Starting something new — a project, a career pivot, or a bold initiative — can feel both thrilling and intimidating. Yet more often than not, the hardest barrier isn’t the task itself — it’s taking the first step. That’s why getting started quotes can be much more than mere words. They act as cognitive nudges that shift mindset, trigger motivation, and encourage action. By weaving these quotes into your personal habits or workplace culture, you can turn inspiration into momentum and growth.
Below, you’ll find a powerful list of quotes — plus practical guidance on why they work, how to use them, and how teams can harness them to build a culture of action and engagement.
The Psychology of Beginnings
Every major achievement begins with action. Yet according to the American Psychological Association (2024), nearly 67% of people delay starting meaningful tasks due to fear of failure, self-doubt, or perfectionism.
The first step matters because:
- It breaks analysis paralysis.
- It creates momentum.
- It builds confidence through progress.
Neuroscience shows that starting activates the brain’s dopamine system, creating a feedback loop that sustains motivation (Journal of Positive Psychology, 2024). This is why even small actions—like writing a single sentence or making one call—can snowball into significant outcomes.
Inspirational quotes are effective because they act as cognitive nudges, shifting the focus from fear to possibility. A single line from a leader like Eleanor Roosevelt or Theodore Roosevelt can push someone to act where hesitation dominated before.
Turn Inspiration Into Action with BRAVO
Motivation is powerful, but lasting impact comes when it’s woven into daily culture. With BRAVO, you can transform inspirational quotes into employee recognition moments that drive productivity and growth.
Book a Free DemoThe Power of Words
Words are not just communication tools—they are behavioral catalysts. Carefully chosen words inspire, heal, and unite. Misused words, however, erode confidence and create resistance.
Why motivational quotes work:
- Brevity with impact → A few words can reframe a mindset instantly.
- Authority transfer → Wisdom from respected figures builds trust.
- Emotional resonance → They tap into universal fears and hopes.
Consider how Steve Jobs’s call to “innovate fearlessly” continues to push entrepreneurs decades later. Or how Nelson Mandela’s wisdom on resilience inspires leaders facing adversity. Quotes carry weight because they condense hard-earned human experience into digestible wisdom.
In the workplace, leaders who integrate motivational quotes into communication often notice improved employee morale, collaboration, and initiative-taking.
The Importance of Taking the First Step
The biggest hurdle is not the task—it’s beginning. According to Stanford University research (2024), people who focus on “just starting” are 32% more likely to complete complex tasks than those who fixate on end results.
Taking the first step:
- Reduces fear of the unknown.
- Shifts attention to the present moment.
- Creates a sense of control and progress.
Case in point: Businesses that encourage employees to “just start” projects instead of overplanning see faster innovation cycles. On an individual level, adopting this mindset leads to greater resilience and long-term achievement.
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
40 “Getting Started Quotes” to Inspire Your First Step
“Getting Started Quotes” offers a collection of words to inspire and motivate you to take that first step toward your next big goal. These words of wisdom emphasize that progress always begins with action, no matter how small. They ignite courage, foster perseverance, and reinforce the transformative power of new beginnings. Whether you’re embarking on a new project, pursuing a dream, or stepping outside your comfort zone, these 30 quotes are a powerful reminder that every outstanding achievement starts with the decision to begin.
Quotes about Taking Action and Overcoming Procrastination
This carefully curated collection of quotes to get started is designed to spark proactive action and help overcome procrastination. Each quote encourages you to take that first step, proving that even small actions can lead to significant progress and success.
- “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
- “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
- “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” – Unknown
- “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
- “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
- “Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand.” – Napoleon Hill
- “A year from now you may wish you had started today.” – Karen Lamb
- “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” – Peter Marshall
- “Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.” – Mason Cooley
- “Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso
Quotes about Courage, Fear, and Resilience
This collection of quotes explores the interplay of courage, fear, and resilience and offers wisdom on navigating life’s challenges. It reminds us that true strength lies in embracing fear, pushing through adversity, and building resilience to emerge stronger and more determined.
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
- “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem
- “The biggest risk is not taking any risk.” – Mark Zuckerberg
- “The only way to overcome fear is to face it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- “Fear is temporary. Regret is forever.” – Unknown
- “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one with the power to pick yourself back up.” – Mary Holloway
- “Bravery is the solution to regret.” – Robin Sharma
Quotes of Dreams, Potential, and Personal Growth
This selection of quotes about getting started highlights the transformative power of dreams, personal potential, and growth. They inspire us to chase our ambitions, realize our capabilities, and embrace the journey of self-development as a path to achieving greatness.
- “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself.” – Jordan Belfort
- “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
- “The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha
- “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Dream big. Start small. Act now.” – Robin Sharma
- “A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement.” – Bo Bennett
- “Your potential is endless.” – Unknown
- “Great things never came from comfort zones.” – Neil Strauss
- “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
- “Start small, think big, scale fast.” – Reid Hoffman
- “Big journeys begin with small steps.” – Unknown
- “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck.” – N.R. Narayana Murthy
- “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
How Individuals Can Use Getting-Started Quotes
Here are practical ways to integrate these quotes into your daily life to overcome hesitation and build momentum:
- Morning ritual or daily reminder: Choose one quote to reflect on each morning — maybe before your first task or coffee, to prime motivation.
- Pair quote with micro-action: Use the “two-minute rule” from habit science — after reading a quote, commit to a tiny related action (e.g. sketch rough plan, send a message, draft a first sentence). This aligns with Atomic Habits’ principle that small habits build over time.
- Sticky note or phone wallpaper: Visual reminders keep the quote top of mind and act as gentle triggers when you feel stuck or unmotivated.
