The Be-Do-Have Framework: The Mindset Shift That Will Change Your Whole Life

The Be-Do-Have framework is something I've started consciously practising, and it has drastically changed the way I approach both school and life.

The Trap of "When I Have, Then I’ll Do"

“Once I have more motivation, more time, or better circumstances, then I’ll start working toward my goals, and eventually, I’ll have my dream grades.”

Does this sound familiar?

This mindset keeps us stuck in a cycle of waiting for the perfect conditions, the right mood, or some future version of ourselves to appear out of nowhere. But the reality is: Action precedes motivation, not the other way around.

This is where the Be-Do-Have framework comes in. Instead of waiting to have something before you act, you start by being the person who already achieves those results.

What Is the Be-Do-Have Framework?

It is a fairly straightforward concept:

• Be → Decide who you want to be.

• Do → Take the actions that person would take.

• Have → The results will follow.

Rather than waiting for external conditions to change, you flip the script and embody the identity of the person who already has what you want.

Applying Be-Do-Have to Uni Life

Imagine you want to get an A in a notoriously difficult module.

You might think:

“Once I have more time, energy, or fewer commitments, I’ll catch up on readings, and maybe then I’ll do well.”

The Be-Do-Have approach?

• Be: “I am the kind of student who is disciplined and consistent.”

• Do: Ask yourself, “What would a straight-A student do right now?”

  • Schedule study blocks in Google Calendar.

  • Summarise lecture notes weekly.

  • Start and turn in assignments early.

• Have: The grade becomes a natural outcome as you operate as the person who already succeeds.

In essence, you become that person FIRST and let the good grade follow.

Beyond Academics: How This Framework Works for Everything

This framework can be applied to virtually anything in life.

Example 1: Fitness

Goal: “I want to have a good physique.”

• Be: “I am someone who prioritises health and fitness.”

• Do: “What would a fit person choose today?”

  • Get the workout in instead of skipping it.

  • Eat mindfully instead of binging on junk food.

• Have: The results come from consistent action, not waiting for motivation.

Example 2: Confidence in Social Settings

Goal: “I want to be more confident in class discussions and networking events.”

• Be: “I am someone who engages easily and makes others feel comfortable.”

• Do:

  • Smile and make eye contact.

  • Ask questions like: “What course are you in?” or “How do you like your hall?”

• Have: Over time, social confidence becomes natural because you’ve practiced being that person.

The Science Behind It

What makes the Be-Do-Have framework so effective is that it aligns with how the brain naturally functions. This is grounded in the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout your life.

Every time you think a certain way or act in a particular manner, you reinforce a specific pattern in your brain. These patterns gradually form neural pathways that influence how easily and automatically you perform similar actions in the future. So when you repeatedly affirm a new identity – for example, “I am a focused student” or “I am confident speaking in class” – and then take actions that support that belief, your brain starts recognising that identity as your new default.

Over time, it becomes easier to behave in alignment with that identity because your brain is no longer working against you. Instead of relying on motivation, you are building a system where those behaviours feel natural and even automatic. On the other hand, if you constantly tell yourself “I’m terrible at time management” or “I'm just too shy,” your brain will reinforce those beliefs as well, making them harder to break.

How to Start Using Be-Do-Have Today

1. Decide: Who do you want to be? (Example: “I am a focused, high-achieving student.”)

2. Act: What would that person do? Take one small step today.

3. Repeat: Consistency turns action into habit, and habit into identity.

Stop waiting to feel ready. You won’t magically wake up motivated or confident, but you can choose to be the person who achieves those things, do the work, and have the results follow.

Be the person → Do the thing → Have the result.

You’ve got this!