Be, Do, Have: The Formula for Fulfillment

Have you ever thought, “Once I have the time, money, or resources, then I’ll pursue my dream?” It’s a common way of thinking, but it’s also what keeps so many people stuck in the cycle of waiting.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to wait for external circumstances to line up perfectly to start living your dream. In fact, the most successful people reverse-engineer their dreams by starting with being the person they want to become, right now.

The Flawed “Have → Do → Be” Mindset

Most people operate under the assumption that they need to have something before they can do what they want and be the person they dream of becoming. For example:

• “Once I have confidence, I’ll start putting myself out there, and then I’ll be a successful entrepreneur.”
• “Once I have more time, I’ll take care of myself, and then I’ll be healthy and happy.”

But this approach puts the result at the end of a long journey, leaving you stuck in the waiting game.

Flipping the Script: Be → Do → Have

What if you started by being the person you envision yourself to be? When you embody the qualities of that future self, confidence, discipline, creativity, you naturally start taking actions aligned with your vision. Those actions, in turn, lead to the results you want.

Here’s an example from my own life: I always dreamed of being a singer, but for years, I told myself it wasn’t realistic. Then, I flipped the script. I declared, “I am a singer,” even before I had a record deal or any external evidence. From that place of being, I started taking actions that aligned with my vision, recording demos, auditioning, and networking. Within weeks, I had a record deal, and my dream became a reality. (our first single went to #1 on the charts BTW)

Try This Today

Think of one dream you’ve been putting off. Instead of waiting for circumstances to change, ask yourself: Who do I need to be to make this happen? Then, take one small action today that reflects that identity.

For example:

• If your dream is to write a book, start being a writer today. Block out 15 minutes and write something, anything.
• If your dream is to run a business, start being an entrepreneur. Take one step, like reaching out to a mentor or brainstorming ideas.