In this era, in which there is so much talk about the importance of being, we have reached the point of questioning, minimizing, criticizing and even demonizing “doing”; and I don’t think that’s what it’s about either. The problem is not doing, the problem is our habit of taking everything to the extreme.
The problem was that we got into a spiral of “do, do, do”; do more and more, do all the time, and reduce our value as people to that doing. The problem is thinking that we are only what we do, that we have to be doing all the time to be worth it, and that the more we do, the more we are worth.
Doing per se is not a problem by any means, to a large extent we materialize the verb to live through “doing”, through different actions and verbs. we live being and doingit’s not one or the other, it’s both. Living is not merely a contemplative act, it does not consist only of witnessing our existence and our surroundings in stillness and silence – but it is necessary and important to have moments for this.
When we think of liveWe don’t just think about being alive, do we? We think about everything we do in and with our life, both to survive and to enjoy it and give it meaning: move, talk, know, learn, play, share, interact with others and with everything that surrounds us; create, work, produce, set goals and purposes and do various things to achieve them.
The problem is not “doing” but believing that it is not allowed to stop doing, it is having reached the point of feeling guilty for resting, feeling anxiety when not being productive and believing that we have to earn and deserve the hours of sleep and /or enjoyment when these are a necessity and a right, not a reward or a luxury.
The problem is believing that if we work twelve hours a day we are more valuable than if we work eight, that if we have three degrees we are worth more than if we have one, that if we earn twenty pesos we are worth more as people than if we earn ten, and so on.
Yes, there are contexts where productivity is necessary, but that is very different from reducing the meaning of life and the “purpose” of people to be productive. Yes, there are specific situations where it is evaluated according to certain criteria whether one person or another is more suitable for X or Y; but that is VERY different from saying that one of them is worth more as a person than the other and therefore, that they deserve to be treated differently.
Since we tend to be not only dichotomous but also pendular, after having gone to the extreme of “doing” – and precisely because we have done so – it seems that we now turn to the other extreme. In various contexts the invitation to stop doing and the call to the work of being appears, but it seems that it is definitely difficult for us to move along the middle path. Living and self-actualization consists of doing y Being is not one or the other but the integration of both. We are the set and totality of what we feel, what we believe, what we do – and what we do not -, what we were, what we want, etc. There will be times to choose to privilege one over the other and this requires wisdom, but ultimately life itself after all consists of a dialectic between the two.
How can organizations support their employees in finding a balance between productivity and well-being?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Work-Life Balance Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with many of us in our fast-paced world: the often-conflicted relationship between “being” and ”doing.” With me today is Dr. Elena Torres, a renowned expert in work-life balance and mindfulness. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s start with a fundamental question: Why is there such a prevalent feeling in our society that we must constantly “do” in order to feel valued?
Dr. Torres: Great question! We live in a culture that often equates busyness with worthiness. Many people believe that their value is directly tied to their productivity—essentially, if we’re not busy, we’re not successful. This mindset pushes us into a spiral of constant activity, where we feel guilty for taking breaks or resting.
Editor: It’s interesting to hear you mention the guilt of resting. In your view, is the issue with “doing” itself, or is it more about our mindset around it?
Dr. Torres: The issue is not with doing per se; it’s our mindset that has gotten skewed. Action and productivity can be incredibly fulfilling and necessary for living a meaningful life. However, when we view doing as the sole measure of our self-worth, we get trapped. It becomes a cycle of anxiety and guilt, rather than a balanced approach to living.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the importance of both “being” and “doing.” Can you elaborate on how these two concepts interact in our lives?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Living is a multifaceted experience that encompasses both being and doing. “Being” allows us to reflect, observe, and simply exist, which is crucial for our mental health and overall well-being. On the other hand, “doing” is how we engage with the world—through actions, learning, and creating. It’s about finding a balance. We need moments of stillness alongside our various pursuits.
Editor: That makes sense. For many people, finding that balance can feel daunting, especially in a world that celebrates hustle culture. What advice would you give to someone struggling with this?
Dr. Torres: One of the most powerful steps is to recognize the necessity of rest—not as a luxury, but as a fundamental right. I encourage people to schedule downtime just as they would a work meeting. Also, practice mindfulness—take a few minutes daily to check in with yourself, reflect on your feelings, and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. This can help reframe your perspective on productivity and self-worth.
Editor: How do you think organizations can play a role in fostering a healthier attitude towards this balance between being and doing?
Dr. Torres: Organizations can significantly influence this culture. They should promote a healthy work environment that values well-being over mere output. Policies that encourage breaks, flexible working hours, and mental health days can help employees feel supported. Additionally, celebrating efforts and creativity, rather than just results, can cultivate a more balanced mindset among teams.
Editor: That’s a refreshing perspective! As we wrap up our discussion, what final thoughts do you want to leave our readers with regarding the balance of being and doing in their lives?
Dr. Torres: I want readers to remember that living fully means embracing both action and reflection. It’s essential to honor who you are as much as what you do. Shift your mindset to see rest and being as integral parts of your productivity rather than obstacles. Ultimately, we are not defined solely by our achievements but by our experiences, connections, and the moments we pause to enjoy life.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Torres! Your insights are invaluable. It’s clear that cultivating a healthier relationship between being and doing is essential for our well-being. We appreciate you joining us today, and we hope our readers feel inspired to embrace both aspects in their lives.
Dr. Torres: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this with you.