28th April 2025
A new day, a new week and Iam reminded of an old Latin proverb, “Initium est dimidium facti,” which reminds us of the timeless importance of simply beginning the task at hand.
It translates to:
“Once you’ve started, you’re halfway there.”
The most difficult thing to do is to start something.
Even a space rocket consumes significantly more fuel at the very beginning of its journey compared to the later stages.
To escape the earth’s gravitational pull, a rocket needs to reach a certain velocity, known as escape velocity which requires a substantial amount of thrust and, consequently, fuel.
From time to time, we all get brilliant thoughts & ideas about a project that will change the world.
Sadly, most of us don’t take a few micro-steps to get the dream rolling.
Instead, we wait & allow our doubts, fears and demons to convince us that our idea was silly, that we could never get it done, that it is not viable, that I cannot do it, due to lack of resources, time or skill set, that we need to gather more information or research on the idea, And that we’re not worthy of moving the enterprise forward.
So we don’t.
I adore this quote by William Hutchison Murray from ‘The Scottish Himalayan Expedition’:
“Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
Please take it to heart and keep it front of your mind if you are waiting to start something.
I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
The greatest amongst us are all excellent starters!
They never leave the site of a fantastic idea without exercising some action to make it happen.
Never allow your great promise to be shackled by a thief called procrastination or the fear of failure.
Leave the safe shores,This is your time, You can start that dream project you’ve been thinking about, Your life will rise when you do and the world will become a better place once it’s done.
‘Initium est dimidium facti’ & stay blessed forever.