The Courage to Start

There’s something quietly brave about starting.

Not the kind of start that comes with applause or instant results — but the kind where you take a step without knowing how it will land. Where you move forward with more hope than certainty. Where you begin because something inside you says, “I can’t stay where I am.”

Starting often looks far less impressive than we imagine.

It’s usually small.

Sometimes awkward.

Often unseen.

And yet, it takes courage.

Many people believe that confidence comes before action — that once they feel ready, they’ll begin. But more often than not, it works the other way around. You start before you feel confident. You move before you feel sure. And confidence grows because you were willing to take that first step.

The truth is, most beginnings don’t feel like breakthroughs.

They feel like uncertainty.

They feel like effort without immediate reward.

They feel like asking yourself, “Was this really worth it?”

And that’s usually where discouragement tries to step in.

In this season, I’ve seen how easy it is for people to second-guess the very thing they were once excited about. They started with intention, preparation, and faith — but when the response was smaller than expected, or the progress slower than hoped, doubt crept in.

And doubt has a way of rewriting the story:

• Maybe I started too soon.

• Maybe I’m not cut out for this.

• Maybe this isn’t meant to work.

But here’s something worth holding onto:

A small beginning does not mean a wrong beginning.

We live in a world that celebrates results, numbers, and visibility — but rarely honors the quiet obedience it takes to start. What we don’t often see is that beginnings are not about proving anything. They are about forming something.

They form:

• resilience

• clarity

• confidence

• and trust in yourself

  
  

Starting isn’t meant to be perfect.

It’s meant to be honest.

If you’re at the beginning of something right now — a new idea, a project, a career shift, a calling you’ve been carrying quietly — let me encourage you.

The fact that it feels small doesn’t mean it’s insignificant.

The fact that it feels uncomfortable doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake.

And the fact that it hasn’t taken off yet doesn’t mean it won’t.

Beginnings are often where the real work happens — not outwardly, but inwardly

The courage to start isn’t loud.

It doesn’t announce itself with confidence.

It often looks like showing up again — even when you’re unsure.

It’s choosing not to quit just because the road is quiet.

It’s trusting that what you’re building needs time.

It’s believing that growth is happening, even when it’s not yet visible.

And that kind of courage matters.

So, if today feels like you’ve taken a step and you’re waiting to see what comes next, don’t rush to judge it. Don’t despise where you are. Don’t talk yourself out of what you had the courage to begin.

You’re not behind.

You’re not failing.

You’re starting.

And sometimes, that’s the bravest part of the journey.

Reflection

What is one thing you’ve started recently — or feel prompted to start — that needs courage rather than certainty?

Prayer

“My Lord and God, give me the courage to begin — even when the path feels unclear. Help me trust the process, stay faithful in small beginnings, and keep moving forward with hope.”

If you’re at the start of something new and feeling uncertain, discouraged, or tempted to stop, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Through my RISE coaching approach, I support people to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and take steady steps forward — especially in the early stages.

➡️ Connect with me — and let’s walk this season together.

I. Arise & Shine | iarisenshine.com

Coaching for Identity • Purpose • Resilience • Confidence