From Doing to Being: Why Your To-Be List Matters More Than Your To-Do List

Are you drowning in tasks but still feeling empty inside?

While your to-do list might be getting shorter, something still feels missing.

Here’s why: you might be stuck in the trap of doing rather than being.

The Hidden Cost of “Always Doing”

“To be or not to be: that is the question,” Shakespeare wrote.

Four centuries later, his words cut deeper than ever.

In our busy, modern world, we’ve mastered the art of doing but lost touch with the art of being.

Does this sound familiar?

Your days are packed with activities.
You’re “successful” on paper.
Yet something feels… missing.
That nagging emptiness won’t go away.

The Awakening: A Personal Story

I remember the exact moment this truth hit me.

As a junior pediatrician in London, I was rushing down a hospital corridor, late for rounds, hating every second.

“I wish this job would change!” I thought.

Then it hit me:

The job is never going to change; it will always be what it is. Only you can change.

This revelation transformed my approach to life and became the foundation of my coaching practice.

You see, situations don’t change until the person changes. A person’s life doesn’t change until priorities change.

And priorities can only change with a change of focus from doing to being.

The solution isn’t doing different things—it is becoming a different person.

Why To-Do Lists Aren’t Enough

Here’s what nobody tells you:

Checking off tasks feels good, but it doesn’t create permanent fulfillment.

Consider these statistics:

61% of professionals feel burned out.
89% say their work-life balance is out of whack.
Yet only 24% focus on personal development.

Quick Check-In: When was the last time you asked yourself not what you need to do, but who you need to become?

The Power of a To-Be List

What Is a To-Be List?

Unlike a to-do list focussing on tasks, a to-be list centres on character traits and values you want to embody.

It’s about transformation, not transaction.

Creating Your To-Be List

Take a moment now. Grab a pen. Ask yourself: “Who do I want to BE?”

Consider qualities like:

More compassionate
Better listener
More present parent
Emotionally resilient
Authentically confident

Notice how these differ from “doing” goals like:

Make more money
Get promoted
Buy a bigger house

The Transform-Action™ Plan

Here’s how to turn your to-be list into reality:

Identify Your Being Goals
- Write down 3 core qualities you want to embody
- Focus on character traits, not achievements
Create Daily Being Moments
- Set aside 5 minutes each morning to embody one trait
- Practice mindful awareness throughout the day
Track Your Being Journey
- End each day asking: “How did I embody my chosen qualities today?”
- Celebrate small wins in character growth

Why This Matters Now

In a world obsessed with productivity, choosing to focus on ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’ is a paradigm shift that will feel uncomfortable at first for many.

But it’s the difference between:

Chasing success vs. Creating fulfillment
Following routines vs. Living purposefully
Existing vs. Truly living

Your Next Steps

Download Your Free To-Be Template: Get started with our SMART Starter Guidebook.
Join the Community: Share your first “to-be” goal in our Facebook group.
Transform Your Life: Book a complimentary “Being Breakthrough” session to explore how coaching can help you become who you’re meant to be.

Ready to Transform?

Stop letting your to-do list run your life. Start becoming who you’re meant to be.

Schedule Your Free ‘Being Breakthrough’ Session Today

About the Author: Dr. Scott Zarcinas (aka DoctorZed) is the founder of 818: Unlocking Your Life and specialises in helping high-achievers transform from “doing machines” into fulfilled human beings. Through his signature Transform-Action™ coaching method, he guides clients to align their actions with their authentic selves.