“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Arthur Ashe, American tennis player
This simple, reassuring but also challenging quote has resonated with me quite strongly over the last few days. It holds a quiet strength, a gentle nudge towards action that cuts through procrastination and overwhelm.
Often, the journey towards our aspirations feels like standing at the edge of a vast landscape, unsure of where to place our first step. We might find ourselves waiting for the ‘perfect’ conditions, the ideal set of tools, or a surge of boundless energy. But Ashe’s wisdom gently reminds us that the starting point isn’t some distant, imagined place – it’s right here, beneath our feet. It’s about acknowledging our present circumstances, without judgment, and recognizing that even the smallest beginnings hold inherent value.
As I’ve been setting out to offer coaching, set up my website and perhaps offer some gentle encouragement through a bit of blogging and social media, I’ve hit smash into that horrid voice that says everyone else is doing it better, and what I have to offer won’t be ‘enough’. I’ve had to take a really hard look at what ‘enough’ even means here! In a world that often bombards us with images of seemingly effortless success and demands for immediate perfection, Ashe’s words offer a refreshing perspective. They liberate us from the paralysis of waiting for ideal circumstances or possessing every single resource. Instead, they champion the power of the present moment and the potential within our grasp.
“Start where you are” is an invitation to embrace our current reality, however imperfect it may seem. It acknowledges that the perfect moment rarely arrives fully formed. Whether it’s launching a new project, pursuing a fitness goal, or tackling anything slightly out of our comfort zone, the initial step is often the hardest. Ashe encourages us to bypass the internal debates about readiness and simply begin. Use the ground beneath your feet as your launchpad.
The second part, “Use what you have,” shifts our focus from what’s lacking to what’s available. We often get caught up in wishing for better tools, more time, or additional expertise. While ambition is valuable, this phrase reminds us to be resourceful and innovative with our existing assets. Perhaps it’s a skill we’ve honed, a connection we’ve nurtured, or even just a quiet moment for reflection. That old notebook can become your idea journal, a spare hour can be dedicated to research, and your current skills, however basic, can be the foundation upon which you build. It’s about maximizing the potential of our present circumstances.
Finally, “Do what you can” injects a dose of realistic action into the equation. It understands that our capacity fluctuates. Some days, our ‘can’ might feel expansive, filled with bold action. Other times, it might be a quiet commitment to a single, small step. The essence lies in consistent engagement, in honouring our capacity in each moment. The key is to maintain momentum, however modest. This principle keeps us from being discouraged by the gap between our aspirations and our current abilities. Every small action, every tiny effort, contributes to progress.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve worked in small but steady chunks of time to get this endeavour off the ground. I started (where I was, with my coaching qualification finally under my belt) with a couple of simple social media posts on my personal accounts saying I was available for coaching. It felt massive but was actually really simple to do, and the response from friends and colleagues was hugely reassuring. I’ve had a couple of great conversations (and potential clients) as a result, which has been a great boost! Last week, I put in a good chunk of time and got a basic website up and running. This week I’ve been slowly dipping in and out of generating ideas for blog posts and building some knowledge on how to use social media for business. When I’ve felt overwhelmed, or overly anxious, or not ‘enough’ I’ve mixed it up with gardening, relaxation, walks by the sea, trips out with my daughter and a fair bit of binge watching on Netflix!
Even if I’ll have lots to learn, and will doubtless make some mistakes, I know I have lots to offer, loads of skills and knowledge in my grasp already that I can start applying and build from, and the capacity to figure everything else out along the way. I can absolutely just start where I am, use what I have and do what I can – and it will be enough.
Ashe’s quote isn’t about settling for mediocrity; it’s about fostering a mindset of proactive engagement. It’s about recognizing that progress isn’t always a dramatic leap, but often a series of consistent, manageable steps taken with the resources at hand. It’s a reminder that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, taken right here, right now, with what you already possess.
So, take a breath, look around, and ask yourself: What resources can you draw upon right now? What feels like a genuine first step from where you stand? And what is one meaningful action you can take today that moves you forward?
Thank you for joining me on this journey,
Chris
