As seen in the Tried & True Fall 2024 issue
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
—Arthur Ashe, American Tennis Player
In the pursuit of goals, we often wait for the perfect moment, the ideal resources or the absolute certainty of success. However, Ashe’s advice offers a different perspective: the art of starting with what you currently have and where you presently are.
Success is not contingent on perfect conditions; it grows from the willingness to begin with the present circumstances. It’s about recognizing the resources at your disposal–no matter how modest–and utilizing them to the fullest. This could mean leveraging your current skills, the knowledge you possess or the network you’ve built.
Moreover, doing what you can is a testament to your commitment. It’s about making the most of each day, each opportunity and each challenge. Even the smallest actions, when consistent and purposeful, can lead to significant achievements.
This approach is empowering. It eliminates the ‘waiting for the right moment’ mindset and replaces it with a ‘making the moment right’ attitude. Remember that your journey begins with the step you take today.
So, take a moment to reflect on where you are and what you have. Then, take a step forward, do what you can and watch as the path of success unfolds from the very spot you stand on.
