Every great success begins with a single step… it sounds simple, but that’s where most people get stuck. They see the mountain, not the path. Let’s break down why this Brian Tracy gem is so powerful.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote is about initiation. It’s the antidote to paralysis by analysis. The core message is that the quality of the first step—taking it in the *right* direction—is more important than its size.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen it a hundred times. Ambitious people with massive goals just… freeze. They want to build a million-dollar business, but they’re terrified of sending that first, imperfect sales email. The magic here isn’t in the step itself, but in the psychological shift it creates. You move from being a spectator to a participant. That first step, no matter how small, generates momentum. It creates a data point. It’s feedback. And once you have that, the next step becomes clearer, and the one after that even clearer. It’s about building a process, not just chasing an outcome.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | action (112), beginning (9), direction (15) |
| Literary Style | motivational (245), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | encouraging (304) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is firmly from Brian Tracy’s 2001 book, The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires. You’ll sometimes see it vaguely attributed to Lao Tzu or other ancient philosophers—and look, the sentiment is timeless—but the specific phrasing is pure Tracy. He packaged this ancient wisdom for the modern entrepreneur.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brian Tracy (375) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires (41) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Every great success begins with a single step in the right direction |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2001; ISBN: 978-1-57675-198-5; Latest Edition: Revised 2019; Number of Pages: 96 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 2: Develop a Clear Sense of Direction, Approximate page 14 of 2019 edition |