It’s all too easy to become consumed by the constant cycle of doing. But I loved the brilliant thought from Matt Cooksey that it’s crucial to remember that there is a delicate dance between ‘do’ and ‘be’.
This dance, beautifully described as a life lived in the rhythm of ‘do’ ‘be’ ‘do’ ‘be’ ‘do’, maintains an important emotional equilibrium and is key to preventing what I refer to as an emotional overdraft.
As I researched for The Emotional Overdraft, I had the privilege of delving into the intricacies of human behaviour and its impact on our emotional well-being. One of the most profound insights was the struggle for leaders and founder to balance their doing and being personalities.
Our ‘do’ personality thrives on action, achievement, and progress. It’s the part of us that sets goals, makes plans, and executes tasks with determination. While ‘do’ is undeniably important for growth and development, an exclusive focus on it can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. We risk neglecting our emotional needs, relationships, and mental and physical health.
On the other hand, the ‘be’ aspect of our personality encourages us to step back, reflect, and simply exist in the present moment. It’s a space where we can access creativity, and a deeper connection with ourselves and others. The ‘be’ mode allows us to recharge, rejuvenate, and gain a broader perspective on life. If I were to play devils advocate – I would point out that excessive immersion in ‘be’ can lead to complacency and a lack of progress, hindering personal and professional growth.
The magic lies in striking a harmonious balance between the two. The rhythm of ‘do’ ‘be’ ‘do’ ‘be’ ‘do’ presents a cyclical reminder that neither extreme is sustainable in the long run. We need to embrace the dance between action and stillness, engagement and introspection, achievement, and self-care. This cyclical pattern ensures that our emotional bank account remains healthy, preventing an ever-present emotional overdraft.
When founders and leaders integrate both ‘do’ and ‘be’, they enable themselves to lead a more balanced, fulfilled, and emotionally resilient life.
Incorporating do, be, do, be, do into our lives requires intentional effort.
Start by setting aside dedicated time for both ‘do’ and ‘be’. Engage in activities that align with your goals and aspirations while also nurturing your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The art of living lies in the mastery of balancing ‘do’ and ‘be’. Embrace the dance, the rhythm, and the cycle. Remember that a life well-lived is not just about achieving milestones but also about fostering a deep connection with your inner self and those around you.
Andy.
