Human BEing First: Moving from ‘Human Doing’ to BEing

Patricia Morgan Relationship Building empowerment, relationships 0

Human Being First: Moving from Human Doing to Human Being
Why It Matters for Self-Worth

Too often we forget that none of us were born only to do. We are not our relationship roles nor our job titles and descriptions.

Human being demonstrated with people waving and smiling, showing social intelligence At home, we are more than “the mother,” “the father,” wife, husband, daughter, or son. These are roles, not our essence. No matter our work, we need spaces in between for simply being with family, with friends, and especially with ourselves. At the beginning and the end of life, we are human BEings.

This truth is echoed in Psychology Today’s article: Seven Ways to Change from a Human Doing to a Human Being

The article highlights how easily we tie our worth to productivity—and how essential it is to turn toward valuing who we are, not just what we accomplish.

I remember asking my husband a self-esteem–building question:
“Why do you think I think you are wonderful?”

His reply?
“Because I provide a good income for our family.”

“Oh dear!” I thought. “He is so much more than the income he brings home. He lives his values of integrity, kindness, gentleness, and loyalty. That is who he is, not just what he does.”

Accomplishments alone do not create fulfillment or a sense of worth. When our value is tied only to what we achieve, it becomes much harder to recover from disappointment, mistakes, or loss.

The “You Are” Formula

A foundational way to value yourself—and others—is to remember:

You are, at the core, these qualities:

Lovable and worthy simply for being on this planet. You deserve respect and to be valued, always.
Capable, with strengths you can use and develop.
Resilient, able to cope with life’s challenges.

This perspective aligns with the idea that being a human BEing means grounding your identity in inherent worth, not constant performance and outcomes.

Honouring the Human Being in Yourself and Others

In a humane world, we honour one another as human BEings first. Here are some ways we can deepen this perspective.

Choose words of kindness, appreciation, and care.
At work: When someone is facing divorce, illness, or grief, recognize the effort it took just to show up. Their capacity may be stretched and that’s human.
At home: People flourish where there is comfort, attention, and care. Neglect erodes connection; appreciation builds it.
Look beyond behavior: See the person behind it. Offer feedback with clarity, honesty, and kindness. As the Victorian author, Mary Ann Pietzker asked: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?
Address concerns respectfully: Whether at work or home, speak to behavior without diminishing the person.

The shift from “doing” to “BEing” invites us to see others not as roles or outputs, but as people with inner lives, struggles, and inherent dignity.

Build a Life That Includes BEing (Not Just Doing)

Intentionally step out of constant doing and productivity. You can begin by creating small, meaningful pauses for BEing.

Daily

Share meals together—no screens.
Ask reflective questions:
- What was the highlight of your day?
- What was challenging?
- What did you learn?
- How did you feel?
- How do you feel?

Weekly

Plan time for fun, connection, or reflection.
Visit friends, spend time in nature, or engage in a spiritual practice.

Yearly

Celebrate holidays and milestones with intention.
Honour birthdays, anniversaries, and life transitions meaningfully.

At work

Celebrate not just outcomes, but people.
Include lightness—potlucks, shared laughter, even a goofy joke or two.

Conclusion

Shifting from human doing to human BEing is not about neglecting responsibility. It’s about returning to yourself and remembering your inherent worth.

If you truly embraced the idea that you, and those around you, are human BEings first, not human doings, what would you do differently tomorrow or this coming week?