Michael E. Solomon

Topics of God, Life, and Technology.

Adopting the DO-BE-HAVE Mindset

Reading Time: 2 minutes

My main goal for the rest of 2025 is to shift fully into living with a “Do-Be-Have” mindset. Until now, I’ve found myself stuck in a “Have-Be-Do” pattern. I’ve thought, “If I just buy this material thing or get that resource, then I’ll become the kind of person who can finally do what I want to do.” But reality doesn’t work that way.

What I’ve learned is far more effective and powerful: the “doing” has to come first. If there’s something you’re passionate about, something aligned with your purpose or deep inner desires, start by taking action. Do the work first. As you do, you naturally begin to evolve into the person you’re meant to be. The doing itself transforms you.

Once you become that person through consistent, purposeful action, you’ll naturally start to have the things associated with that identity. This might include wisdom, respect, expertise, recognition, or even material rewards like increased income, a nicer home, and better opportunities. All of these things flow from becoming the person through action first.

The trap most people (including myself) often fall into is mixing up this order. Trying to “have” first leads to exhaustion—both financially and mentally—as you chase after things without having built the necessary foundation. If you attempt to “be” someone first, you risk living a facade, pretending to be someone you haven’t yet become through experience and effort.

The only logical and sustainable approach is to start by doing. Through consistent action, you build real value, both internally and externally. People recognize this genuine value, affirming your new identity. This process fulfills the “be” stage authentically. And from there, the “have” naturally follows.

In short, the order has to be:

  1. Do: Take consistent action aligned with your goals and purpose.
  2. Be: Allow your actions to shape your identity authentically.
  3. Have: Naturally acquire the results, recognition, and rewards that accompany your evolved identity.

Any deviation from this sequence disrupts your potential for success and drains your resources—mentally, financially, and emotionally. Stick to “Do-Be-Have,” and watch your life transform in meaningful and lasting ways.

Remember, identity is foundational. Setting appropriate expectations for yourself ensures your actions and desires align, creating genuine fulfillment and success.

2 responses to “Adopting the DO-BE-HAVE Mindset”

  1. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    ” Bible & Theology ; Optimism Is Naïve, But Pessimism Is Atheistic ” sums it up , basically. Not that I’m an atheist exactly, but this overly optimistic and we can control everything western mindset , this peculiar American mindset–christian American mindset , is kind of strange to us, Europeans. Cynical Europeans to be exact.

    1. Michael Solomon Avatar

      I think it less about optimism and control, and more about knowing where to put your time and energy to get the best return on your efforts. Start with doing, then focus on being, and everything you desire will become easier to obtain. It is my belief that this a timeless and universal strategy, so it doesn’t matter if you’re European or American. You got this Joe!

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