Although we may have really good intentions, many of us have challenges in starting something new.  Sometimes it is difficult to ‘get going’ even when we are committed to our plans.  We suffer from inertia.   In a coaching context, how do we get ourselves to begin those self-observations, practices or exercises.  And this is where a good coach can be of benefit.

I find these words from Goethe, the famous German poet encouraging. I quoted them in my first book, ‘Networking Tactics:  a guide to achieving success through personal networking’

Begin it now 

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.

Whatever you can do or dream you can

begin it

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it

Begin it now.

Goethe

 

Recently when looking for more information on the quote above, I found it fascinating that an article that The Goethe Society of North America researched whether these words can genuinely be attributes to Goethe.  After two years of investigating, they have decided that the Scottish mountaineer W. H. Murray (and not J. W. von Goethe) wrote the last two lines.  So, who wrote the rest of the poem?  To me, it really doesn’t matter.  What is important is that these words have value for us.

Take action.  Do it now.  If you need a good coach to help you get started, you are welcome to contact me.