--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ...the only way to get a thing done is to…" description: "\"...the only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it,…\" — Langston Hughes" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a0/langston-hughes-1527_doing_the-only-way-to-get-a-thing-done-is-to-s_1476015.png" --- # ...the only way to get a thing done is to start to do it… ![“...the only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it,…” quote by Langston Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a0/langston-hughes-1527_doing_the-only-way-to-get-a-thing-done-is-to-s_1476015.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a0/langston-hughes-1527_doing_the-only-way-to-get-a-thing-done-is-to-s_1476015.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a0/langston-hughes-1527_doing_the-only-way-to-get-a-thing-done-is-to-s_1476015.png) > “...the only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it,…” [Langston Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/langston-hughes/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Consistent effort, starting small and persisting, leads to completion of tasks. **In simple terms:** Start, keep going, finish. Key Takeaway Begin and persist to achieve goals. Themes perseverance productivity goal‑setting Mood motivational determined Type practical inspirational When to use this quote - personal projects - team deadlines - learning new skills - community initiatives Key Concepts habit formation incremental work Questions to Reflect On - What small step can you take today? - How do you sustain momentum? A Different Perspective Risk of burnout without breaks. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [I finally decided one day, reading science fiction magazines of the time, I could do at least as well as some of these people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred-saberhagen/i-finally-decided-one-day-reading-science-fiction-magazines-of-the/) [Fred Saberhagen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred-saberhagen/) > [I've always said I'll finish my career with UFC no matter how it ended.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-hardy/i-ve-always-said-i-ll-finish-my-career-with-ufc-no-matter-how-it-ended/) [Dan Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-hardy/) > [It's a sure thing that you'll not finish if you don't start.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/it-s-a-sure-thing-that-you-ll-not-finish-if-you-don-t-start/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [I'll finish the fake signs in a little while!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-ll-finish-the-fake-signs-in-a-little-while/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I often wonder if I'll ever finish all I've started, and the answer I have found is NO. 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