Issue No. 80

The first Olympic Gold of the Philippines was not merely a historic moment but also a reflection of Filipinos’ determination and consistency. In the tense moments leading up to her final lift at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz stood under the spotlight, gripping the barbell, with the weight of her nation’s hopes on her shoulders. Everything hinged on this one moment, a moment that would either etch her name in history or leave her facing yet another bitter disappointment. The crowd watched in silence, and Diaz, drenched in focus and determination, steadied herself for the challenge ahead. She had been here before—three previous Olympic attempts, each marked by its own set of failures and frustrations. But what the world didn’t see were the countless hours of training, the sacrifices, and the relentless drive that brought her to this exact point. This was not a test of mere strength; it was a test of years of consistency and dedication.

Her journey to this moment began long before she ever stepped onto an Olympic stage. After finishing second to last in her Olympic debut in 2008 and suffering a disqualification in 2012, it would have been easy for Diaz to walk away from weightlifting.

Yet, she chose a different path. With every setback, she returned to training with renewed determination, building herself up again, lift by lift. She spent six days a week perfecting her technique, pushing through pain and frustration, focusing not on the immediate results but on gradual, long-term improvement. Day after day, she showed up, transforming her failures into fuel for growth.

That final lift in Tokyo was not about that single moment of brilliance. It was the product of years of persistent effort, a culmination of habits formed through rigorous training and unwavering dedication. This story of Hidilyn Diaz is a perfect embodiment of the idea that excellence is not an isolated act but something cultivated through consistent practice.

The phrase “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” encapsulates a profound truth about human nature and achievement. It suggests that our identity and success are not determined by rare, remarkable acts, but by the habits we cultivate over time. This idea, though often attributed to Aristotle, is a paraphrase by Will Durant in The Story of Philosophy, summarizing Aristotle’s thoughts on virtue from Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle believed that virtues like courage, temperance, and generosity are developed through consistent practice. They are not inherent traits, but qualities we acquire through repeated actions.

This notion resonates deeply, not just in the realm of ethics, but in every aspect of life. Our actions, repeated over time, shape who we become. A person who practices honesty in their daily interactions becomes an honest person; someone who consistently dedicates time to improving their skills becomes an expert. The reverse is also true—negative habits, if practiced consistently, define character in just as powerful a way.

One of the most striking aspects of this idea is how it empowers the individual. While external factors may be beyond our control, our habits are within our grasp. The concept places responsibility squarely on us to choose actions that align with the person we wish to become. It suggests that excellence is not a gift bestowed upon a lucky few, but something that can be cultivated through discipline and intentional effort. This perspective can be liberating because it means that we are not bound by our past behaviors or current limitations. By changing our habits, we can change ourselves—just as Diaz did when she turned her early failures into a stepping stone for her ultimate success.

I find this idea particularly compelling when applied to personal growth and professional development. For instance, consider someone who wishes to excel in their career. It is not enough to perform well on occasion or to rely on bursts of motivation. True success in any field requires the development of habits—whether it is consistently seeking knowledge, refining skills, or maintaining a strong work ethic. The most accomplished individuals are often not those with the most natural talent, but those who have cultivated habits of perseverance and improvement. They understand that excellence is not a singular event but the result of sustained effort over time.

Similarly, in the realm of personal relationships, the quality of our connections with others is often determined by the habits we form. Regular acts of kindness, empathy, and attention nurture strong, meaningful relationships. In contrast, neglect or inconsistency can erode even the strongest bonds. The day-to-day choices we make, whether to show patience, offer support, or listen attentively, accumulate over time and shape the depth of our relationships. Again, it is not the occasional grand gesture that defines the strength of a relationship, but the consistent, everyday actions that build trust and connection.

This philosophy also has significant implications for self-discipline and self-improvement. It reminds us that change does not happen overnight and that achieving excellence requires patience and persistence. Often, we expect immediate results, but Aristotle’s insight suggests that we must trust in the process of gradual improvement. Just as a person does not become courageous by acting bravely once, we cannot expect to master any skill or quality without repeated practice. The habits we cultivate, whether positive or negative, shape our future in ways we may not always see in the moment, but that become clear over time.

Ultimately, this concept encourages mindfulness about the choices we make each day. It asks us to reflect on whether our habits are leading us towards the life we aspire to live. It serves as a reminder that excellence, in any form, is within our reach if we are willing to consistently pursue it. Our repeated actions, more than any single moment of brilliance, define who we are and determine what we achieve—just as Hidilyn Diaz’s story shows us that true success is built over time, through persistent effort, and never from a single, extraordinary act.

Until next week,