The Power Of Being vs. Doing

When researching and analyzing successful entrepreneurs or investors, or anyone who has created something greater than themselves for that matter, it is easy to only focus on the actions they have taken to become successful, the books they've read, the industry they are involved in, the education they received etc.

However, this is only part of the picture. I want to make a bold statement and say that what these successful people have done has little to nothing to do with why they are successful.

Huh?! Has he lost his mind, you might think? Well, hear me out.

Ever noticed that there are lots of people spending thousands of dollars on information that promises them to become wealthy and yet they never do? This is what the entire personal development/financially free-movement is based upon. Charismatic speakers selling their next best guaranteed way to become rich and make millions in the process.

Now here is the thing, it is not that most of that information is no good and can't help these people. In fact, there are some very knowledgeable and smart business minds offering some of the best business building information out there.

So why aren't more people creating wealth for themselves after attending seminars, reading the right books, listening to the right CDs and hiring coaches? It's not that they don't have the right or enough information available - it's that they are not being someone who takes that information and creates wealth with it. Basically, being someone who is successful in life.

This might sound a little esoteric to some of you. But think about it - out of consciously being a certain way result certain actions. So being someone who is successful could include being persistent, confident, social, educated, unstoppable, positive, competitive, bold, smart, committed, focused, intentional, responsible and someone with integrity.
Being that way consistently would result in you taking actions towards being successful. In other words, the way of being always comes first, then actions result from it.

I would venture to say that all successful people are being like that consciously or subconsciously every day of their lives. That is why successful people who have lost everything most of the time get it all back and more. That is what makes the difference in actually creating wealth and just learning about it.

Now, chances are that if you want to be successful but haven't created much success yet, you are not being someone that is successful or even worse, you are being someone that is poor or is forever struggling. You need to examine your mindset, what do you think about and tell yourself on a daily basis? Are you beating yourself up for not being something else, for failing, for giving up too easily, etc? What actions are resulting out of your thinking?

For example, do you consider yourself a victim? Do you complain that bad stuff just happens to you and that there is nothing you can do about it? If yes, then why would something good ever happen to you? Why would you all of a sudden be rich? If you do consider yourself a victim, a playball of outer circumstances -- I would strongly suggest to examine your relationship to responsibility! You are not being responsible or cause in the matter of your life if you are being a victim. That is a way of being that produces some very debilitating actions (doing).

My suggestion is to sit down and think about who you want to be in the future. What picture do you want to portrait to the world, what do you want to create (and don't just think in terms of personal possessions but what difference do you want to make in the world)? Then, write down how someone that has achieved all that is being on a daily basis. Consult a dictionary to get clear on the definitions of words such as integrity, responsibility, cause, etc.

Take one way of being on at a time and consciously be that for two weeks to a month. Then once it starts to become a habit, take on another way of being. You will be very surprised how your environment changes to how you are being. Miracles will happen.

By the way, this method is not new. The earliest source I know of that mentions this is Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. It's a very impressive read. He detailed out 13 habits or ways of being that he considered to be integral to leading a good and successful life. Then he took them on one at a time and practiced them his entire life. Quite amazing.

Another great resource that deals exclusively in ways of being and how to transform your life through them is Landmark Education. They offer a course called The Landmark Forum that is an absolutely life-changing experience. I can highly recommend it.

So consider saving your money before you buy into the next seminar, book, CD series or whatever and spend some time examining who you are being in your life, at home, in your relationships, at work, in your business -- how do you relate to yourself and the circumstances around you. Developing successful ways of being will make a tremendous difference in your life.