Bandwidth Audit: "Doing" vs. "Being"

Nov 11
Here's the truth: as women, we’re often wired to put the needs of others ahead of our own. We pour ourselves into our families, careers, friendships, and communities, leaving little time to focus on ourselves.

While that selflessness can be beautiful, it can also become a cycle. In prioritizing everyone else, we lose touch with what we need. We end up “doing” so much that “being” starts to feel like a luxury our time (and mental load!) can't afford.

You have so much to lose in "doing", and life-changing benefits to gain by "being." Here's what we mean.

The Exhaustion of "Doing"

  • Endless To-Do Lists: The constant need to check tasks off can leave you feeling like you’re never truly finished. "Doing" often means living in a reactive state, constantly putting out fires and meeting external demands without considering your own priorities.

  • Overcommitment: Saying “yes” to everything often means saying “no” to yourself. It looks like overbooked schedules, skipped meals, and sacrificing sleep to make sure everything and everyone is taken care of. This kind of overcommitment serves others but rarely serves you.

  • Drained Energy: The constant hustle depletes your mental and emotional reserves, leaving you disconnected from your own needs. It’s a one-way transaction where we give and give, without taking the time to replenish. Over time, this drain can leave you feeling resentful, stuck, or even burnt out, pulling you further away from the life you truly want. It’s a one-way transaction where we give and give, without taking the time to replenish.

The Fulfillment of "Being"

  • Presence: Pausing to exist in the moment brings a sense of calm and clarity. Being present means stepping away from distractions and appreciating where you are right now. It looks like savoring your morning coffee, taking a deep breath, or enjoying the stillness of a quiet moment.

  • Connection: Spending time nurturing your inner self helps you reconnect with what truly matters to you. Connection is about aligning with your values and rediscovering your purpose. It’s for anyone who feels lost in the noise of life and wants to build a stronger relationship with themselves.

  • Replenishment: "Being" fills your energy reserves, leaving you more fulfilled and grounded. It’s pausing to breathe, reflect, and ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Being replenishes your energy and brings fulfillment because it centers you in your own life. This replenishment not only helps you feel whole but also brings you closer to living the life you truly desire—a life rooted in purpose, joy, and balance. It’s pausing to breathe, reflect, and ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Being replenishes your energy and brings fulfillment because it centers you in your own life. It’s not selfish; it’s essential.

Making personal growth a priority shifts the balance from “doing” to “being.” It’s not about ignoring others’ needs but about remembering that yours matter, too. When you invest in yourself—through reflection, goal-setting, or even taking five minutes a day to focus on your personal development—you’re not just improving your own life - you’re showing up for others as your best, most fulfilled self.

Prioritizing your personal growth isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you shift from “doing” to “being,” you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. And that’s a gift for you and everyone in your life.