The Impostor Phenomenon). Individuals may feel they must first achieve success before they can “be” the person they want to become.
- Overcoming It: Embrace the notion that you are already worthy of your goals, and step into the identity of the person you wish to become. This mindset shift is supported in books like You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.
3. Lack of Clarity on Who You Want to Be
Without a clear understanding of who you want to be or what your values are, it’s hard to align your actions with your goals. This lack of clarity often leads to confusion, inaction, and a failure to move forward (discussed in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey).
- Overcoming It: Clarify your vision and identity by engaging in practices like meditation, journaling, or visualization (as suggested by The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer). Becoming the person you aspire to be is the first step to achieving your goals.
4. Limiting Beliefs About Self-Worth
Limiting beliefs about your worthiness can prevent you from taking the necessary actions to reach your goals. This type of mental block is commonly explored in The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach.
- Overcoming It: Recognize that your self-worth is not tied to external achievements. Begin to internalize the belief that you are enough as you are and take action from that place of worthiness. This practice is integral to the Be-Do-Have mindset and can be reinforced through self-compassion exercises found in books like Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
5. Fear of Failure or Success
Fear of failure is a major hurdle in personal growth, often rooted in past experiences or societal pressures (covered in Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers). Similarly, fear of the responsibilities that come with success can also create self-sabotage.
- Overcoming It: Change your perception of fear, seeing it as a natural part of growth. Embrace the discomfort of stepping out of your comfort zone. Works like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield provide strategies to work through creative and personal resistance.
6. Unclear or Misaligned Values
If your values are unclear or misaligned with your actions, it can be difficult to take consistent action toward your goals. This misalignment often leads to frustration and a lack of motivation. Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People discusses the importance of values in creating a balanced life.
- Overcoming It: Clarify and align your values with your actions. The Be-Do-Have mindset requires a strong foundation of authenticity and purpose, as discussed in works like The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren and Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
7. Lack of Patience
Many people expect instant results and struggle with patience during the process of growth. This impatience often stems from societal conditioning to seek immediate gratification, as discussed in The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel.
- Overcoming It: Understand that personal growth and success take time. Trust in the Be-Do-Have process and allow space for slow and steady progress. Books like The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy and Deep Work by Cal Newport offer insights on the power of sustained effort.
How to Break Them:
You might not realize it, but your mindset could be holding you back from living a life of abundance. A scarcity mindset is a common culprit, making you believe there’s never enough to go around. This negative thinking pattern focuses on what you lack rather than the opportunities available to you. Take a moment to reflect: Do you often find yourself thinking, “I’ll never have enough,” or “I’m not good enough”? These are telltale signs of mindset blocks.
Breaking through these blocks isn’t easy, but it’s certainly possible. The key is to cultivate an abundance mindset—a positive outlook that focuses on growth and opportunity. Start by practicing gratitude daily. Acknowledge the good things in your life, no matter how small. This simple act can dramatically shift your perspective.
Next, challenge your limiting beliefs. When a negative thought crops up, reframe it in a positive light. For instance, instead of thinking “I’ll never succeed,” try “I can learn and grow.” Surround yourself with abundance-minded people, as their positivity can be contagious.
Finally, take inspired action towards your goals. Even small steps can create momentum and help you break through those stubborn mindset blocks. Remember, abundance is a state of mind, and it’s within your reach.
Practical Steps to Apply the Be-Do-Have Mindset
The journey starts with a deep understanding of who you want to be, which then shapes the actions you take and ultimately leads to the life you create. Remember, consistency is the secret to lasting transformation.
1. Identify Your Ideal Self
The first step in applying the Be-Do-Have mindset is to define your ideal self — the person you aspire to become. Spend time reflecting on what values, traits, and characteristics define this ideal version of you. What does this person believe in? How do they behave, think, and make decisions?
Practical Exercise:
- Journaling: Write down a detailed description of your ideal self. Include traits you admire in others and qualities that align with your long-term goals.
- Vision Board: Create a visual representation of your ideal self by collecting images, quotes, or symbols that represent who you want to become.
- Reflection: Think about the people you admire and why. What specific qualities do they have that you can incorporate into your life?
This step is foundational because it helps you clarify the type of person you need to “be” in order to achieve your goals.
2. Align Your Actions
Once you’ve defined your ideal self, it’s time to align your actions with that identity. Ask yourself, “What daily actions and habits would this person take?” Consider the behaviors that would help you embody the values and traits of your ideal self. This step ensures that your actions are consistent with the person you are becoming, not just the goals you wish to achieve.
Practical Exercise:
- Behavioral Mapping: Identify 3–5 key behaviors or habits that your ideal self would engage in daily. For example, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you might identify habits like waking up early, exercising, prioritizing work, networking, or continuous learning.
- Action Plan: Write a list of these behaviors and then create a schedule or action plan for how to integrate them into your daily life.
- Role Modeling: Research how successful people in your desired field operate. What does their day look like? How do they spend their time? This will provide practical insight into the behaviors you need to adopt.
By aligning your actions with your ideal identity, you create momentum toward becoming the person you want to be.
3. Embrace the ‘As If’ Principle
A powerful principle in the Be-Do-Have mindset is to act “as if” you’ve already achieved your goals. This involves embodying the behaviors, mindset, and attitudes of the person you want to become right now. If you were already living your dream life, how would you carry yourself? How would you make decisions and interact with others?
Practical Exercise:
- Visualization: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself as your ideal self. Imagine how you would feel, what you would do, and how you would carry yourself.
- ‘As If’ Actions: Start acting “as if” in small ways. For instance, if you want to be a confident public speaker, practice speaking confidently in small group settings. If you want to be a healthy eater, start making better food choices today, even if your goal is long-term.
- Affirmations: Use affirmations to reinforce your new identity. For example, “I am a successful entrepreneur, and I make decisions with clarity and confidence.”
This mindset shift helps you tap into the energy of your future self and brings you closer to manifesting the life you want.
4. Take Consistent Action
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. The key to the Be-Do-Have mindset is consistency. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and focus on taking consistent action. Even when obstacles like procrastination or self-doubt arise, commit to taking action every day, no matter how small.
Practical Exercise:
- Goal Breakdown: Take one of your larger goals and break it into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, break it down into writing 500 words a day, outlining the chapters, or setting aside specific time each week for writing.
- Time Blocking: Create a daily or weekly schedule to ensure you’re consistently working on your action plan. Include time for review and reflection.
- Accountability: Find an accountability partner or mentor who can check in on your progress and help keep you on track.
Overcoming procrastination and making steady progress is the key to turning your dreams into reality. Remember, every small step you take brings you closer to becoming the person you aspire to be.
Conclusion
In summary, embracing the Be-Do-Have mindset involves first focusing on your internal state, taking aligned actions, and trusting that the results will follow. Each of the mindset blocks mentioned here can be overcome by drawing on principles found in leading personal development literature. By working through these challenges, you can create lasting change in both your mindset and your life.
References
- The Be, Do, Have Mindset by Paul Wadsworth The Be, Do, Have Mindset – Intra Lifestyle ↩︎
- The Be, Do, Have Method – An Essential Mindset to Achieve Your Goals by Chelsea Arns February 4, 2022 ↩︎
“If this mindset spoke to you, start today. Who do you need to become—and what’s one action you’ll take now?”
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