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This is one of the most widely quoted lines attributed to Aristotle, though the exact wording doesn’t appear in his surviving works. Instead, it comes from Will Durant’s 1926 book The Story of Philosophy, where he paraphrased Aristotle’s teachings on virtue and ethics. Regardless of phrasing, the essence remains faithful to Aristotle’s belief: our actions shape our character, and consistency is the foundation of who we become.

At its heart, the quote shifts our perspective on excellence. It isn’t a single moment of brilliance or an isolated act. It’s the result of habits built over time—the daily choices we make, the routines we follow, and the standards we uphold.

Expanding the Meaning

1. Identity through Action
   Who we are is revealed in what we do consistently. A person becomes disciplined, courageous, or skilled not by thinking about those traits but by practicing them until they become second nature.

2. Excellence as a Process, Not an Event
   Excellence is not about a one-time success but about showing up day after day. Athletes, artists, and leaders achieve greatness not through single victories but through steady, sustained effort.

3. Habits as the Foundation of Character
   Aristotle taught that virtues are cultivated. Good habits build momentum, while poor ones shape us in the opposite direction. Every choice compounds into character.

4. Practical Application

   • Replace perfectionism with consistency.

   • Build habits intentionally, aligning them with the person you want to become.

   • Focus less on results and more on process—the results follow naturally.

Contextual Understanding
Aristotle lived in the 4th century BCE, an era where philosophy sought to answer the question of human flourishing (eudaimonia). For him, the path to flourishing wasn’t talent or luck, but the cultivation of virtues through repeated practice. His wisdom still resonates: who you are becoming is a direct reflection of what you choose to practice daily.

Resource List: Building Excellence Through Habits

Books

• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Articles & Essays

• “Aristotle’s Ethics” – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

• “Habits vs. Goals: A Look at the Long Game” – James Clear Blog

• “Excellence as a Way of Life” – Medium essays

Practices

• Habit Stacking: Pair a new habit with an existing one.

• Identity-Based Habits: Define yourself by the habits you embody.

• Daily Reflection: Track whether your actions aligned with the excellence you seek.

Quotes for Reinforcement

• “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryun

• “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” – John Dryden

Takeaway for the Reader
Excellence is not a finish line but a way of living. It’s built in the quiet repetition of small actions that, over time, define who we are. Every day offers an opportunity to choose excellence—not in grand gestures, but in the habits you live.