Beginnings
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

What it means

A large goal becomes manageable only when it is translated into the first concrete action. The scale of the journey does not remove the need for a simple beginning.

Context

Lao Tzu’s wisdom urged starting, no matter how daunting the path.

Reflect

What long journey are you delaying because the first step feels too small to matter?

Today’s action

Take one visible first step that can be completed in under fifteen minutes.

About Lao Tzu

Ancient Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching.

Explore all Lao Tzu quotes →