The Habits That Shape You: A Lesson from a Legendry Basketball Player

Are your daily actions building the future you want?

"Everything Is Habit-Forming So make sure what you do is what you want to be doing."

That line is more than just a quote from a basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain—it’s a challenge. A reminder. A warning.

We tend to think of habits as small behaviors—brushing your teeth, checking your email, going for a walk. But Chamberlain’s words hit deeper: everything is habit-forming. Not just routines, but reactions. How we lead under pressure. How we respond to stress. How we treat our bodies. How we talk to ourselves.

Here’s what this quote reminds us of:

1. Habit Formation Happens—Whether You're Aware of It or Not

Your daily actions, repeated often enough, become default settings. The question is: are they intentional or just inherited?

2. You Have the Power to Choose

Every habit starts with a choice. Chamberlain’s wisdom encourages us to be deliberate—to align our habits with the person we want to become, not just the one we’ve drifted into.

3. Self-Reflection Is Essential

Are your current routines aligned with your long-term values and goals? Or are they pulling you in the wrong direction?

4. Habits Shape Your Character

At the end of the day, it’s not what you say you value—it’s what you repeatedly do that defines you. Your habits write your story.

As a coach, I encourage you to take a moment today and reflect:

What’s one habit I’m reinforcing right now that’s shaping the future I don’t actually want?

And then flip it:

What’s one small shift I can make to build a habit that supports the life, leadership, or legacy I do want?

You don’t have to overhaul everything. But you do have to start somewhere.

Let’s make sure what you’re doing is actually what you want to be doing.

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Need help identifying the right habits to build for your growth, leadership, or performance?

That’s exactly what I help clients do at Max U Coaching.

Let’s work together to build the future you’re meant for—one habit at a time.

Johnny Hawkins

Executive & Professional Coach

www.MaxUCoaching.com