“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle.
This quote from Aristotle underscores the importance of habits in shaping our lives. One of my first clinical supervisors attached that quote to every email she sent me. After being a therapist for over twenty years, I’ve seen firsthand how building small, consistent habits can lead to remarkable transformations. The key to resilience, happiness, and personal excellence lies not in grand gestures but in the daily rituals that move us forward, one step at a time.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to focus on the extremes—celebrating visible success while ignoring the quiet work behind the scenes. But it’s those small, often overlooked habits that form the foundation of a stable, fulfilling life. Let’s explore how building a routine can impact our mental wellness, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
Building Habits: The Roots of Change
The roots of human behavior are found in the small, repetitive actions we take every day. These actions—whether it’s checking in with a loved one, practicing gratitude, or maintaining a healthy sleep routine—form the core of our lives. Habits, like seeds, grow over time, and the quality of our lives depends on the care we give them.
In therapy, I often emphasize the importance of sleep hygiene and daily self-care rituals as indicators of mental health. While not flashy, these habits ground us and lead to long-term happiness. A routine that integrates wellness practices like taking daily walks, engaging in joy-inducing activities, and setting intentional goals builds resilience and strengthens family bonds. These practices are particularly effective for my New Jersey clients looking to create healthier, more balanced lives.
If you’re struggling with building new habits, start small. For example, adding five minutes of mindfulness or a nightly gratitude journal can begin to shift your perspective and improve your mental well-being. These small shifts, when done consistently, have a ripple effect that transforms not only your mental health but your overall quality of life.
Building Balance: Mindfulness as a Daily Practice
Achieving balance in life requires conscious effort, and in my practice, I work with clients to create sustainable routines that reflect who they are and what they aspire to be. Mindfulness is at the heart of this process. By practicing mindfulness daily, we maintain a conscious awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This helps us stay connected to our authentic selves and make choices that align with our values.
Simple habits such as meditation, journaling, and earthing—the practice of grounding ourselves by connecting with nature—are excellent ways to foster this self-awareness. Regular check-ins with ourselves throughout the day, whether through reflection or gratitude, deepen our connection to who we are. One of my personal routines is to ask for forgiveness early and often. It’s a recognition of our humanity and the understanding that growth involves making mistakes. This practice of grace, for ourselves and others, allows us to move forward without the burden of guilt or regret.
Building Excellence: The Power of Routine-Based Mindfulness
Most of us want to be excellent at something—whether it’s our careers, relationships, or personal development. But true excellence comes not from striving for perfection but from embracing our flaws and continuously refining our habits. In therapy, we often work on dismantling negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations. By creating a habit of mindfulness around our emotions and behaviors, we learn to let go of what doesn’t serve us and hold on to the practices that bring us closer to our goals.
Routine-based mindfulness allows us to approach life’s challenges with resilience and clarity. It’s not about beating ourselves up when we fall short but about accepting the moment and adjusting course. As one philosopher said, there’s no use dwelling on mistakes. The only rational path is to acknowledge them, learn, and move forward. This approach not only builds resilience but also fosters a mindset of growth and self-compassion.
If you’ve ever reached that small crossroads where you feel you’ve fallen short, remember that excellence is built one day at a time. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Accept your imperfections, make adjustments, and continue the journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.
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PS: Are you a culturally competent IIC clinician with a passion for empathetic support? Our practice is hiring in New Jersey! Check out our Careers page to join a team that values inclusivity and empathetic care.
