Ep 530: Who Says It Has To Be This Way?

In this episode of The Jim Fortin Podcast, Jim challenges listeners to stop fighting their circumstances and instead question complacency. “Look at your life and pick something that you would like to change.” It’s a simple but heavy statement. Jim explains that it’s also the sole reason why we resist change. His argument hinges on the fact that most people’s thoughts and actions are misaligned, causing them to constantly “do more” to fix their problems. However, what it boils down to is a lack of awareness of consciousness. Life doesn’t have to look a certain way, and Jim uses the metaphor of two parallel train tracks to illustrate. One track represents all the work you have to do to reach your goal, while the other represents the person you have to be to do the work. The analysis reveals that being and doing are not the same thing. More importantly, it shows how our consciousness can quietly sabotage our efforts even when we're taking all the right actions. To drive the point home, Jim refers to the classic self-help book by James Allen and a personal story from his own mentor. He uses both to explain that there is power in learning to manage your mind over your behavior. Listen in to discover why your results depend less on what you do and more on who you're being while you do it. What You'll Discover in This Episode: (00:10) The opening question — Jim asks listeners to look at something they want to change. (04:10) Fighting our circumstances — Jim breaks down why fighting without understanding life's mechanisms and a lack of conscious awareness makes change difficult. (06:28) Be, do, have — Jim revisits this foundational framework, explaining why most people skip straight to doing without ever addressing the being. (08:24) The two train tracks — Jim introduces a metaphor of two parallel tracks, one for doing and one for being, that both lead to the same desired outcome. (13:41) When being sabotages doing — Jim explains how frustration, impatience, and resentment on the "being" track can quietly undo all the progress made on the "doing" track. (17:37) Mind is the master power — Jim references James Allen's As a Man Thinketh to make the case that consciousness, not activity, is what truly shapes results. (24:31) The mentor's wisdom — Jim shares a lesson from his mentor Barry: your doing is only ever as effective as the being doing the doing. Listen, apply, and enjoy! Transformational Takeaway Most of us have learned to be excellent doers while ignoring who we are being while we do it. But activity alone cannot outrun a consciousness that is impatient or convinced something is always wrong. The moment you stop collapsing “being” and “doing” into one track, you can start managing your mind and your emotions with the same intention you bring to your to-do list. Your outer results have always been a reflection of your inner state, not the other way around. So the next time you catch yourself pushing harder without progress, pause and ask who says it has to be this way, then check which track you're actually running on. Mentioned Resources As a Man Thinketh The Kybalion Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Let's Connect: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn Liked The Episode? If you're the kind of person who likes to help others, then share this with your friends and family. If you have found value, they will too. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can reach more people. Listening on Spotify? Please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! With gratitude, Jim