Excellence is not a spark. It’s a rhythm.

The other day, over a coffee that had gone cold, as most good Italian conversations require, a friend told me about his 10-year-old daughter. He was impressed by how a girl that young could be so clear in her intentions.

A little girl, full of dreams, with one idea in mind: she wants to become a top tennis player.

"Not just play well," he said. "She wants to be the best."

Now, I must confess, at ten I was more interested in Lego and football than in greatness. But this little one wakes up early, trains almost every day, rain or shine. Her backhand still needs work, but her spirit? Impeccable.

Of course, she gets tired. She throws the occasional racquet, figuratively and perhaps literally. But then comes what matters most.

“She always comes back,” her father said.

Every morning, racquet in hand, ponytail bouncing, ready to try again.

This, my friend, is perseverance, discipline and passion.

Tennis, like life, is not about doing it once and doing it perfectly.

It’s about doing it again. And again.

It’s about returning to the court the day after you lost, or the day after you didn’t feel like it.

It's about stringing together ordinary days until they become something extraordinary.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

It may sound noble. Like something a Greek philosopher might have said, possibly while preparing lunch. But I believe it’s also deeply true.

We often think excellence comes from talent, from sudden inspiration, or from divine intervention. But no. Excellence is the result of repeating small things, with care and with presence.

Not once, not twice, but always.

You show up when you're tired.

You write when the words aren’t flowing.

You lead when you're uncertain.

You listen when you'd rather speak.

That’s excellence. That’s habit. That’s rhythm.

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Nicola Arnese supports individuals and teams in building the rhythm that leads to meaningful growth—through consistency, care, and presence. Whether you're aiming to lead with clarity, navigate change, or reconnect with what drives you, business coaching, talent coaching, and group coaching can help you develop excellence as a habit, not just an outcome.

You're welcome to schedule a free, non-binding coaching session to access a pro bono coaching cycle. He offers these sessions during his free hours to ensure no conflicts with other business responsibilities—some scheduling flexibility may be required.