Do we think or do our way into changing? We have plenty of evidence that when our thinking about something changes, our actions change and so do our results. In other words, we need to be before we do.
But I believe that the relationship between being and doing is circular rather than linear. Change requires working on both levels, but depending on your type one of them would be more impactful than the other.
We have a lot of evidence that if there’s a clash between our beliefs and our actions, our beliefs take precedence. Self-sabotage is a classic example. We work hard towards a goal, achieve it, and soon afterwards find ourselves at square one again. Why? Because somewhere in our mind, there’s a limiting belief that associates our new situation with danger. And unless we identify and reconcile that thought, we’d keep on self-sabotaging.
But what I’m finding is that sometimes the way to change our thinking and reprogramme our subconscious is by doing. I believe this may be especially true for people who are more action-driven and analytical. In my view, such people need evidence to change their beliefs, which is why they struggle to just be their way into doing. They need hard-facts in order to buy into their new way of thinking. This is why action is crucial. Fake it until you make it.
On the other hand, people who are more aligned with the feminine and intuitive in them, might find it easier to be before they do, i.e. think their way into changing.
Whether mood follows action, or action follows mood is personal. In either case, for a lasting transformation, we need to work both on the level of being and doing.