Begin Quote by John Shaw Billings
“There's nothing really difficult if you only begin - some people contemplate a task until it looms so big, it seems impossible, but I just begin and it gets done somehow. There would be no coral islands if the first bug sat down and began to wonder how the job was to be done.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Power of Initiation, 1915
Starting a task, no matter how daunting, reduces its perceived difficulty and leads to progress.
In simple terms: Begin to overcome difficulty.
Key Takeaway
Take the first step.
Themes
motivation
action
perseverance
productivity
mindset
Mood
encouraging
practical
Type
inspirational
motivational
When to use this quote
- starting a project
- learning a new skill
- solving a problem
- creative work
Key Concepts
goal setting
incremental progress
psychology of effort
Questions to Reflect On
- What small step can you take now?
- How does starting change your perception?
A Different Perspective
Some tasks may require planning before action; blind start can cause errors.
