The Be-Do-Have Model
Creating lasting change from the inside out.
Are you grinding toward your goals without seeing real progress?
Is mindset the missing link between your effort and your results?
Are you chasing outcomes instead of becoming the person who creates them?
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The Be–Do–Have model explains how lasting change starts within. It suggests that progress comes from first becoming the kind of person who can achieve your desired goal (Be). That way of being shapes the actions you take (Do). These actions then create the results you want (Have). Many people reverse the sequence. They focus on what they want to Have, then push themselves to Do, without thinking about who they need to be to reach the goal. This often stalls progress and creates frustration.
The Be-Do-Have model
Be
These are the values, attitudes, beliefs, and mindsets you want to cultivate because they support your goals. Examples include being disciplined, recovering quickly from setbacks, staying curious, listening well, and treating challenges as opportunities to learn.
Do
These are the actions that reflect and reinforce the identity you want to develop. Examples include practicing a skill regularly, following through on commitments, learning from others, and taking steady steps toward long-term projects.
Have
These are the results you aim for. These can be personal, professional, or relational. Examples include financial stability, a strong body, meaningful relationships, or a successful business.
Why this model helps
👉 It starts with self-awareness. You clarify what matters to you and the qualities you want to embody. This creates alignment between your values, your actions, and your goals.
👉 It strengthens personal ownership. Instead of relying on external conditions, you build inner capability (Be). This makes you more resilient and helps you navigate setbacks with perspective.
👉 It creates intentional behavior. When your actions (Do) follow your identity (Be), your effort feels more coherent. You move with a clearer sense of direction and purpose.
👉 It supports long-term change. When a shift begins within, habits tend to stick (Do). Outcomes last because they rest on qualities you have chosen and practiced (Be), not on temporary motivation.
The contrast: Have-Do-Be
The common Have–Do–Be mindset encourages people to chase outcomes first (Have). For example, they may focus on acquiring money or a fit body without considering the identity needed to sustain it (Be). This often leads to limited success or eventual loss. Some lottery winners, for instance, lose their wealth because they lack the mindset and practices required to maintain it.
Focusing on the outcome before the identity is like putting the cart before the horse. The order is wrong, so the effort goes nowhere.
⚒️ How to apply the Be-Do-Have model
To effectively apply the model, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Determine the result you want
Ask: What exactly do I want to achieve?
Start with a clear, specific outcome. This gives your process direction. Examples: launch a profitable online business in six months, run a half-marathon within a year, or complete and publish a 200-page book within two years.
2️⃣ Identify your desired state of being
Ask: Who do I need to be to achieve this goal?
Determine the qualities and mindsets you need to embody to achieve your desired results. Example: to become a successful entrepreneur, you might need to be resilient, innovative, and disciplined. To run a half-marathon, you might need to be consistent, patient, and focused. To write a book, you might need to be persistent, organized, and open to feedback.
3️⃣ Define actions that match your desired identity
Ask: What would a person with these qualities do consistently?
Choose actions that reinforce the identity you want to develop. For an entrepreneur, this could mean spending two hours each weekday on planning and market research and attending one networking event per month. For a runner, it might involve following a running schedule three times per week and logging every run to track progress. For a writer, it could include writing for one hour each day and sharing completed chapters with a peer or mentor for feedback.
Every aligned action strengthens the identity you are building. This is where habits matter. Your repeated choices shape who you become.
4️⃣ Hold the outcome lightly
Ask: What will I focus on to let the outcome guide me?
Keep the outcome in mind, but do not chase it. Treat your desired result as a guide, not a source of pressure. When your state of being strengthens and your actions align with it, the outcome emerges naturally. For example, a writer who focuses on developing discipline and a consistent daily writing habit will naturally complete a book over time, rather than obsessing over the final publication date.
Continue the practice
Reflect regularly on your progress. Adjust your state of being and your actions as goals evolve or circumstances change. Seek support from mentors, coaches, or peers who can provide perspective and encouragement. Celebrate small successes, as they reinforce your identity and keep you moving forward.
For an application of the Be-Do-Have model and additional information see:
🔗 Become the person you want to be.
An optional extension
Some people extend the framework to Be–Do–Have–Share. Sharing your experiences, lessons, and successes with others can strengthen your sense of purpose and foster a more supportive, connected community.
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Lasting change begins from within. Focus on who you want to be, take actions that align with that identity, and let the results follow. When your growth starts from being, the journey itself becomes both the path and the reward.
References
The BE DO HAVE Model Simplified, Life Coaching professionally, by Wendy Buckingham
