Introduction
What if I told you that success isn’t just about working harder, setting goals, or even having the right connections? It’s about being the kind of person who naturally attracts what you want. This is the core of the Be Do Have mindset, a philosophy that flips traditional thinking on its head.
Most people focus on what they need to have—money, influence, or recognition—thinking that if they get these things, they’ll be able to do the right actions and finally be successful. But the truth is, it works the other way around. Success comes when you first decide who you need to be, which then leads to the right actions you need to do, and eventually to having the results you want. This mindset isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s backed by real stories, hard work, and a deeper understanding of how we tick as humans.
Let’s dive into how you can start applying the Be Do Have mindset in your life and finally unlock the results you’ve been chasing.
What is the Be Do Have Mindset?
Understanding the Three Elements
At its heart, the Be Do Have mindset starts with you—who you are. Think of it as the foundation of a house. If the foundation isn’t solid, no matter how much work you put into the structure, it’ll crumble. When you begin by focusing on being the person you need to be, the rest falls into place.
Let’s break it down:
- Be: This is your identity. It’s how you see yourself, the beliefs you hold about what’s possible, and the energy you bring into the world.
- Do: The actions you take flow naturally from the person you are. When you’re being the right person, you won’t need to push yourself as hard to take action. It’ll feel almost automatic.
- Have: These are the results you achieve. The having is a byproduct of the first two. It’s the reward for being and doing things in alignment with your goals.
Most people get this backward. They think, “If I have more time, I’ll do more, and then I’ll be successful.” But if you start by being the person who values their time and takes charge of their schedule, you’ll naturally do the things that lead to having more time and success.
How the Be Do Have Mindset Differs from Traditional Thinking
In traditional goal-setting, the focus is often on the have. For example, “I’ll be happy when I have a million dollars,” or “I’ll feel confident when I have a promotion.” But what if you could flip that and start feeling confident today? What if you could start being the person who’s already on the path to that promotion?
This mindset isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s practical psychology. A study by Harvard Business Review found that people who identify with their goals, rather than just seeing them as distant markers, are 60% more likely to achieve them. The key is to become the person you need to be right now.
Why Start with “Be”?
The Power of Identity and Self-Belief
Everything starts with who you are. Identity is the engine that powers action. If you don’t see yourself as a healthy person, for instance, no amount of meal prepping or gym memberships will make it stick. You’ll find ways to sabotage your progress because it’s not aligned with who you believe you are.
Look at someone like J.K. Rowling. Before becoming a best-selling author, she was a writer in her heart, long before she had any books published. She wrote because that’s who she was—not because she was hoping to “become” an author someday. When you start with being, you naturally gravitate toward the actions that reinforce that identity.
Cultivating the Right Mindset
So, how do you cultivate the mindset you need? Start with small, daily habits that reinforce who you want to become. Want to be a more organized person? Begin by cleaning your workspace every day, even if it’s just for five minutes. The act of doing this consistently will shift how you see yourself.
Here’s an example: Jim Rohn once said, “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction.” That’s the essence of the Be Do Have mindset—tiny shifts in who you are lead to massive results over time. It’s like planting a seed. You don’t expect it to grow into a tree overnight, but with the right care, it will.
The Role of “Do” in the Be Do Have Mindset
Taking Action Based on Your Identity
Once you become the person who aligns with your goals, the next step is to do the actions that match. You’re not just checking off boxes; you’re taking intentional, aligned steps toward your desired outcome. If your goal is to be a successful entrepreneur, it’s not just about hustling every day—it’s about making decisions as though you’re already the CEO of your business.
Consider this: In 2019, a study showed that 92% of people who set New Year’s resolutions fail because their actions don’t align with their identity. The problem? They’re trying to do without first being the type of person who naturally succeeds. They’re taking action out of obligation, not from a place of authenticity.
Overcoming Procrastination and Fear
Procrastination is often a symptom of identity misalignment. When you’re afraid to act, it’s usually because you don’t believe you are the person capable of succeeding. Fear loves to hang out in the gap between who you are and who you want to be. But when you focus on being first, you shrink that gap, and the fear starts to fade.
So, what’s the trick to getting started? Don’t wait until you feel ready. Begin with small, manageable tasks that push you toward who you want to become. Take one action today that scares you just a little. It’s like working out: the more you do it, the easier it gets.
How “Have” Naturally Follows
Results as a Byproduct of Mindset and Actions
The beauty of the Be Do Have mindset is that the have naturally follows. Once you start being the person who takes the right actions, results are inevitable. It’s like a magnet. When you’re in alignment, opportunities, success, and the things you desire are naturally drawn to you.
Look at Elon Musk. He didn’t wait to have billions of dollars before starting SpaceX or Tesla. He started by being the kind of person who could take on huge challenges. His actions followed suit, and now he has more success than most of us could imagine. The key? His results were a byproduct of being and doing, not the other way around.
The Impact of Gratitude and Abundance Thinking
Here’s a little-known secret about success: Gratitude speeds it up. When you start being grateful for where you are and what you have, you open the door for more. Gratitude shifts your focus from scarcity—what you don’t have—to abundance. It rewires your brain to expect more good things, which, according to neuroscience, actually makes you more likely to achieve them.
Start your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. It’s a simple practice, but it’ll transform your mindset from “I need more” to “I already have enough.” Ironically, this is often the moment when more starts showing up.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Focusing Too Much on the “Have”
One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on the have. They become obsessed with the results and forget about the journey. When you’re too focused on the outcome, it’s easy to get discouraged if things don’t happen right away. But remember, the have is a byproduct of the be and the do.
Think of it like gardening. If you spend all your time checking to see if your plants are growing, you’ll miss the joy of nurturing them. Focus on being the gardener who enjoys the process of planting, watering, and caring for your garden, and the flowers will bloom naturally.
Conclusion
Success isn’t about what you have—it’s about who you are. When you embrace the Be Do Have mindset, you shift your focus from chasing outcomes to becoming the person who naturally creates them. Start with being, take aligned action, and watch as the results follow.
Try it for a week. Focus on being the person you want to become and see how your actions and results change. The transformation will surprise you.
