There’s a very distinct difference between the definition of doing and being.
My favorite definition of doing is this one from Merriam Webster: 1 : the act of performing or executing : action that will take a great deal of doing.
It’s the part of how the action will take a great deal of doing that stands out for me.
And then there is being, which the same dictionary folks define as: the quality or state of having existence. Or, according to the Cambridge English definition: 1. a person or thing that exists: 2. the state of existing
So in many ways, we are constantly in a state of being.
And doing.
My work as a business and leadership consultant, however, has really centered around helping my clients find that sweet spot in their life that allows for both doing and being.
Because let’s face it, as human beings we like to get things done.
Finding that sweet spot is not only powerful beyond measure in terms of how we feel, but it’s also makes us so much more effective and impactful in our work and life.
For a long time, I was a doer. I prided myself on how much I did.
And then I woke up and realized that life isn’t about doing.
It’s about impactful doing. It’s about eeking out the nectar of this beautiful life we have.
And to do that we have to have a fine balance of both doing and being. Or, being and doing. Whichever you prefer.
DOING is future focused. Action-oriented. It shows up in the forms of words and phrases like to-do lists, agendas, projects, deadlines and goals. It can show up in body and mind as overwhelm, hustle, hurried, harried, rushing and stress.
BEING is present moment focused. It’s happening for you right now. Right now you are in a being state. It is entirely wrapped up in right here and what you are doing. Being shows up in mind and body like mindfulness, rest, ease, flow, presence, and now. For many, this may feel like sitting or resting. But really, it’s more about living without an agenda that is forward-focused (or past focused).
Finding Your Balance: Practical Steps
The journey to balancing doing and being isn’t about abandoning your ambitions or becoming inactive. It’s about creating a rhythm that honors both your drive to achieve and your need to simply exist.
Here are some practices that have helped my clients discover their own unique balance:
1. Start with awareness. Notice throughout your day when you’re in “doing mode” versus “being mode.” No judgment needed – just observe. Are you constantly planning the next three steps, or are you fully engaged with what’s happening right now?
2. Schedule being time. Yes, I’m suggesting you “do” being by putting it on your calendar. Even 10 minutes of intentional presence can shift your entire day. This might look like mindful breathing, savoring your coffee without multitasking, or simply sitting in your garden.
3. Integrate being into your doing. Some of my most successful clients have learned to bring presence into their most productive moments. When you’re focused on a task, be fully there with it rather than mentally jumping ahead to the next item.
4. Notice the quality of your output. When you balance doing with being, your work often becomes more meaningful, creative, and impactful. The quality of your presence directly affects the quality of your actions.
5. Embrace the discomfort. For chronic doers, being present can feel uncomfortable at first – even wasteful. Trust that this discomfort is part of breaking old patterns that may have served you once but are now limiting your impact and joy.
The most beautiful thing I’ve witnessed in my coaching practice is how this balance creates not just more peace, but more purposeful action. When we learn to be fully present, our doing becomes more aligned, intentional, and powerful.
Your most impactful life isn’t measured by the length of your to-do list or your ability to be perpetually busy. It’s found in that sweet spot where purposeful action meets deep presence – where doing and being dance together in harmony.
This balance is exactly why I created my Strategic Slowdown Chats specifically for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. If you’re constantly chasing more clients or searching for more hours in your day to complete your endless to-do list, you might be surprised to discover that slowing down is actually your fastest path to growth.
In these focused sessions, we explore how intentional pauses and present-moment awareness can reveal inefficiencies, inspire creative solutions, and help you reconnect with why you started your business or organization in the first place. I’ve seen teams transform their productivity not by doing more, but by being more deliberate about what they choose to do. For entrepreneurs, this often translates to attracting ideal clients who value your authentic presence rather than just your services. For nonprofit leaders, it means greater impact through aligned action rather than scattered efforts.
The Strategic Slowdown isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most with your full being engaged.
If you are ready to find your sweet spot between doing and being, I’d love to work with you. Sign up for a Strategic Slowdown Chat now.