16 Nov Doing, Being, Becoming: The Three Layers of Growth
Last week, I found myself remembering a theory I hadn’t thought about in a while, something I learned during my studies that really stuck with me. It popped into my mind and I thought it was worth sharing.
It’s a simple theory: Doing, Being, Becoming.
We live in a world that celebrates doing. Getting things done, ticking boxes, hustling hard. And yes, doing is important. It gets us moving, teaches us skills and creates results. But doing alone can leave us feeling …a bit empty.
That’s where being comes in. Being is about how we show up, the energy and presence we bring to life and to ourselves. It’s quieter, slower and sometimes uncomfortable, because it asks us to notice who we are right now, not just what we’re achieving. It’s about connecting with our values, our feelings and what really matters to us.
And then there’s becoming, what naturally happens when doing and being work together. Becoming is the change that unfolds when our actions and presence start to align. It’s not about reaching a destination or being “perfect,” it’s about noticing what works for us and what doesn’t and letting that be our guide. Our doing and being together contribute to our becoming.
Here’s how it plays out:
- Doing without being can feel hollow. We get things done, but it doesn’t feed us.
- Being without doing can feel stuck. We understand ourselves, but nothing changes.
- Doing and being together contributes to becoming. We take actions that feel right, notice how we show up and small shifts start to happen naturally.
The key is balance. We can start with small acts of doing, check in with ourselves along the way and let the changes unfold at their own pace. Growth isn’t a race, it’s a rhythm.
Action for this week: Each day, notice your doing and your being. Ask yourself: Am I taking actions that feel right for me? Am I showing up in a way that feels authentic? By combining both, you’re shaping your own path and allowing your becoming to happen naturally.