Most people in the world follow a principle called “Have-Do-Be”. In other words, “If only I HAD more_______(insert time, freedom, money, opportunity, support, etc.), I would DO________(insert the required action), and then I would BE_______(insert your ultimate goal).” Perhaps you’ve caught yourself saying, “If only I had more money I could….”, or “If only I had more time I would…”. Maybe you’ve heard of the poem by the late humorist Erma Bombeck:
If I Had to Live My Life Over
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV – and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love yous”…more “I’m sorrys”…
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it…live it…and never give it back. -Erma Bombeck
People who say, “if only…” or “when this happens, I will…”, or “I wish…” are leaving circumstances to decide their outcome. If they continue to follow the principle of “Have-Do-Be”, they will never realize their dreams and goals and they will be playing a waiting game for the rest of their lives. What are you missing out on? Don’t you want to be in control of your results??
When you practice the “Be-Do-Have” principle, which is the reverse of what most people practice, you must first take on the roll of already having what you desire. So, if your goal is to be a millionaire, then with every choice that presents itself to you, you must ask, “If I was already a millionaire, what would I choose?”
Be-Do-Have is simply, Be the person first, Do what that person would do, then you will Have what that person has. Emulate someone who is achieving the results you want. Ask yourself what that person would do in your situation given a decision that would bring you closer to your goal. You will get an immediate response, void of the limiting emotions and beliefs that often hold us back. Whether you understand it or not, the BE-DO-HAVE principle applies to your life. Choosing not to apply it could be the very thing that is keeping you from achieving results in every area of your life and from obtaining all the wealth and freedom you desire. Study this principle, apply it to everything you do and just imagine what you can achieve! In fact, don’t just imagine it…BE it!!
Karen Higginson is an entrepreneur, professional trainer and consultant,and marketing and advertising specialist. An avid studen of personal development, she mentors others to achieve their personal and financial goals. Contact Info: Phone: 1-519-343-3408; e-mail: momentum_kh@hotmail.com
