Aristotle: you become what you repeatedly do
// What the research shows
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle describes virtuesVirtue (in Aristotle) A character disposition acquired through practice, e.g. courage or moderation. More in the glossary → as dispositions formed by habituation: we acquire them by acting accordingly, just as one learns an instrument by playing it. For him ethics was not pure theory. Practical wisdom has to be acquired through upbringing, habit and practice, not just by learning general rules. Living well, for him, consists in doing, not in a mere state.
// In practice
- Discipline isn't a trait you either have or don't. It comes from repeated action.
- Instead of waiting for motivation: act, and the identity follows (“I'm someone who trains”).
- Fits well with modern habit research (see the topic “Building habits”).
// Limitations & open questions
A philosophical teaching, not an empirical study. The parallel with habit research is an interpretation, not proof.
// Sources
// More from Mindset
Goals & if-then plans
“If X happens, then I'll do Y” demonstrably helps you follow through. The effect is smaller than early numbers suggested, though.
Building habits
The “21 days” is a myth. In the best-known study it took 66 days on average, with a huge range. Missing one day doesn't break it.
Self-talk
Deliberate self-talk moderately improves sports performance, especially when practised beforehand.
Mental training & visualisation
Vividly imagining movements does make you somewhat stronger. It doesn't replace real training, though.