Stop Doing, Start Becoming

Frank Sinatra and his contemporaries are some of my favorite singers. However, Frank Sinatra had it wrong on Strangers In The Night. He says, “Do be do be dooooo.” Take a listen here, if you’re not familiar with the song (especially at around the 2:20 mark).

The words should say “Be do be do beeee.” Why? Because when we stop doing, we start becoming.

Everyone rushes around at the beginning of a new year to make resolutions, set goals, or set intentions. But what’s the difference?

A resolution is a decision to do, or not to do, something. It’s a promise you make to yourself. It generally has no specific time frame for change. And, let’s be honest: We set resolutions, but after about two weeks, we forget them. Resolution? What resolution? They are only a list of things I want to do, but never do! Raise your hand if you feel the same way!

A goal is an outcome that has a short- or long-term timeline. Goals need a specific plan of action to complete. They have specific outcomes you aim to achieve.

Intentions focus more on mindset or feelings. They are our determination to act in a certain way. Intentions can lead to more sustained personal growth. Intentions can be your guide. They can help you complete your goals. They can help you grow into the woman God intends you to be.

Did you see it? INTENDS YOU TO BE. 

You must first pray and determine the person you want to BE (and who God wants you to be). Then, you can DO things to help you get there.

 Here are some examples:

• DO: I want to lose 15 pounds.
• BE: I intend to be healthy.
  • Goals to help me get there: 
    • Eat lighter meals, no sugar, no processed foods
    • Exercise 3-4 times per week
• DO: I want to write.
• BE: I intend to be a writer who writes for the glory of God.
  • Goals to help me get there:
    • Write regular blog posts
    • Brainstorm book ideas
    • Set aside daily time to write
• DO: I want to read the Bible in a year.
• BE: I intend to grow in my spiritual life.
  • Goals to help me get there:
    • Read my Bible daily.
    • Pray without ceasing.
    • Cultivate godly friendships.
    • Establish an attitude of gratitude.

The goal is not to do so much that our lives overflow with busyness. The goal is to become.

As James Clear (Atomic Habits) said in his weekly e-mail:

“Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are.

The goal is not to read a book; the goal is to become a reader.

The goal is not to run a marathon; the goal is to become a runner.

The goal is not to learn an instrument; the goal is to become a musician.

Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.

This year, focus on the identity you want to build.”

So, let’s make this resolution:

Whereas the term resolution has become increasingly associated with a lack of action, 

Resolved, that we, as God’s children, intend to STOP setting resolutions.

Resolved, that we intend to BE the women God calls us to be.

Resolved, that we intend to stop doing and start becoming.

Now, go, pray, and set your intentions. Then, set some goals to help you get there! You’ve got this!