Move Please, You Are in the Way
The Be-Do-Have Mindset: Lessons on overcoming what keeps you from starting
Have you ever caught yourself thinking:
"Once I have this, I’ll do that and then I’ll finally be happy"?
That was me recently.
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to start creating video content. And like many people, I thought the first step was to get the gear: a tripod, a mic and an LED light.
I bought them, expecting that having the equipment would automatically get me started.
But here's the funny part — they’ve been gathering dust for two months now.
Because the real first step isn’t buying gear. The real first step is a mindset shift.
Truth is: with just my phone and natural lighting, I should already be creating and editing videos.
Tools, gear and such can enhance the quality of our work, but they don’t create the work for us. Most times, the only thing you actually need to start is YOU.
"Use what you have to get what you want."
True, circumstances and resources can enable us. But besides being afraid, we often trick ourselves into thinking that lacking resources is the reason we’re not starting, when really, it’s the lack of action.
You could have all the gear, tools, and software, and still not produce anything because your skill, knowledge, and discipline come first. The tools are simply multipliers.
Of course, some projects do require certain tools. However, the bigger problem is when we wait for "perfect circumstances" to begin.
I recently stumbled on this mind-blowing concept called the Be-Do-Have mindset from a video by @ogehezeonu (link to the video in the resources section).
It’s an idea of focusing on becoming the person you want to be, by doing the actions that person would do, and only then do you have the results you desire. Instead of waiting to have something before starting, you start by embodying the mindset and taking action now.
Let me break it down:
Be — First, become the person you want to be. See yourself as one, not imagine. There’s a difference: seeing yourself means you start carrying yourself as that person right now; while imagining keeps it fictional— a distant dream.
Do — Then, act like the person you already are. Do the things that person would do.
Have — As a result, you start having the things you desire.
The biggest con we can pull on ourselves is believing that we need the perfect circumstances to begin. But the truth is that we don’t need the perfect circumstances, we just want the perfect circumstance. This feels harmless but new toys feel good at first until you crave the next one.
When we embrace a Be-Do-Have mindset, we develop creativity, resourcefulness, and a problem-solving mindset. We are able to improvise, find a way around problems rather than give excuses.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
We will not always be able to do everything, but at any given time we can always do something no matter how small — even if it’s just a half-step forward. Those small steps matter because a dent is a change, a shift is a change, a speck is a change.
And if trying feels too hard, think of it as an experiment. Tell yourself you’re simply testing things out. There’s no harm in experimenting.
Find a way to do even the littlest thing that brings you closer to your goals
Before you go…
Take a second right now to introduce yourself as the person you want to become (use the comment section ⬇️).
Say it out loud or in your mind: “Hi, I’m [XYZ]” — whatever your goal is.
Feel how it boosts your confidence and sparks a deep yearning to truly become that.
Then ask yourself: What do successful [XYZs] do? What habits, actions, and mindset do they have?
Start doing those things today, even in small ways, and watch how that shifts everything.
For example:
“Hi, I’m a writer.”
(Notice how saying that makes you feel a little more confident?)
Now ask yourself, What do successful writers do?
Maybe they write every day, even if it’s just a few sentences.
They read a lot to learn and get inspired.
They revise and keep improving their work.
So today, do one small thing a writer would do. Write a paragraph, jot down ideas, or read a chapter from a book.
That small step is your way forward to becoming the writer you want to be.
Till our next newsletter, 🚀
The BlackDiamond Team
P.S. Catch-up on our last issue ⬇️
Resources from The Hub
Link to @ogehezeonu video:
Video Pick of the Week 🎬
More on the Be-Do-Have Model ⬇️
This Week’s Tune
We’re vibing to 🎵 Lady In Red by Chris de Burgh
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