Get All Access for $5/mo

Manifesting Your Passion Is How You Become Who You Want to Be Do worthwhile work and you will never doubt if you are successful.

By Sean Kelly Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

We're human beings, not human doings, right?

I've always enjoyed this phrase because it's helped me focus on the present, not just the next thing on my to-do list. But there's also a negative side to this statement. It can cloud our thinking, making us believe we are somehow more than the sum of our actions or the sum of what we do -- but we're not. What we do is really all that matters in life. It makes up who we are.

When we're caught up only thinking about who we want to become, our ego takes over, and we stop working. We begin to place more importance on things that don't matter -- our position in life, how other people view us -- rather than on what we accomplish. And that's a real shame.

Related: Are You a Leader or a Follower?

You are what you do, and when you're not doing it, you're not that thing! You don't earn a title because of what you've done in the past, and you certainly don't earn a title because it's what you and your ego want to be.

So you're a public speaker? Ok, what impactful speech are you writing or giving today?

You're an entrepreneur? Awesome! How are you actively solving a real-world problem with your business right now?

You're a leader? Interesting. Are you actively, right now in this moment, helping other people become better?

You're an author? That's pretty cool. What are you writing this afternoon?

See, titles don't matter because titles don't produce value. If anything, they prevent value from being created because they allow ego to get in the way of real accomplishment. Even if titles did mean something, you'd still only deserve a title that fits what you're doing and who you are in the present moment.

Related: Do Unique Titles Change the Way We See Job Roles?

Instead of worrying about your next promotion or becoming X,Y or Z, focus on the work you want to do, and do it. Stop worrying about becoming a certain title, and start doing the work that you've been waiting to do until you get that title. Boom, there you go, you just found a short cut to a higher level of contribution.

Instead of being concerned about how people will evaluate you as a writer -- and writing the next bestseller -- just write. Stop thinking, researching, surfing the internet and staring at the computer screen. Just put one word down after another. Then you'll be a writer. Then you'll be a creator. Otherwise, you're just a consumer.

And instead of worrying about being successful, do successful work. Do the work you know deep down you should be doing. That is success. Success is not caring about what other people think, aligning yourself with your purpose and dedicating yourself to meaningful activity that'll produce real fulfillment in the end.

Related: Stop Dreaming and Start Doing

So in summation, what's the secret to becoming exactly who you want to be? Stop focusing on becoming. It's the wrong objective. Instead, do the work you were put on this earth to do. The whole "being" thing will work itself out. And if it doesn't, at least you'll spend your days fulfilled knowing that your time on this planet was spent accomplishing something that mattered.

Sean Kelly

SnackNation.com CEO

Sean Kelly is the CEO and co-founder of SnackNation.com, the snacking marketplace for millennials, and co-founder of HUMAN (Helping Unite Mankind And Nutrition), a healthy foods distribution platform.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Business Solutions

Get Down to Business with Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for 70% Off

Unlock essential Office tools with a one-time purchase — ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to streamline their workflow.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.