Stop Doing, Start Being: A Guide to True Balance

Finding the right balance between being and doing can improve your life. It’s about rediscovering balance and understanding that both aspects are important.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled to balance my personal life and work. I’ve always been the type to push myself—always chasing the next goal, always wanting to prove my worth at the office. That drive definitely paid off: I picked up new skills fast, and the promotions followed.

But even as I poured my heart and soul into my job, there was always this little voice inside reminding me to check in with what actually felt right. Integrity has always mattered to me, and I worked hard to earn the trust of my colleagues and clients every single day.

Still, I couldn’t ignore the fact that I was stuck in “human doing” mode far too often. Actually making time to just be in the present moment — to pause, breathe, and connect with myself—took real effort. Once I consciously made the choice to be a ‘human being’, everything shifted. Suddenly, it was so much easier to see how mindfulness could fit into my daily routine.

‘Happiness, not in another place but this place. Not for another hour, but this hour.’

Walt Whitman

Prioritizing your well-being and taking time to just be can bring a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. To achieve this, you need to shift your perspective. It’s not only about getting tasks done but also about allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the moment. You can do this by giving yourself permission to focus on just ‘being’. This balance creates harmony in your life.

Embracing both aspects allows for a healthier lifestyle. When you recognize the importance of both doing and being, you can appreciate the quiet moments just as much as the active ones. This can lead to a more peaceful and centered life, as you shift from doing to being and redefine what success means to you.

Cultivating Personal Balance

Finding balance in your life involves both structure and flexibility. Letting ourselves be human beings by finding the right rhythm and learning when to take control or let go, gives us the ability to create a more peaceful and joyful existence. 

Finding Your Rhythm

Discovering your rhythm means aligning your actions with your personal values and spiritual nature. Start by identifying what truly matters to you, whether it’s family, career, or personal growth. Make a list of these priorities and arrange them in order of importance.

Once you know your priorities, create a daily routine that reflects them. Incorporating small acts that bring joy and peace into your day is key. I have a coworker that has a list called, ‘Daily Medicine’ that includes things like Friends, Walk, Meditate, Water, Steps, etc. For him, making a checklist of things that promote self care, makes those tasks priorities. You could, set aside time for meditation, walking in nature, or practicing gratitude in your calendar. This helps you stay grounded and fosters a sense of order in your life.

Life comes with changes, and your rhythm may need adjustments. Embrace flexibility and listen to your inner voice. Being open to change allows you to maintain balance even when everything seems out of sync.

The Art of Control and Letting Go

Balancing control and loosening your grip involves knowing when to take charge and when to let go. Imagine you’re steering a boat; sometimes you need to control the helm firmly, while at other times you let the wind guide you.

Control is about setting goals and creating plans. It requires courage and faith in your abilities. As mentioned above, tools like calendars or to-do lists to keep track of your objectives. Celebrate small victories to keep yourself motivated.

Yielding to the wind requires trusting the process and allowing things to happen naturally. It doesn’t mean giving up but rather embracing uncertainty with faith in yourself and the Universe around you. Have the courage to let go of what you can’t change. By balancing and releasing the need to control, you create much more flow and harmony in your life.

Integrating Doing with Being

Professional and Personal = Balanced Life

Balancing your career with personal satisfaction is key. To grow professionally, seek out education and opportunities that excite you. Learning new skills not only boosts your career but also makes you feel accomplished.

It’s important to find joy at work. Choose projects that interest you and align with your goals. This can make work feel less like a chore and more like fun. Remember to take breaks to recharge and let creativity flow.

Consider finding ways to serve others in your job. This could mean mentoring colleagues or working on community projects. Helping others can add depth to your career and increase personal fulfillment.

Play and Productivity

Incorporating play into your routine can actually enhance your productivity while improving your quality of life. Engaging in activities you love, even if they seem unproductive, can re-energize your mind, wellbeing and boost your work performance.

Setting aside time for play can improve creativity and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or time spent with loved ones, these moments can recharge your brain.

Make sure you maintain control over your schedule. Balance work tasks with breaks for activities that bring you happiness. This ensures you stay productive without burning out, creating a more sustainable daily routine.

Serving Beyond Self

Finding purpose beyond personal gains can lead to a more balanced life. Prioritize ways to serve others. This might be through volunteering, community service, or supporting a cause you care about. This was what drove me to become a mentor in the certification program I was a part of way back when. Building connections with others and giving back to my industry by teaching and mentoring was fulfilling in many ways.

Acts of love and prayer can offer deeper meaning and connection. Consider what causes resonate with you and how you can contribute. By focusing on the well-being of others, you create a sense of purpose that transcends daily routines.

Balancing personal and communal priorities requires thoughtful consideration. However, the reward is a richer life experience where you feel connected to a larger community while maintaining your own joy and growth.