Being, Doing, Having

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more what they want, so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."
--Margaret Young, American entertainer, 1920's

Ever notice those among us who don’t seem to have to work that hard to do well in their jobs or to be good leaders or successful business owners? They appear comfortable in their own skin and pleasantly confident about the roles they’ve chosen in life. They aren’t struggling or trying. They’re simply caught up in the “being” instead of the “doing”.

Here’s what I’ve determined about them so far:
They know without a doubt what their chosen path is and take full responsibility for it.
They expect and plan for positive outcomes.
They speak with firm, affirmative language as if there is no other way.
They don’t make excuses or apologies – they don’t have to because they’re doing what they’re meant to do.
They are content with whatever they have right now. If they aspire to have something better, a job, car, house, etc., you don’t hear them talking about it – they’ve probably got a plan in place and know they’ll have whatever it is soon enough.
They have a good balance of work and play in their lives.
When they receive a complement, they are genuinely appreciative and somewhat surprised that there is anything out of the ordinary about them.

What I especially admire about these people is that they dwell in the present, not the past or the future. For example, no matter who they are talking with, that other person has their full attention. When they’re on a project, those related tasks have their complete energy. When they are on vacation, they’re really on vacation without any distractions. They are fully present.

Who do you know with these traits? Your boss, a co-worker, teacher or community leader? Take some time this week to notice what makes this remarkable group of people tick. Or pick one of my observations above and implement it into your life. Perhaps you are already one of these people who’s gotten off that treadmill of “doing” and spends more time “being”. Keep on being. The rest of us will watch, take notes, and eventually catch up.

Shakti Gawain, best-selling author and teacher, says it this way: “When I’m trusting and being myself, everything in my life reflects this by falling into place easily, often miraculously.”