"العادة هي الدليل العظيم للحياة"

The quote is really all about how the routines and habits we form shape our lives more than we probably realize. Think about it—when you get up in the morning, you don’t consciously decide each step of your routine. You just do it. That’s because your habits have taken over and guide you through your day. It’s like having an autopilot for the little things so you can save your energy for the big decisions.

This idea isn’t new; it’s been around for ages. Philosophers like Aristotle and psychologists in modern times have all talked about the power of habit. Aristotle even said that we are what we repeatedly do, so excellence isn’t an act but a habit. When we understand this, we see that our habits are like the invisible architecture of our lives, shaping everything we do.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Take someone training for a marathon. At first, running five miles seems impossible. But they start small—maybe just running around the block. Over time, they build up the habit of running. It’s not sheer willpower getting them through those long runs day after day. It’s the habit they’ve built. That habit becomes their guide, pushing them out of bed, onto the pavement, until they’re ready to tackle that marathon. They don’t wake up each day and have to convince themselves to run—it’s just what they do.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying the habits you want to form. Maybe you want to read more, exercise regularly, or even just drink more water. Start small and be consistent. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Make tiny changes and stick to them. Over time, these small habits will build up, guiding your life in the direction you want to go. It's like planting seeds; you won’t see a forest overnight, but give it time, and you’ll have a lush place to explore.

Imagine you’re trying to be healthier. Instead of making a huge change like “I’ll never eat junk food again,” start smaller. Commit to adding a vegetable to every meal. It’s manageable and, over time, it becomes a habit. Before you know it, you’re naturally reaching for the salad instead of the fries because it's just what you do now.

Let me tell you about my friend Jake. He wanted to get into the habit of reading more. But instead of saying he’d read a book a week, he started by reading just one page a night before bed. It seemed almost too easy, but that was the point. It was so easy he couldn’t say no to it. Over a few months, that one page turned into five, then ten. Now he’s reading a book a week without even thinking about it. It’s just part of his nightly routine.

The takeaway here is clear: don’t underestimate the power of small habits. They might seem trivial at first, but they’re incredibly powerful. They guide your actions and, ultimately, the course of your life. So, think about the habits you want to build. Start small, be consistent, and let those habits guide you toward the life you want.