Attributed by William Hutchinson Murray to Goethe, this popular lines have inspired me in a few occasions to move forward towards certain daunting goals:
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Indeed, lots of unexplainable blessings came our way in support of past ventures, including those instances when we jumped ahead largely on faith. Crazy but true.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. 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 favor 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 you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
William Hutchinson Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)
While starting remains a significant challenge to many people desiring to better their lot in life, it is in finishing that separates those who achieves from those who merely tries. It takes courage to sustain what boldness began, i.e. the courage to face fear, difficulties, pain, uncertainties and even danger in the long way to the finish line. Boldness allows us to take the first step, while courage sustains us to follow through with that initial commitment when the going gets rough.