We Are What We Repeatedly Do
Aristotle’s words, “We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” hold profound meaning for those striving to unlock their full potential.
While many of us set grand goals and dream of reaching new heights in our careers and lives, it is our daily actions—and the habits we form—that dictate whether those aspirations come to fruition.
Habits shape who we are and act as the building blocks for both personal and professional success.
This article explores the incredible power of habits, how to identify and change habits that may be holding you back, and strategies to consciously design a routine that drives excellence in all areas of your life.
The Power of Habits in Life
The Role of Habits in Defining Success
Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives.
Research shows that up to 40% of what we do daily is not the result of conscious decisions, but rather automatic behaviors—a powerful insight into how habits shape our reality.
Professionally, the habits you uphold dictate the trajectory of your career.
For example, the habit of preparation—studying your market, following up promptly, or consistently improving your skillset—can create unparalleled opportunities for growth.
On the other hand, neglected habits such as procrastination or mismanaging time may silently sabotage your ambitions.
But habits don’t simply determine professional success; they also shape personal happiness.
The habit of gratitude, for instance, can improve mental well-being, while the habit of physical exercise promotes energy and focus.
By creating a foundation of positive habits, you build not only a sturdy career but also a fulfilling life.
Creating a Culture of Positive Habits
There is a compelling ripple effect when adopting positive habits.
Over time, small, incremental changes can lead to massive outcomes—what James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, calls the power of “1% improvements.” If you improve by just 1% each day, the cumulative effect can be transformational.
Creating a culture of positive habits begins with small actions. Instead of attempting to overhaul your day in one sweep, focus on manageable steps. For instance:
Block your calendar for a brief morning routine that sets the tone for productivity.
Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to reinforce persistence.
Surround yourself with supportive environments that align with your goals (e.g., mentorship groups, accountability partners, or tools that simplify tough tasks).
When you consciously choose habits that reflect your values and purpose, they become the pathways to long-term success.
Identifying and Changing Habits
Recognizing Detrimental Patterns
The first step in mastering your habits is understanding them.
Many detrimental habits operate in the background, unnoticed, draining time and energy. Do you:
Default to checking social media endlessly when bored?
Fall into a pattern of overcommitting that leaves you stretched thin?
Habitually avoid challenging tasks by convincing yourself “there’s plenty of time”?
To truly examine your habits, conduct what is known as a “habit audit.”
Over a few days, track your activities and pinpoint habits that fail to align with your goals.
During this process, ask yourself:
Which habits derail my focus or productivity?
Are there recurring decisions that limit my professional growth?
What habits would I want to replace or improve upon?
Strategies for Implementing Positive Changes
Once detrimental patterns are identified, it’s time to turn your attention to transformation.
Changing habits isn’t about relying solely on willpower but rather designing systems that make better choices easier.
Follow these steps to foster new, empowering habits:
Start Small: Build one habit at a time that is realistic and sustainable. Strive for progress over perfection. For instance, instead of aiming to read for an hour daily, start with 10 minutes.
Link Habits to Existing Routines: Pair your new habit with something familiar. If you’re incorporating healthy eating, prepare your meals while waiting for coffee to brew.
Use Cues and Triggers: Create reminders that prompt your desired behavior—be it sticky notes, alarms, or visual triggers like placing your journal on your desk to foster evening reflection.
Measure Progress: Track your progress consistently through journals or habit-tracking apps. Seeing evidence of growth can motivate you to stay the course.
Overcome Obstacles with Flexibility: Life happens, and setbacks are normal. Instead of abandoning the habit after a missed day, focus on the principle of “never skip twice.”
Lastly, celebrate wins.
Acknowledge the progress you’re making to foster positive reinforcement and an optimistic mindset.
Excellence is a Habit—Make It Yours
By consciously identifying, cultivating, and refining your habits, you create opportunities for transformation in every area of your life.
The secret to reaching your highest goals lies not in sporadic bursts of effort but in seemingly small, yet powerful, consistent actions.
Imagine what you could achieve if you invested in habits that aligned with your aspirations.
What could your career look like a year from today? How would your personal life evolve?
It all starts with your next decision.
Reassess your routines.
Begin your habit audit.
Commit to making conscious, impactful changes, and watch as your professional and personal life flourish in ways you never thought possible.
