You know that bone-deep exhaustion that hits you at the end of a jam-packed day? When you’ve ticked off every item on your to-do list, but somehow still feel… empty?
It’s like we’ve all become human doings instead of human beings. Always in motion, always productive, but rarely present.
We feel it in our gut – this nagging sense that something’s off. That despite all our accomplishments, we’re missing out on actually living.
It’s in those rare quiet moments when we wonder: Is this all there is? Running from one task to the next, one goal to another, always chasing but never quite catching… what, exactly?
Here’s the thing: We’re not machines designed for constant output. We’re human beings, wired for connection, reflection, and yes, simply being.
So what if we flipped the script? What if instead of measuring our value by our productivity, we valued our ability to fully inhabit a moment, to deeply connect with others, to find joy in stillness?
It’s not about abandoning our goals or responsibilities. It’s about rediscovering what it means to truly live while we pursue them.
The Doing Trap
Many of us define ourselves by our jobs, accomplishments, and social media presence. This endless cycle often leaves us stressed, burnt out, and disconnected from what truly matters.
So how can we break free from this cycle and find a more fulfilling way of living? The answer lies in shifting our mindset from doing to being.
Embracing Being
Being isn’t about becoming a meditation guru or abandoning all ambition. Being is about embracing a state of existence where one’s value is not tied to productivity or achievements. Rather than defining ourselves by our accomplishments or the roles we play in society, “being” encourages us to see our inherent value as individuals.
Benefits of Being
When we define ourselves solely by our achievements or roles, we become vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and low self-worth when we fail to meet external expectations or lose a particular role. Recognizing our inherent value provides a stable foundation for self-esteem that isn’t contingent on external factors.
Recognizing our inherent value also fosters resilience, helping us bounce back from setbacks and failures. We’re more likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to our identity. Moreover, embracing our inherent worth often leads to enhanced creativity and innovation, as we feel more comfortable taking risks and exploring new ideas without the fear of judgment or failure.
By valuing ourselves for who we are, we allow ourselves to live more authentically. We’re less likely to conform to others’ expectations or pursue paths that don’t align with our true selves.
Embracing the concept of “being” can transform our approach to life and self-worth.
Despite these benefits, shifting to a “being” mindset isn’t always easy.
The Challenge of Shifting Mindsets
Transitioning from a “doing” to a “being” mindset isn’t always easy. Our society often equates busyness with importance, and slowing down might feel uncomfortable at first. You might face resistance from others who are accustomed to your “always-on” approach. Remember, this is a gradual process, and it’s okay to take small steps.
So how can you start making this shift and incorporate “being” into your daily life? Here are some practical tips to help you embrace a more mindful and fulfilling approach.
Practical Tips for Embracing Being
Engage in Flow Activities – Find activities that absorb you completely, allowing you to lose track of time.
Maybe you discover your flow state when you write, paint, solve puzzles, garden, or engage in physical activity. You might find yourself waking up 30 minutes earlier to enjoy this activity before the day’s chaos begins, significantly improving your overall well-being.
Simplify Your Life – Declutter your physical and mental space to create room for being.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by obligations and commitments, and you decide to let go of commitments or obligations that don’t contribute to your happiness and fulfillment. You also unsubscribe from promotional emails and delete apps like Instagram and Twitter from your phone, freeing up several hours each week for ‘flow activities’ such as yoga, reading or playing solitaire.
Practice Mindful Self – Be an observer during your commute.
Instead of reacting to other drivers or thinking about what you have to do, you focus on the sights and sounds around you – such as the weather, temperature, the sound of the car engine, or the wind through the window. By tuning into these sensory experiences, you can shift from a state of constant mental activity to a more peaceful, present mindset, allowing you to simply be.
Explore Your Natural Rhythms – Notice when you feel most energized or creative.
Maybe you’ve noticed that you feel most energized or creative at certain times of the day. Maybe you’ve observed that you have a burst of inspiration when you’re in a quiet, relaxed environment. These moments might be when your ideas flow effortlessly or when you tackle tasks with greater enthusiasm.
Notice What Brings You Joy: Pay attention to activities or interactions that spark genuine happiness.
You discover that certain conversations leave you feeling uplifted, while hobbies like reading or cooking bring a smile to your face. You realize that engaging in creative activities, such as painting or writing, fills you with genuine happiness. Additionally, sharing laughs with friends or participating in enjoyable group activities brings you a deep sense of joy.
Trust Your Intuition: Before making decisions, check in with your feelings as well as logical analysis.
Instead of relying solely on facts and figures, you take a moment to check in with your feelings before making decisions. Instead of focusing solely on external advice, you pay attention to your inner sense of what feels right. By acknowledging your inner voice and aligning it with logical analysis, you can make choices that resonate more deeply with your true self.
Cultural or Professional Considerations
It’s important to acknowledge that prioritizing “being” over “doing” may be more challenging in certain cultural or professional contexts. If you work in a highly competitive field or come from a culture that strongly values productivity, you may need to find creative ways to incorporate “being” into your life without compromising your responsibilities.
Using practical methods to incorporate ‘being’ into your work environment can help you balance fulfilling your professional responsibilities with honoring your true self beyond just the act of doing.
Ways of Being in the Work Environment
Cultivating presence and maintaining centeredness in the workplace can be challenging. However, here are some practical ways to incorporate moments of “being” into your workday, creating opportunities for a more “being” state at work – without compromising productivity.
- Take “reset” breaks between tasks to clear your mind by standing up and looking outside a window.
- Take 1-2 minutes to stretch or take slow, deep breaths through your nose before important meetings or calls to center or ground yourself.
- When in meetings, use slow breathing to relax the body and mind, focus on the need, pause for 2-3 seconds before responding, and respond calmly and factually, focusing on the issue rather than the tone.
- Use lunch breaks for a brief walk, focusing on your surroundings.
- At the end of the workday, take 3 long breaths, acknowledge your accomplishments, briefly list your top 3 priorities for tomorrow, and give yourself permission to let go of work until you return.
- If you had a challenging day, take a deep breath and mentally state, “Today was difficult.” Write down 3 objective facts about the situation, avoiding emotional language. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” Write down one insight. Imagine placing the difficult interaction in a box. Visualize leaving this box at your desk or in your office. Take a deep breath and say to yourself, “Work is done. Now is my time.”
Balancing Being and Doing
Remember, embracing “being” doesn’t mean abandoning all productivity or ambition. Instead, it’s about approaching your goals and tasks from a place of presence and self awareness.
You are not defined solely by what you do – you are defined by who you are. And that is more than enough.
Now, choose one strategy from this blog to implement this week. Perhaps it’s identifying a flow activity or taking “reset” breaks at work. Take that first step towards being rather than just doing.
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