5 Quotes to Inspire You to Take that First Small Step
Don’t Wait. Do What You Can Now.
The first step is often the hardest, for after that we have forward momentum. To help you take the first step in a new endeavor, here are 5 quotes to inspire, motivate and encourage you.
1. “Do not wait; the time will never be ‘’just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” ~ Napoleon Hill
I think we have all had internal discussions about going and doing something, where we think maybe we should wait a bit because maybe…. the weather will improve or we will be more prepared or perhaps our friends can join us if we wait.
However, what often happens is, even if those conditions improve, other conditions worsen and it gets dark or we are hungry or the store is about to close.
I agree wholeheartedly. Don’t wait. Start now.
2. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe
Where Arthur Ashe WAS in 1960 was a youth in Richmond Virginia, a place that prohibited a black player from using the city’s indoor courts and whose segregated schools meant Ashe couldn’t play against white students.
Using what he had — a whole lot of talent and a love of playing tennis, Arthur Ashe caught the eye of tennis coaches who brought him to a better place. Doing what he could eventually translated into winning Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open and the French Open.
3. “If you can’t rent a backhoe, buy a shovel.” ~ Unknown
Often we don’t have the ideal tools or preparation to accomplish what we dream of. “If you can’t rent a backhoe, buy a shovel” is a good reminder that there are many ways to accomplish a task.
You buy a shovel when you really want to ‘move the earth’ and are willing to ‘dig in’ (pardon the pun) with whatever tools are at hand. You’ll move a lot more dirt with a shovel than surfing the heavy equipment/backhoe websites and dreaming.
This is actually another variation on the theme, “Don’t WAIT!”
As for who said this, I’m sorry to say I don’t know. I misplaced the source where I found this quote and oddly Google gave me no clues. Anyone who knows, comment below. I’m sure I didn’t make it up, even if I created the image!
4. “Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.” ~ John Wooden
John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 — June 4, 2010) was an American basketball player and head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. His teams won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period. Wooden was famous for the advice he gave players both on and off the basketball court, including these wise words.
5. “Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” ~ Chinese Proverb
When pressed for time (as almost everyone seems to be these days), it’s easy to think, “I won’t be able to do enough to matter.”
You might walk into a messy room and shriek (curse) about it: “How did it get this way!” “What shall I do with all this crud?”
Tackle a drawer or spend 10 minutes putting things away and then stop. Don’t go all Marie Kondo . That’s insane. Spend a small amount of time focused in one area and see if you feel better.
And with that, go take that first small step in a new direction you wish to explore!
About the author: I love quotes and created the audio book: Quotes for Achievement.
My newest book is meant to inspire underemployed or unemployed folks with both practical tips and personal stories. Out-of-Work to Making Money, 21 Comeback Stories Every Job Hunter Should Hear is currently available on Amazon (coming soon to Audible)
