Getting started

The secret of getting ahead is getting started [Mark Twain]

(Liking the style)

 

Getting started can be daunting. Often it builds up in your mind so that it becomes more a psychological barrier than an actual one. If you can’t see right to where you are heading, you can be put off even setting off.

I’ve just finished Nick Hornby’s book comparing Dickens and Prince (my last book of 2025, finished en route to a new year’s eve party in Tufnell Park). It reminds its readers that Dickens commonly embarked on writing a novel without knowing the ending.

Goethe was big on beginnings…

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 dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

The Chinese came up with a more concise take on beginning…

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

This proverb derives from the Tao Te Ching, a foundational work of Taoism, ascribed to Laozi.

1st January or thereabouts is the perfect time to be bold, take the risk, step out onto that path of which you don’t necessarily know the ultimate route, and let the world shape itself around you in that magical way to bring you material assistance and helpful network effects to enable you to reach your goal or dream.

Begin it now…