After Quote by Susan Minot
“I remember when I was in graduate school and someone in workshop would say, 'I'm going to bring in a chapter of my novel.' The thought that someone could think they'd write a whole long thing... I could only see twelve pages ahead. But then I realized that if you could see twelve more after that, you can start.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Graduate school workshop anecdote, 1990s
Seeing a small, manageable piece of a larger project can motivate you to begin, even when the whole seems overwhelming.
In simple terms: Start with a small, achievable part.
Key Takeaway
Begin with a short, concrete step.
Themes
motivation
productivity
creative process
Mood
encouraging
optimistic
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- research projects
- learning a new skill
- starting a business
- overcoming procrastination
Key Concepts
incrementalism
self‑efficacy
goal setting
Questions to Reflect On
- What tiny portion can you define right now?
- How does breaking down a goal change your confidence?
A Different Perspective
If the initial piece is too vague, you may still feel stuck.
