The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count — You are what you Do

One of my all-time favorite quotes from the ancient philosopher Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Our character isn’t shaped by one-off grand gestures, but by the small, consistent actions we take every day. Think about it—excellence isn’t that rare moment of brilliance; it’s the result of habits we’ve cultivated over time. If you want to be excellent in your career, relationships, health, or faith, it starts with what you repeatedly do.

If you’re aiming for better physical health, it’s not about one intense gym session; it’s about showing up consistently, even on days you don’t feel like it. The same goes for personal growth. We become what we practice. Bad habits? They compound into regrets. Good habits? They lead to excellence.

This isn’t just philosophy; it’s deeply rooted in Scripture. The Bible is full of encouragement about forming godly habits that lead to a life of excellence. Let’s explore a few key verses that echo Aristotle’s wisdom.

Training implies repetition, right? It’s about instilling habits early that stick for life. Whether it’s daily prayer, reading the Word, or acts of kindness, what we repeatedly do shapes who we become. Imagine applying this to your own life: What habits are you “training” yourself in today?

(Proverbs 22:6)

Excellence here means giving your best consistently, knowing you’re serving God in the mundane. That report at work? That meal you’re cooking for your family? Do it heartily, repeatedly, and watch how it transforms your life into one of purpose and joy. (Colossians 3:23)

Habits of self-discipline aren’t accidental; they’re repeated actions that build endurance. Just like training for a marathon, spiritual excellence comes from daily choices—resisting temptation, pursuing righteousness, one step at a time. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Maturity in faith doesn’t happen overnight; it’s through repeated practice of discerning God’s will. Every time you choose forgiveness over bitterness, truth over lies, you’re training your spirit toward excellence. (Hebrews 5:14)

Start small. Pick one area where you want excellence—maybe your prayer life, work ethic, or relationships.

Identify a habit to build: Read one Bible verse daily, exercise for 10 minutes, or express gratitude to someone each evening.

Track it for 21 days—that’s often what it takes to form a habit. Remember, excellence is a journey of repeated steps.

Live by your Habits and Make Today Count