Got to get Goethe
Claire in first person, pt. 2
While it’s questionable if the quote was written by JW Goethe, the German writer and author of Faust or WH Murray, a Scottish mountaineer, this is one of my favorite action quotes.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
I moved to West Palm Beach in 2007 solo and one of my first friends, Raquel, really took me under her wing. Either I was totally transparent, or she has amazing people reading skills, she knew exactly what I needed. It was a transitional period in my life. I had some time off and volunteered at the Norton Museum of Art and then started working as an engineer commuting to Pompano Beach. I had finally cut ties a 6 year toxic on-off relationship.
While I do not remember what the situation was or why it came up, one day Raquel read me this quote. I am sure I was waffling over some seeming earth shattering decision. Immediately I had to write it down I kept it with me. I have had this on my fridges for as long as I can remember.
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back.”
While I do not think I am afraid to commit to things, I definitely have a hard time with integrity to yes’s and no’s, both of which are commitments. Decisions take me a long time to make and sometimes not until the last moment. A good reason for the long standing relationship I was in was the fear of committing to letting go. When I was making the decision to switch jobs, I had to pick - to commit and understand that I cannot come running back to the old job. I always like to leave myself outs, but then I’m only ever halfway in.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans.
Too often I hold back my voice and become reliant on someone else with a stronger voice. I’ve missed chances to be heard or opportunities to change course. This is always temporary, because eventually I am in enough pain that I need to change and speak out.
That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
This is the promise that I love. Although I have weakness and blind spots, if I take a necessary action then I am promised a new outlook. Every time I commit to myself, the world as I see will begin to be reformed. It is not easy and it is not always pretty, but I cannot be two things at once.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
Bold is not an adjective I would tend to use to describe myself, but my actions can certainly take that name. I am risk adverse and a people pleaser and I tend to doubt myself (that’s enough self depricating). These last sentences really drew me in. While I am generally horrified of certain definitions of what it means to be bold, I know that I can do a certain Claire version of boldness and creation and watch the magic unfold
What is the bold thing that you are contemplating? What is holding you back? If you are promised the earth will move for you for committing, what would you do? What if you thinking is too finite and whatever is on the other side of a decision is something we could not even visualize because of our limited consciousness or awareness of what could be? What things have you committed that seemingly backfired? Was it truly an act of initiative and creation? Or was it a commitment to really just continue to stay stuck? How can you reframe your commitment to an act of true creation?