“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
Quote
“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
Explanation
Goethe emphasizes the importance of taking action in the present moment. Procrastination or waiting until tomorrow to begin something often leads to never accomplishing it at all. If we delay starting something, whether it’s a goal, task, or project, we can easily fall into the trap of continually postponing it, and it may never come to fruition. The message is clear: to make progress, we must begin today. By starting now, we set the momentum in motion and take the first step toward completion. Action is the key to achieving anything, and delaying only robs us of the chance to succeed.
Historically, this idea reflects the value of initiative and urgency in Goethe’s philosophy. He often emphasized the need to live with purpose and intention, and to avoid letting life’s opportunities slip away through inaction. Goethe was a writer, scientist, and philosopher who understood the value of discipline and focus in achieving success, and he recognized that delaying or waiting often leads to lost opportunities.
In modern contexts, this idea is highly relevant to personal development, productivity, and goal-setting. Today, with the rise of self-help and motivational thinking, people are encouraged to start now, even if they don’t feel fully ready. The advice to take small steps toward larger goals is often given because the key to success is action. Whether it’s in starting a business, writing a book, or even committing to healthier habits, the message is that the best time to start is today—because tomorrow is never guaranteed, and the longer we wait, the less likely we are to finish.
Goethe’s words remind us that the road to success, fulfillment, and accomplishment begins with taking action in the present. By starting today, we lay the groundwork for progress and move closer to completing our goals, while waiting only leads to missed opportunities.
