“Lose this day loitering–’twill be the same story
To-morrow–and the next more dilatory.
Each indecision brings its own delays
And days are lost lamenting o’er lost days.
Are you in earnest? seize this very minute–
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated–
Begin it, and then the work will be completed!”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, from Faust

Here’s a version of this from Lord Herbert:

“The shortest answer is doing.”

Love these calls to action! I often need a kick in the pants to get going on a project and I’m sure you do, too. So let’s unpack Goethe’s advice:

Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute: If we really want to do something, then why wait? Why not make it happen? Sometimes, just getting up and putting yourself in motion does the trick. There’s an entrepreneurial saying: “Success likes speed.” Just do it!

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it: When we act boldly and push past our self-imposed limitations, the universe supports us. I think it was Emerson who said, “Do the thing and you will have the power.”

Only engage, and the mind grows heated: Once you start a project, once you get involved, “the mind grows heated,” — you start getting ideas and feeling energized. When you warm to a task, it’s serious fun.

Begin it, and then the work will be completed! “It’s the start that stops most people”—my friend and mentor Dr. Rob Gilbert* says this all the time. And how true it is! One of his most treasured strategies for getting started on something is “The 15-Minute Rule.” Just start something and tell you’re self you’ll just do it for 15 minutes. By the time minute 16 rolls around, you’re more than likely to keep going.”

“The shortest answer is doing.” Let’s “seize this very minute” and make something happen. You’ll be glad you did—and so will I! Write on!

Please help KWD grow by sharing: https://karinwritesdangerously.com

* Check out Dr. Gilbert’s Success Hotline Podcast or call 973.743.4690!