According to Aristotle, Happiness Is Achievable Through These Daily Habits

Ever wondered why some people seem naturally content while others chase happiness without catching it? According to Aristotle, happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a state of being that comes from living virtuously and fulfilling your potential. This ancient Greek philosopher didn't just theorize about happiness—he created a practical framework that's surprisingly applicable to our modern lives. The concept of eudaimonia, which according to Aristotle happiness is built upon, translates roughly to "flourishing" or "thriving," going far beyond momentary pleasure to encompass a well-lived life of virtue and purpose.

In our hyper-connected, constantly busy world, Aristotle's 2,300-year-old wisdom offers a refreshing perspective. Instead of seeking happiness through external achievements or possessions, Aristotle suggests we find it through developing our character and living according to our highest nature. The beauty of this approach is that it puts happiness within everyone's reach, regardless of circumstances. Let's explore how to translate these timeless principles into practical daily habits that can transform your routine and cultivate lasting well-being.

Morning Rituals: How According to Aristotle, Happiness Is Built Through Intentional Starts

The way you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows. According to Aristotle, happiness is cultivated through consistent practice of virtuous actions, making your morning routine the perfect opportunity to establish this foundation. Start with a simple two-minute reflection on which virtues you want to embody today—perhaps courage in an upcoming meeting or patience with family members.

Aristotle's concept of the "golden mean" suggests finding balance between excess and deficiency in all things. Apply this to your morning by asking: "How can I bring moderation to my actions today?" Perhaps you'll decide to be assertive without being aggressive, or caring without becoming overwhelmed by others' problems.

A practical morning ritual might include:

• Taking three deep breaths while setting an intention for balanced action
• Identifying one virtue to focus on throughout the day
• Visualizing yourself responding to challenges with that virtue

This intentional start aligns perfectly with Aristotelian ethics, which emphasizes that virtues develop through practice. By consciously choosing how you'll approach the day, you're not just hoping for happiness—you're actively creating the conditions for it through purposeful small actions.

Midday Practices: According to Aristotle, Happiness Is Cultivated Through Balanced Actions

By midday, life's demands often pull us away from our morning intentions. This is the perfect time to reconnect with Aristotle's principles. Take a moment during your lunch break to practice what Aristotle called phronesis, or practical wisdom—the ability to make good decisions in specific circumstances.

Try this quick midday reset: When facing a challenge, ask yourself, "What would the most virtuous version of me do in this situation?" This simple question bridges ancient philosophy with immediate action. According to Aristotle, happiness is maintained through this kind of continuous self-awareness and adjustment.

Another powerful midday practice is to view obstacles as opportunities for virtue development. That difficult colleague becomes your teacher of patience; that tight deadline becomes your chance to practice diligence. This perspective shift transforms everyday frustrations into stepping stones toward greater flourishing.

Embrace Your Potential: According to Aristotle, Happiness Is Your Natural State

As your day winds down, remember that according to Aristotle, happiness is actually your natural state when you're living in alignment with your highest potential. This isn't about perfection but about progress—moving consistently toward your best self through daily choices and habits.

Take a moment each evening to reflect on moments when you embodied virtue today. Perhaps you showed courage by speaking up in a meeting, generosity by helping a colleague, or wisdom by making a difficult but principled decision. Celebrating these small wins reinforces the connection between virtuous action and well-being.

The beauty of Aristotle's approach is its accessibility. You don't need special equipment, extensive training, or perfect circumstances to begin. You only need the willingness to make slightly better choices, moment by moment. Start with just one practice from this guide—perhaps the morning intention-setting or the midday reframing—and notice how it affects your day. According to Aristotle, happiness is the natural result of living virtuously, one day at a time.