Samuel Clemens (a.k.a Mark Twain) is well known for the wit and wisdom of his writing but in today’s quote, I would like to point out he was a pretty darn good motivator as well.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”     – Mark Twain

While this may seem like the most basic of statements, there is meaningful motivation here.

The old adage that the first step is the hardest to take falls right in line with Twain’s thinking. There isn’t anything quite so difficult as starting something new.

If starting something is just like any other task, shouldn’t new beginnings get easier as we start more and more things?

Of course not, the more we do the harder it is to juggle all the old and the more painful it is to consider the possibility of taking on new commitments.

Here’s the beauty of starting something; it is also a chance to change or finish another part in your life.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”     – Mark Twain

If we want to get past the rut we are in or we want to make a dream a reality, we have to let go of the people or things that are holding us back. We have to physically, emotionally, and metaphorically walk away. We have to take that first step.

When my son was a toddler, he was terrified to step across the threshold of any elevator. It was quite the conundrum because he LOVED elevators (and still does). He just could not make himself step over that 2-inch chasm between the elevator and the building’s floor. He would cry, shake, and claw at my clothes to get away from that gap, but really all he wanted was to be in that elevator.

The first few times, I held him (along with half a dozen bags and my purse).

After a while I realized I was not doing my son or myself any favors by letting that sliver of darkness get the better of us. He had to take that step if we were ever going to get ahead of his fear.

After some serious cajoling and convincing, I talked my son into being the button-pusher and door holder for an entire day, IF he would go across that crack by himself. The compromise was that I had to hold his hand.

The lure of pushing all the buttons and being the “official” door button holder was too much and my son bravely held my hand and leaped over that deathly elevator canyon. Once he had taken that leap of faith and succeeded, nothing could get in his way, except his older sister. Once he knew he could cross that chasm he raced head-first to the elevator every time.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”     – Mark Twain

What ever darkness is holding you hostage or sliver of uncertainty is keeping you captive, I encourage you to take the first step. Make the move to get your head where it needs to be and let it follow your heart toward the goal you seek.

If you don’t get started, you’ll never get finished (much less ahead of the game). Put your energy into starting something new or walking away from whatever is heading off your success.

Mr. Clemens wasn’t the only one clever enough to know what it takes to make life happen. You know it too. It’s no secret. Get started. Go get ahead of where you are today. Pace yourself. There are great things waiting for you. It’s time you started getting ahead.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Please share your stories of taking first steps or getting started. When we hear stories of others moving forward, it motivates us to get into motion too.