"Vous n'avez pas besoin d'être génial pour commencer mais vous devez commencer pour être génial"

The essence of this quote is really simple: you don't need to be a superstar to begin something. But, if you want to achieve greatness, you must take that initial step. It's about overcoming the fear of not being perfect and just diving in.

This idea was famously propagated by Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker and author, known for his down-to-earth advice and encouraging words. He wanted people to understand that waiting for the perfect moment or for themselves to be perfectly ready is a waste of time. Action, despite imperfections, is what leads to improvement and, eventually, excellence.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Imagine you're someone who’s always wanted to run a marathon. You might be sitting on your couch, feeling like you can't start because you're not fit enough, or you don’t have the perfect gear. But guess what? Every marathon runner you see started somewhere. They weren't all born with the ability to run 26.2 miles effortlessly. They began with small, manageable steps—perhaps just jogging around the block. Over time, these small efforts accumulated, leading to the stamina and strength required to run a marathon.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying something you’ve been putting off because you think you’re not ready. It could be anything—writing a book, learning to cook, or starting a new business. Break it down into tiny, manageable tasks. If you want to write a book, start with a paragraph a day. If cooking is your goal, try a simple recipe first. The key is to start, however small that start may be.

Here’s a relatable story that might hit home. Picture a young woman named Sarah. She’s always wanted to paint but has convinced herself she’s not good enough. She’s got a few supplies gathering dust in a corner, and every time she thinks about starting, self-doubt creeps in. “What if it’s terrible?” she thinks.

One day, she decides to just give it a shot—no pressure. She picks up her brush and dabbles on a small canvas. The first few strokes aren’t perfect, but something magical happens: she loses herself in the process. Time flies, and by the end of the session, she has something—a piece of herself on canvas. It’s no Van Gogh, but it’s a start. She feels proud and motivated to try again, and with every new painting, she notices improvement.

Sarah’s story is a perfect example. It shows that you don't need to wait to be great. Greatness is a journey, not a starting point. And the first step, however small, is the most crucial part of that journey.

So, next time you’re hesitating, remember Sarah and the marathon runner. Just start—don’t overthink it. Embrace the imperfections and learn as you go. You’ll be amazed at where those small steps can take you.