Let’s examine and reflect on a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who was a German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, critic, and amateur artist. As an optical entrepreneur, it one of the most important quotes to know and understand. Its meaning and lessons have served me well over the years and gives me the courage to push forward when I am tempted to hesitate;
“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 you 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, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Powerful stuff. Reflect on it this weekend. Look back and examine where this has proved true for you. Maybe the beginning of your practice or a decision to move somewhere or start a new relationship with someone. Look at all the amazing things you have in your life that started as a tiny seed, and courageous step to commit and begin and then providence moved too.
And then look at today and look forward. Where have you put your thought and research into some new direction or strategy and satisfied yourself that it is the correct path to get to your new future, but you haven’t committed? You are drawing back, being hesitant and being ineffective? Let Goethe’s words stir you to commit and begin it now!
If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll know that to keep on doing what you are doing and plodding along without committing is not going to take you to a new place with new results and a new version of your practice and your life. For that to happen you must commit and begin it.
To Your Success!
Conor