"行就是存在"

The saying "Doing is being" gets to the heart of a powerful truth: our actions define us. It's not just about what we think or believe—it's what we do that truly shows who we are.

Let's break this down. Imagine you're an artist. You could spend hours thinking about painting, reading about techniques, and dreaming about creating a masterpiece. But none of that makes you an artist. It's when you pick up the brush and start painting that you become one. Your identity is wrapped up in your actions.

This idea isn't new. Philosophers and thinkers have mulled over it for centuries. Think back to Aristotle, who talked about virtue ethics and how practicing good habits leads to a virtuous life. Or consider modern psychology, which emphasizes behavior over intention. We are what we repeatedly do, not what we think about doing.

Take a moment to consider a real-life example—Dave. Dave always wanted to be a marathon runner. He had the gear, the right shoes, the motivational posters. But they stayed in the closet for years. One day, he saw a neighbor, sweaty and smiling, returning from a run. That was the push he needed. Dave laced up his shoes and hit the pavement. It wasn’t easy. The first few runs were tough, but he kept at it. Months later, crossing the finish line of his first marathon, he realized he wasn’t just someone who wanted to run marathons. He was a marathon runner.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start small. Identify what you want to be. Then, do it. Want to be a writer? Write something every day, even if it’s just a paragraph. Want to be more compassionate? Practice small acts of kindness regularly. The more you do, the more you become.

Picture this: you’re in a cozy coffee shop, chatting with a friend. Your friend, Alex, says they want to be a musician. They’ve got the guitar and the sheet music, but it’s all gathering dust. You say, “Alex, remember how we talked about ‘doing is being’? You’ve got to play. Start with ten minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just play.”

Alex takes your advice to heart. They start with ten minutes, then twenty, then an hour. A year later, they’re playing gigs at local spots, feeling more like a musician than ever before. It wasn’t just about owning a guitar. It was about playing it.

Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that we need to feel ready or be perfect before we start doing something. But the truth is, doing creates the being. You don’t need to wait. Jump in. Even small steps count.

In the end, it’s our actions that shape our identity. Thinking about who you want to be is a start, but it’s the doing that transforms you. So, next time you’re tempted to just think about your goals, remember: doing is being. Get out there and start doing.