- Reflect & journal: Use the quote as a prompt — write 2–3 sentences about how it applies to your current goal or challenge. Reflection boosts clarity and intent.
By combining quotes with small intentional actions and habit-forming techniques, you shift from inspiration to execution.
How Teams and Organizations Can Leverage Quotes for Workplace Motivation
Quotes aren’t only for individuals. For leaders, managers, and HR professionals, they can become powerful tools for boosting team morale, fostering engagement, and embedding a culture of action.
- Start meetings or team calls with a relevant quote — especially when launching new projects or initiatives. It sets a tone of possibility and readiness.
- Use a “Quote of the Week” in newsletters, internal comms, or intranet channels — offering regular inspiration and shared momentum.
- Embed in recognition or reward systems — for example, when acknowledging an employee’s initiative or milestone, include a quote that reinforces courage, growth, or action (tie to a feature like an employee recognition program). This reinforces both behavior and values.
- Create a “Quote Wall” (digital or physical) where team members can contribute their favorite quotes — encouraging shared culture and collective motivation.
- Encourage personal reflection and sharing — invite team members to explain how a specific quote resonates with them, perhaps in internal chats or during check-ins. This builds emotional connection and shared purpose.
Used thoughtfully, motivational quotes can complement other engagement strategies and help foster a culture of initiative, resilience, and growth.
Use ‘Getting Started Quotes’ to Motivate and Inspire Your Employees
“Getting Started Quotes” goes beyond simple motivation; they are powerful catalysts for transformation within individuals and organizations.
These quotes inspire employees to overcome self-doubt and take that essential first step, breaking mental barriers and fostering a mindset of action. When shared strategically, they create a ripple effect, encouraging a culture of initiative, resilience, and growth.
Ultimately, these quotes help shape a workplace that values progress as an end goal and an ongoing journey of personal and collective transformation.
How to Share “Getting Started Quotes” with Employees
Sharing “Getting Started Quotes” with employees is a simple yet powerful way to inspire action, boost motivation, and foster a positive work culture. These motivational quotes can help employees take the next big step in their professional journey. Here are a few practical ways to share these uplifting messages:
Elevate Morale with Daily or Weekly Emails
Sending a daily “Quote of the Day” or a weekly “Motivational Monday” email can energize your team. These brief yet impactful messages set a positive tone, helping employees stay focused and motivated to take the first step toward their goals.
Create a Quote Corner on Your Intranet or Bulletin Board
Set up a dedicated space for inspirational quotes on your intranet or bulletin board. This will provide a continuous source of motivation and encourage employees to contribute their own favorite quotes, enhancing collaboration and positivity within the team as they prepare for their next big step.
Inspire Through Social Media
Share “Getting Started Quotes” on your company’s social media platforms to inspire employees beyond the office. You can also incorporate these motivational messages into team meetings, newsletters, or personalized messages to maintain engagement and enthusiasm.
Add a Personal Touch with Printed Materials
Incorporating meaningful quotes into desk calendars or handwritten notes adds a thoughtful and personal touch. These simple yet impactful gestures foster stronger team connections and inspire employees to approach their next big step with confidence and determination.
Share Quotes Through BRAVO
BRAVO is a state-of-the-art employee recognition and rewards platform that elevates workplace engagement, motivation, retention, and productivity. Integrating motivational quotes into your recognition efforts with BRAVO is seamless and effortless.
By sharing these inspiring quotes through BRAVO, you can strengthen communication, align team values, and foster a culture of inspiration and growth. It empowers employees to conquer challenges and take bold steps forward in their professional journey.
How BRAVO Unlocks Employee Potential and Encourages Initiative-taking
BRAVO is an AI-powered employee recognition platform designed to unlock your team’s full potential by cultivating an environment where innovation and initiative flourish. By publicly recognizing individual contributions, BRAVO inspires employees to take ownership, propose solutions, and fuel personal development and organizational success.
Key features like “Feats” transform everyday tasks into dynamic challenges, motivating employees to set and exceed ambitious goals. The platform’s incentive programs drive motivation, productivity, and morale while enhancing loyalty, reducing turnover, and contributing to overall business success.
With its “Milestones” feature, BRAVO celebrates significant achievements, keeping recognition at the heart of your team culture. BRAVO nurtures creativity, fosters healthy competition, and encourages continuous growth within your organization.
Conclusion
The power of “Getting Started Quotes” lies in their ability to do much more than inspire—they act as catalysts, breaking through hesitation, igniting immediate action, and paving the way for extraordinary growth. Whether you aim to motivate yourself or your team, these quotes are key to sparking the drive needed to face new challenges and achieve ambitious goals.
With BRAVO, you can go beyond words—recognize, reward, and inspire employees daily. Motivation becomes measurable, engagement becomes natural, and growth becomes inevitable.
Take the first step now—Book your free BRAVO demo and transform inspiration into achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — research shows that exposure to carefully chosen motivational quotes can encourage positive behaviors and action-taking, especially when combined with context, intention, and supportive environments.
Use them sparingly and intentionally — for example, start-of-week messages, project kickoffs, or during change initiatives. Overusing quotes can dull their impact.
No — quotes are best used as catalysts or supportive tools. Lasting motivation usually needs structure: habit formation, clear goals, recognition, and systems.
Match the quote’s theme (action, courage, growth) to the challenge at hand. For example: use an “action” quote when starting a new project, a “resilience” quote during setbacks, or a “growth” quote when setting long-term goals.
Absolutely. Sharing quotes via internal comms, digital “quote walls,” or virtual meetings can help unite teams emotionally, especially when in-person connection is limited.
Motivation is individual — quotes alone won’t guarantee results. If they don’t help, focus on creating small, manageable habits, setting clear goals, giving recognition, and building supportive systems. Quotes are tools — not silver bullets.
