Praise

Went on a retreat this weekend, and there was a talk that dove into an interesting way of looking at things. Instead of doing things so that I have and I can then declare what I am, we look at what I am, so therefore I have some things, which mean that I do things. To me it was an intriguing way of looking at life, that as a christian I am loved by God, that being loved I have security to know that I am empowered by his love to do things which are aligned with his mission. 

I do --> I have --> i am

vs

I am --> I have --> I do

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Are You Climbing the Wrong Ladder? The Power of Being Before Doing

We’re taught from a young age that success follows a simple pattern: Work hard (Do), get the rewards (Have), and then you’ll be happy (Be).

It sounds logical.
It even seems to make sense.

But what if that ladder we’ve been climbing is leaning against the wrong wall?

Chasing Success, But Feeling Empty

A friend of mine once poured everything into getting a promotion. Early mornings, late nights, checking emails at all hours—he was doing everything he could to climb higher. And eventually, he got it.

The title. The raise. The corner office.

But something strange happened.

He wasn’t any happier. In fact, he felt… the same. A little emptier, even.

Because deep down, he realized he had spent years chasing something he thought would define him, instead of defining himself first.

Flipping the Script: Be → Have → Do

Most people live by the idea that if they just work harder (Do), they’ll get what they want (Have), and only then will they feel like the person they want to be (Be).

But the truth is, it works the other way around.

Be → Have → Do.

• Who you are determines what you have and what you do.
• When you start with identity, the right actions flow naturally.
• Instead of waiting for success to define you, define yourself first.

Success isn’t about climbing faster—it’s about making sure your ladder is against the right wall.

The Power of Identity

Think about it.

If you see yourself as a leader, you act like one.
If you believe you’re confident, you carry yourself that way.
If you know you’re disciplined, your habits reflect it.

But if your identity is tied to external validation—titles, money, or approval—then you’ll always be chasing something outside yourself, never truly arriving.

Call to Action: Start With Being

Here’s the challenge: Flip the script.

1. Decide who you are first. Instead of waiting to feel confident, choose to be confident. Instead of chasing success, start with the mindset of someone who already has it.
2. Let identity drive action. When you focus on being, the right habits follow naturally.
3. Trust that the results will come. The right identity creates the right actions, and the right actions lead to success.

Final Thought: Who Are You Becoming?

At the end of the day, it’s not about what you achieve—it’s about who you are.

So instead of asking, “What do I need to do to be successful?” ask:

“Who am I becoming?”

Because when you start with being, the doing and having take care of themselves.

And maybe—just maybe—you’ll realize you don’t need to climb higher.

You just need to make sure your ladder is leaning against the right wall.