In our fast-paced world, the culture of “doing” is often celebrated. For women, especially those juggling business, family, and personal aspirations, the pressure to always be productive can feel overwhelming. But what does it mean to be caught up in doing, and how can shifting into “being” transform your life and business?
Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of doing, what it looks like to embrace being, and how this shift can empower women to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.
What Does It Mean to Be Caught Up in Doing?
Being caught up in doing means constantly focusing on tasks, goals, and outcomes. It’s the state of feeling validated by productivity and measured by how much you can achieve in a day. For many women, this can manifest as:
- Multitasking relentlessly: Juggling work deadlines, family obligations, and personal errands without pausing.
- Perfectionism: Feeling that everything must be done impeccably, leaving no room for imperfection or rest.
- Busyness as identity: Equating self-worth with how much you can accomplish.
What Women Are Telling Themselves When Caught Up in Doing:
- “If I stop, everything will fall apart.”
- “I have to prove myself by working harder than everyone else.”
- “Rest is lazy—I’ll rest when everything is done.”
Advantages of Being in Doing Mode
- Productivity: You can accomplish tasks, meet deadlines, and feel a sense of achievement.
- Focus on Goals: Staying action-oriented helps you move closer to your objectives.
- Structure: A task-driven mindset provides a sense of direction and purpose.
Disadvantages of Being in Doing Mode
- Burnout: Overworking can lead to exhaustion, stress, and health issues.
- Loss of Joy: Constant doing can rob you of the ability to savor the present moment.
- Disconnection: You may lose touch with yourself, your intuition, and your deeper needs.
- Diminished Creativity: Creativity thrives in spaciousness, which is lost when you’re constantly on the go.
What Does Stepping Into Being Look Like?
Stepping into being means shifting your focus from what you’re doing to who you are and how you feel in the moment. It’s about valuing presence, self-awareness, and alignment over mere productivity.
Scenarios and Examples
- Scenario: A Businesswoman Managing a Busy Week
- Caught in Doing: Lisa is preparing for a client presentation, answering emails, and organizing her team—all while skipping lunch and ignoring her exhaustion. She tells herself, “I can’t rest; there’s too much to do.”
- Stepping Into Being: Lisa pauses for 10 minutes to breathe, reflect, and center herself. She tells herself, “I’ll show up better for my team and clients when I take care of myself first.” By focusing on her presence rather than just her output, she delivers a more authentic and impactful presentation.
- Scenario: A Mother Balancing Family and Work
- Caught in Doing: Sarah is rushing between her kids’ activities, work deadlines, and household chores. She feels guilty when she sits down and tells herself, “I’m failing if I’m not doing something productive.”
- Stepping Into Being: Sarah decides to spend 20 minutes playing with her children without worrying about the to-do list. She tells herself, “Connection matters more than perfection.” Her kids feel loved, and she feels more grounded.
- Scenario: An Entrepreneur Pursuing Big Goals
- Caught in Doing: Emily works late into the night, ticking off tasks but feeling increasingly disconnected from her vision. She tells herself, “I just need to push through.”
- Stepping Into Being: Emily sets aside time to journal about her goals and feelings. She tells herself, “Pausing to reflect helps me stay aligned with what really matters.” This clarity allows her to prioritize tasks that truly move the needle.
What Women Are Telling Themselves When They Step Into Being:
- “I am enough, regardless of how much I accomplish today.”
- “My well-being is just as important as my goals.”
- “By slowing down, I can hear my intuition and make better decisions.”
- “Being present creates richer experiences and connections.”
Advantages of Being Mode
- Emotional Resilience: Being more attuned to your needs helps you navigate challenges with calm and clarity.
- Authentic Connections: You build deeper relationships with yourself and others.
- Creativity and Vision: Spaciousness allows your best ideas to surface.
- Inner Fulfillment: Life becomes more meaningful and enjoyable when you’re present in the moment.
How to Transition from Doing to Being
- Start Small: Schedule short pauses during your day for mindfulness or reflection.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no to non-essential demands.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you’ve done well rather than what’s left undone.
- Shift Your Focus: Prioritize how you feel over how much you accomplish.
- Create Rituals: Incorporate grounding practices like meditation, journaling, or walks into your routine.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into being doesn’t mean abandoning your goals or responsibilities. It means approaching them with presence, balance, and authenticity. When you honor your well-being alongside your achievements, you unlock a richer, more fulfilling life.
Join a Community That Honors Your Being and Doing
At She Simply Impacts, we understand the challenges of balancing doing and being, especially for women in business. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with your authentic self. Our community offers live group coaching, workshops, and social support to help you thrive—not just as a doer, but as a whole being.
👉 Join She Simply Impacts www.shesimplyimpacts.com Today and discover the tools, insights, and community you need to balance doing and being with grace and power. Because you deserve a life where both matter.