The Hardest Part

bycoachgrant

889 followers

2 years ago

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" is a common saying that originated from a Chinese proverb. The quotation is from Chapter 64 of the Dao De Jing ascribed to Lau Tzu although it is also erroneously ascribed to his contemporary Confucius. This saying teaches that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; something which begins with one first step.

The phrase is also translated as A journey of a thousand miles begins from under the feet "and a thousand mile journey begins where one stands".

Many of us are procrastinators. Why? Perhaps it is because we are afraid of failing. Perhaps it is because, as the Chinese proverb suggests, we look at the 1,000 mile journey and we are daunted by the magnitude of the undertaking. If you intend to climb Mr. Everest and focus on it's height, you may never get started.

That is the key, getting started. It is the hardest part it seems. Taking that first step takes some effort and some courage. But, once you take that first step, though you may encounter obstacles, the rest of the journey often seems to be a lot easier to manage.

The same is true in business. You have an idea. I am sure that that some ideas never see the light of day. Perhaps the originator of the idea sabotaged the concept right at the beginning by thinking that the idea might not lead to success. Perhaps the originator was intimidated by the magnitude of the effort that might be required to see the idea to fruition.

All creations begin with an idea. Imagine what humanity would be missing if Michelangelo or Mozart never took that first step.? What if Marconi or Edison couldn't muster the courage to take that first step? What would life be like if Banting, Best and Macleod hadn't pursued the development of insulin? What if Alexander Fleming didn't take the first step that led to the development of penicillin?

Do you have an idea? If so, cast aside any fear of failure you may be harboring. Burst through the walls of intimidation. Muster the courage to take that first step. You may well encounter obstacles and may make some mistakes along the way. But remember, your creation may ultimately manifest well beyond anything you could ask for or imagine!