"Vous n'obtenez pas dans la vie ce que vous voulez; vous obtenez dans la vie ce que vous êtes."

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: it's not about merely desiring something in life; it's about embodying the qualities and characteristics that will lead you to it. Your outcomes are more a reflection of who you are, rather than what you wish for. Essentially, if you want success, you need to cultivate the habits and mindset of a successful person.

This idea has roots in many philosophical and self-help doctrines. Think back to ancient wisdom from philosophers like Aristotle, who said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Or consider the teachings of modern self-help gurus who emphasize the importance of mindset and personal growth. It's a timeless concept: your inner world shapes your outer world.

Let's bring this idea to life with a real example. Imagine you're someone who dreams of being a bestselling author. You don't just sit around daydreaming about your book signing events and interviews. Instead, you write every day. You read voraciously. You attend writing workshops, seek feedback, and revise tirelessly. Over time, your skills improve, and eventually, your book is published and becomes a bestseller. You're not just someone who wanted to write a book; you became a writer.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by looking at what you want and then ask yourself: what kind of person achieves that? If you want to be fit, start by developing the habits of a fit person—regular exercise, balanced diet, good sleep. If you want to be wealthy, cultivate the habits of financially successful people—budgeting, investing, continuous learning about finance. It’s about aligning your daily actions with the person you aspire to be.

Picture this: you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and they tell you about their dream of starting a business. They’ve got this fantastic idea but seem stuck in the ‘dreaming’ phase. They haven't done much beyond brainstorming. You gently remind them that ideas are just the beginning. “Look,” you say, “if you want to be an entrepreneur, you need to start acting like one. That means doing market research, creating a business plan, networking with other entrepreneurs, and probably failing a few times. It’s not glamorous, but that’s what it takes.”

Your friend nods, and you can see the wheels turning in their mind. They get it—it's not enough to want it. They have to become it.

In your own life, think about something you deeply desire. Break it down: what actions, habits, and mindsets do you need to adopt to make it a reality? Start small if you need to. Maybe it’s just one new habit or one small step each day. Consistency is key. Over time, these small changes compound, and you become the person who naturally attracts and achieves what you want.

So next time you find yourself wishing for something, pause and reflect. Don’t just desire it—become the person who lives it. That’s where the real magic happens.