You know, the secret to getting ahead is getting started sounds simple, but it’s the one thing that holds most people back. It’s the ultimate antidote to overthinking and perfectionism. Action, not just planning, is what creates real momentum.
Share Image Quote:This quote means that the single most important step toward any goal is simply to initiate the first action. Momentum and progress are born from that initial decision to begin, however imperfectly.
Look, I’ve seen this play out a thousand times. The biggest barrier to success isn’t a lack of talent or the perfect plan—it’s inaction. It’s that paralyzing gap between thinking and doing. The magic here is that starting, even poorly, generates feedback, creates momentum, and shatters the illusion that everything needs to be perfect before you begin. It’s about shifting from a passive state of planning to an active state of building. And that’s where the real growth happens.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (4111) |
| Category | Success (384) |
| Topics | discipline (264), initiative (23), motivation (122) |
| Literary Style | aphoristic (206), classic (8) |
| Emotion / Mood | general (83), inspiring (434) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (269) |
This is a modern quote from Michael Matthews’s fitness book, Bigger Leaner Stronger, first published in the United States around 2012. You’ll sometimes see this sentiment misattributed to Mark Twain or other historical figures, but its origin is firmly with Matthews in the context of personal development and fitness.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael Matthews (111) |
| Source Type | Book (4638) |
| Source/Book Name | Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body (56) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1995) |
| Original Language | English (4111) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4638) |
Michael Matthews writes straightforward, evidence-based fitness books and leads Legion Athletics, a supplement and education company. He connects with readers through the Muscle for Life podcast and hundreds of articles on training, nutrition, and healthy habits. He champions simple programming, high-protein diets, progressive overload, and sustainable fat loss. The Michael Matthews book list includes Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger, and The Shredded Chef. He continues refining his methods using new research and feedback from thousands of readers and clients.
| Official Website
| Quotation | The secret to getting ahead is getting started |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN: 9781938895302; Last edition: 2021 (4th Edition); Number of pages: 480. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 8: Take Action, Approximate page from 2021 Edition |
Within the book, this quote isn’t just philosophical fluff. It’s a direct, practical response to the overwhelm many guys feel when facing a complex fitness journey. Matthews uses it to cut through the noise of endless research, perfect workout splits, and optimal diets, pushing the reader to just lift the first weight.
Honestly, I use this as a mental trigger all the time. For instance:
It’s perfect for overthinkers, perfectionists, and anyone feeling stuck.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Wisdom (1973) |
| Audiences | athletes (299), coaches (1343), entrepreneurs (1088), professionals (824), students (3499) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | business training (18), habit formation talks (2), motivational reels (12), starting speeches (1), study sessions (4) |
Question: But what if I don’t know how to start correctly?
Answer: The goal isn’t a perfect start; it’s a start, period. You can’t course-correct a parked car. You’ll figure out the “correct” way by doing, making mistakes, and adjusting.
Question: Isn’t planning important too?
Answer: Absolutely, but planning becomes a form of procrastination when it never translates into action. The most valuable planning often happens *after* you’ve started and have real-world data.
Question: How do I overcome the fear of a bad start?
Answer: Reframe it. A “bad” start is infinitely more valuable than no start. It’s data. It’s a lesson. It’s momentum. Embrace the messy, imperfect beginning—it’s the only one that exists.
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